In September 2022, Minister O’Gorman launched Together for Better, the new funding model for early learning and childcare. Together for Better brings together four major programme, the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, including the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), Core Funding and the Equal Start model.
Core Funding
Core Funding is one of five constituent funding streams for early learning and childcare providers which make up the State funding model for early learning and childcare, Together for Better.
1) Core Funding,
2) The National Childcare Scheme (NCS),
3) The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme,
4) The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) which provides extra supports for children with additional needs
5) Equal Start which provides extra supports for children at risk of educational disadvantage
Core Funding aims to improve affordability, quality, inclusion, and sustainability. The grant is provided to early learning and childcare providers toward their operating costs in return for services agreeing to comply with a number of conditions set out under the scheme, such as fee freezes, and financial transparency. Around 92% of early learning and care and school aged childcare providers who qualify for Core Funding have signed up to the scheme. They are known as Partner Services.
The maximum fee cap for 2025/2026
In Programme 2024/2025, maximum fee caps were introduced in September last year for Partner Services joining Core Funding for the first time.
Today’s announcement means that maximum fee caps will apply to all new and existing Partner Services from September 2025. Any fees above these caps will be lowered.
The introduction of fee caps for all Partner Services getting Core Funding contributes toward the long-term scheme goals of promoting affordability and accessibility for parents. A parent availing of 45 hours of care for their child, and who is also in receipt of the maximum NCS subsidy, will not pay any more than €198.70 out of pocket costs.
Further information on what these changes mean for providers and parents/guardians will be available under “What is Core Funding?” on the Core Funding webpage.
Community and privately owned Early Learning and Childcare Services who offer Full Time, Part Time or Sessional childcare registered with Tusla in the Republic of Ireland. Childminders who were registered with Tusla on or before 30 June 2024 for the 2023/24 programme year are also eligible to apply.
A Pre-School Service in a Drop-in Centre and SAC services that operate Drop-in care only, are not eligible for Core Funding.
Please note: The Core Funding application process is only available through the Early Years Hive. To onboard to the Early Years Hive please review the guidance document HERE.
1. Ensure all Tusla Registration Certificates assigned to their service are captured on the Early Years Hive under the My Account section. If Partner Services are registered as an ELC and an SAC service, both Tusla registration numbers must be reflected on the Early Years Hive – see guidance HERE.
2. All facilities/locations operated by a service must have an individual Service Reference Number and children must attend the facility/location in which they are registered. A Service Provider must log onto the Early Years HIVE with all the relevant details in order to request a new or additional Service Reference Number.
3. Complete the Annual Early Years Sector Profile (AEYSP) 2024/2025
Completion of the Annual Early Years Sector Profile (AEYSP) survey is a pre-requisite for applying for Core Funding. The initial data collection window for the AEYSP opened 8th May and closed 3th June however for services that could not complete the survey over this period, this does not prevent them from entering into Core Funding. The AEYSP reopened so that services can complete the AEYSP and apply for Core Funding throughout the whole programme year.
4. Complete the Service Profile
A service must have completed their Service Profile in order to apply for Core Funding. As a part of this process, a service must;
• Fill in Service Level details, including information about their operating hours per week, opening weeks per year, and facility information, among other details;
• Input information about the Rooms and Sessions within their Service;
• Input information about the Staff who work within their Service, including information on their qualifications and wages they are paid, among other details.
• They must attach evidence of Qualifications for Staff Members, including Deputy Managers, in ratio working with ELC children and for Graduate Premiums. A service may also need to attach evidence of qualifications for Managers.
Partner Services are required to keep their Service Profile and information up to date throughout the programme year. Changes after signing the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement relating to staff vacancies, staff qualifications and level of service offered may affect the initial Core Funding allocation.
Failure to update the information may result in their Core Funding allocation being placed on hold or terminated.
It is the responsibility of the Partner Service to ensure that all information on the Service Profile e.g. staff wages is kept up to date throughout the programme year as per the
Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement 2024/2025
1. Managers of early years services
2. School age services (stand alone and combined services)
Where do we meet? – Each COPP member offers to host a meeting in their service, its optional.
Educators come together to collaborate, reflect and keep abreast of new developments with focus always being on quality. It also supports providers with their QIPP requirements and best-practice in the ELC and SAC sector.
We are a group of educators connected by a shared passion to provide quality experiences for all children. We share ideas and practices to inspire and motivate each other.
We explore everyday challenges and help each other by sharing knowledge and experiences as we develop relationships based on respect, trust and openness.
Benefits of joining our community of professional practice.
QIPP requirements
For further information on the Core funding Programme including the Core Funding Guidance Documents, Core Funding Partner Service funding agreement and Help and support documents: Click Here
Old Mullingar Area Office (inside gates at right of Arts Centre),
Mount Street, Mullingar,Co Westmeath
Tel: 044 9335454
info@westmeathchildcare.ie
CHY NO: 14993
© 2021 Westmeath County Childcare Committee
Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Designed by Click Media
