Dear Colleagues,
These are the deadlines, information, and announcements for the week of 11th-15th March 2024
DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES:
Thursday 21st March 2024
Playing Outside Grant Verification Checks
Friday 22nd March 2024
Financial reporting deadline for Core Funding
Wednesday 3rd April 2024
Building Blocks Expansion Grant 2024
Thursday, April 4th 2024
LINC Applications will close @ 4pm
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Core Funding Reporting Requirement Year 1
The Financial reporting requirement in this transitional phase is an Income and Expenditure Report. All relevant documents are available onHive> Resources>Programme Documents> Core Funding documents> Core Funding Reporting Requirement Year 1 (2022/23) Attached is the guidance note released by DCEDIY, which outlines the process for Partner Services regarding the submission of the Income and Expenditure Report. This document may also be useful to share with your accountant, to ensure they understand their role. Please see attached document “Guidance Note for Core Funding Financial Reporting Requirements V2.” Please contact your Development Worker if you require support.
Playing Outside Grants 2021
Pobal are currently conducting verification checks on all Playing Outside Grants 2021. Please note that the checks will be performed remotely and no visit to your facility will be required. In advance of uploading any information to the Hive return portal, please consult the relevant documents in the Hive Resources Section.
Building Blocks Expansion Grant
Applications for the Building Blocks Expansion Grant Scheme are now available on the Early Years Hive. Detailed information regarding Building Blocks – Expansion Grant, is available in the Application Guidelines. Also, two additional support documents have been added, the Technical Guide and Demonstration Video to further assist service providers with their applications.
Child Safeguarding Training Procedure
Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Services are required to have a procedure in place that outlines how all workers and volunteers can access information and training that is relevant to their role in child safeguarding. The National Child Safeguarding Programme have developed the attached poster to support services to develop a Child Safeguarding Information and Training Procedure. It is recommended that this training cycle is completed over a 5 year cycle.
Further information on developing child safeguarding procedures can be found in the Child Safeguarding Resource Document; Guidance for Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Services in Ireland and on the National Child Safeguarding Programme website https://childsafeguardingelc.ie/
Arts in Early Learning and Childcare Scheme
DCEDIY, in collaboration with the Arts Council have announced the opening of the Arts in Early Learning and Care and School-age Childcare Scheme. Applications are made by Artists/Art Organisations and are administered by the Arts Council. Closing date for applications is April 4th 2024. Further information on details of this scheme and application form can be accessed here.
Are you considering applying for the LINC Programme?
Applications are officially OPEN for the 2024/2025 LINC Level 6 Programme!
Become an Inclusion Coordinator and lead the way in creating inclusive environments.
Applications will close on Thursday, April 4th 2024 at 4pm. Apply Here: http://bit.ly/3mSaNAw
Terms and Conditions apply. Learn more: https://lincprogramme.ie/early-bird-offer
Upcoming Workshops, Events and Information Session
Draft Childminding Regulations Consultation
Calling all childminders & parents – Don’t miss the opportunity to have your say‼
Childminders Online Focus Group, on Monday 25th March 2024. 7pm – 8.30pm.
Join our Focus Groups on the Draft Childminding Regulations. Your opinion matters, your voice, your experiences and your ideas are valued. Join the Focus Groups and play an integral role in shaping the future of childminding in Ireland.
The public consultation on the Draft Childminding Regulations are now open.
Childminders are invited to share their views & Experiences. Your Feeback will play an important role in creating the framework.
Did you know you can attend on-line from the convenience of your home.
Click the link to book your place on the On-line Childminders Focus Group here
Don’t miss out on this chance to be heard and influence the New Childminding Standards.
Minister O’Gorman’s Press Release can be accessed on the following link:
Public Consultation Information can be accessed on the following links:
gov.ie/en/consultation/2071d-public-consultation-on-the-draft-childminding-regulations/
gov – National Action Plan for Childminding 2021 – 2028 (www.gov.ie)
AIM Information Session: ELC Services – Tue, 16 Apr 2024 19:00 – 20:00
The information session will provide an introduction and an overview of the AIM model.
The session will be hosted online and further information on AIM can be found at https://www.betterstart.ie
Booking through Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/aim-information-session-elc-services-tickets-858145294677
Access and Inclusion (AIM) Parents & Guardians Information session – Tue, 23 Apr 2024 19:00 – 20:00
AIM Information Session for Parents of ECCE Children
This information session is for parents of children already in ECCE or will be starting ECCE in September 2024.
Booking through Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/access-and-inclusion-aim-parents-guardians-information-session-tickets-858159376797
Measles outbreak
In recent months there has been a rise in cases of measles in parts of the UK and Europe. On 7th February, the HSE reported the death of an adult with confirmed measles. This is the first confirmed measles case notified in Ireland in 2024. The HSE is writing to ask for your support in raising awareness among parents, guardians, and staff about:
- Watching out for the symptoms of measles
- The importance of the MMR vaccine in protecting children
Visit Immunisation – HSE.ie for information about the importance of MMR vaccine.
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 shared this information with parents, guardians, and staff. Preventing the spread of covid 19 in school or childcare – HSE In addition, please find link to the 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 HSE Covid 19
Should you have any queries on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0449335454 or info@westmeathchildcare.ie
