Dear Colleagues,
These are the deadlines, important dates, and announcements for week 9-13 May 2022
DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES:
Friday 27 May 2022 (5pm)
- Deadline for April 2022 Financial Impact Returns (FIRs) Community services only
Monday 30 May 2022
- Commencement of Pobal Unannounced Compliance Visits
FOR YOUR INFORMAITON:
Pobal Compliance Visits
Pobal have stated that Unannounced Compliance Inspections will commence from 30 May 2022. NCS and ECCE Compliance Checklists and Guides are available on the Resources section of the Early Years Hive. CCSP Saver Programme Checklist and Guides are available on the resources section of PIP. Having all Pobal compliance information collated in one easily accessible place will assist services to facilitate an unannounced compliance visit.
Financial Impact Returns (FIRS) (Community Services only)
Financial Impact Returns for April 2022 are now available for completion on Pobal Online. While the completion of FIRs is voluntary for community service providers the DCEDIY encourages all community services to complete and submit the FIRs to Pobal. The deadline for submission of April 2022 returns is 5pm on Friday 27 May 2022. If you require any assistance in completing the return please complete a service request on the HIVE, selecting the FIRs as the category and sub-category of the request.
NCS Sponsor Webinars
Pobal have organised a training webinar around the NCS Sponsor Process. The webinar will be recorded and will be made available on the Early Years Hive once all live sessions have been completed. Please see dates, times and booking links below:
| Date / Time | Webinar Link |
| Monday 16 May 6.30pm | https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7699746211831959054 |
| Wednesday 18 May 3pm | https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8917433349361344267 |
| Thursday 19 May 10am | https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6028452253728760079 |
My Little Library Bag
A gentle reminder for parents in your service that a My Little Library book bag is waiting in the local library for all children starting primary school in September. A digital version of the My Little Library Invite is available in the Announcements section of the Early Years Hive should you require additional invites.
Programme Readiness 2022-23
Stage one of Programme Readiness 2022-23 for ECCE, NCS and CCSP Saver programme will be available for services on the Early Years Hive at the end of May. During this stage, the Primary Authorised User (PAU) for each service must submit a 2022/23 service calendar and fees list, confirm service details, and activate the Funding Agreement for each relevant programme. CCSP Saver Programme will be administered on the Early Years Hive portal going forward. Keep an eye on the HIVE for further details and guidance.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Training
Commencing next Tuesday afternoon from 2pm there are limited places remaining if you would like to book a place on this programme – email nreid@westmeathchildcare.ie with name/email/ mobile number of participant who wishes to attend. More information on DEI programme can be found http://westmeathchildcare.ie/diversity-equality-and-inclusion-training-dates/
DEI consists of 4 workshops all to be attended to receive Certificate of attendance.
Guide to Becoming a Childminder’ Online Information session
Westmeath County Childcare Committee have teamed up with Louth, Meath, Offaly, Longford, and Kildare Childcare Committees to run an online information session ‘Guide to becoming a Childminder’ on 1st June at 7pm. We would be grateful if you shared the attached leaflet with anyone you feel may be interested. The link to book on is: .
Childhood Services Week 2022
The National Childhood Network (NCN) invites all ELC and SAC services to participate in Childhood Services Week 2022 from 23rd-28th May. This years’ theme is Hearing the Voice of the Child through the Arts. NCN have organised a series of webinars for ELC and SAC practitioners and services are encouraged to organise a little ‘Festival of the Arts’ during this dedicated week. Further information including webinar booking details are available from https://www.ncn.ie/index.php/childhood-services-week.
National Child Safeguarding Programme for ELC-Information Blast
Did you know that the National Child Safeguarding Programme for ELC produces regular Information Blasts around child safeguarding? Information Blasts are short concise pieces of information on various topics linked to child safeguarding. The latest Info Blast is on the topic of Child Safeguarding Training in ELC and SAC Services and is available on the National Child Safeguarding Programme Website www.childsafeguardingelc.ie in the Resources Section.
Covid case advice
There are three national helplines for services:
- The HSE dedicated number for ELC/SAC services who have confirmed positive Covid-19 cases is 01-511 9777.
- For general Covid-19 queries you can contact HSE Live on 1800 700 700 or 01 240 8787 (Monday to Friday: 8am – 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am – 5pm) or visit https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/
- The national out of hours support helpline operates at weekends and bank holidays only:
