Dear Colleagues,
These are the deadlines, information, and announcements for the week of 6th Nov – 10 Nov 2023.
DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES:
17th November 2023
The Review & Confirm period is now open and will close on 17th November.
30th November 2023
Building Blocks Improvement Grant Financial Returns
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Core Funding Financial reporting requirements for Partner Services
The DCEDIY issued a communication to Partner Services earlier this week about the Core Funding Financial reporting requirements. Westmeath County Childcare Committee are conducting online information sessions for Partner Services . These information sessions are designed to provide an understanding of the reporting requirements, and to equip those responsible for your service’s accounts with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage these financial reporting requirements.
Suitable for Managers, Administrators, Bookkeepers, Accountants
Session 2 – November 13th 2pm – Bookings through Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/core-funding-chart-of-accounts-information-session-tickets-746068610297?aff=oddtdtcreator
Review and Confirm
The November Review and Confirm window for the 2023/2024 programme call is now open to all Partner Services until Friday, 17 November, inclusive.
Preparing for Review and Confirm
To complete the November Review and Confirm Partner services must:
- Ensure that their most recent Core Funding application or change is at “Approved” status.
- Upload their completed Quality Action Plan to their Service Profile.
- Ensure that all data captured in their Service Profile is up to date.
Failure to complete the November Review and Confirm will result in Core Funding payments being placed on hold.
To support services in uploading their Quality Action Plan and completing their Review & Confirm form, additional resources are available on the Core Funding Documents page on the Early Years Hive.
Building Blocks Improvement Grant Financial Returns
Services who received funding through the Building Blocks Improvement Grant are advised to complete the Financial Return by 30th November.
The recorded webinar on how to submit the return can be accessed by clicking the following link:
Building Blocks Pillar 1 – Financial Returns 1 – YouTube
First Aid Responder (FAR) requirement
Due to recent Tusla inspections outcome we would like to remind Providers that:
- At least one person trained in first aid (FAR) is available to the children while the service is in operation.
- At least one person trained in first aid (FAR) is available to the children when on outings.
- A list of people trained in first aid (FAR) is available.
- In-date certification for each trained FAR is available.
The number of people trained in first aid for children (FAR) and available for first aid response is based on the service’s risk assessments, including the size of the service and the hazards identified.
Covid case advice
Please find below links to information from the HPSC in relation to Covid-19 and information from the HSE for ELC and SAC providers on preventing the spread of Covid-19 and children returning to ELC and SAC settings.
We would be grateful if you share this information with parents, guardians, and staff. https://www.hpsc.ie/news/title-23357-en.html (updated 11th August 2023) https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/preventing-the-spread/ https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/preventing-the-spread/child-returning-to-school-or-childcare/
In addition, please find link below to the Management of Infectious Diseases in Childcare Facilities guidance resource. https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/lifestages/childcare/File,13444,en.pdf Management of Infectious Disease in Childcare Facilities and Other Childcare Settings (2012)
For general Covid-19 queries you can contact HSE on 1800 700 700 between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday or visit the HSE website https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/
Should you have any queries on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us on 044 9335454 or info@westmeathchildcare.ie
