These are the information, deadlines, and announcements for the week of 17th – 21st March 2025.
DEADLINESS / IMPORTANT DATES:
28th March 2025: Deadline for Parent & Toddler Group Grant applications
31st March 2025 @12pm: Final date for survey submission on Experiences of ELCs Supporting Ukrainian Families
4th April 2025: Deadline for Childminding Development Grant 2025
1st May 2025: Nurturing Skills Learner Fund application process closes
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Parent and Toddler Group Grant
Applications are currently being accepted for the Parent & Toddler Group Grant 2025.
The grant is available to existing not-for-profit groups who provide informal support to all families and involve the participation of parents/guardians in the community.
The grant is also open to new Parent & Toddler Groups as well as Buggy Walking Groups. The closing date for applications is 28th March 2025.
For further information or to request an application form, email grants@westmeathchildcare.ie or 0449335454
Childminding Development Grant 2025
The Childminding Development Grant 2025 is currently open for applications. All current childminders and childminders planning to open in 2025 are eligible to apply.
The grant aims to enhance quality and safety in childminding services and allows for the purchasing of IT equipment to assist with training and Tusla registration processes later in the year.
For further information or to receive an application form, contact childminding@westmeathchildcare.ie or 0449335454.
Nurturing Skills Learner Fund 2025/2026
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) is now open to applicants for the academic year 2025/2026.
NSLF is continuing, as a pilot phase, and will support Early Years Educators working in a Partner Service to undertake approved ELC Level 7/ 8 courses while they continue to work within the sector.
NSLF will cover 90% of the course fees for successful applicants. Information on the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund can be found here.
Applicants should contact NSLF@pobal.ie to request a link to register on the NSLF Student Portal, upload their employment details and complete the new application process.
The application process closes on 1st May 2025.
Repeat of Updated Aistear Framework Webinar
For those who missed it, the NCCA are providing another opportunity to attend a repeat webinar on the updated Aistear Framework on Thursday March 27th at 7pm.
This session will explore the updated Framework by examining its Vision, Principles and Themes. It will also present the Guidance for Good Practice and highlight additional supports available.
Early years educators will gain valuable insights to enhance their understanding of these updates before official implementation of the updated Aistear in September 2025. Speakers will include:
- Donna Carolan, Acting Director, Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA
- Dr Sharon Skehill, Education Officer, NCCA
- Dr Mary Daly, Education Officer, NCCA
- Lorraine Farrell, National Aistear Development Officer, NCCA
To register for the event, please click on this link
EC STEM project – request for support
OUTSTE(A)M is an exciting STEM project which aims to provide high quality STEM education in Early Childhood Education & /care settings and primary schools using a play-based hands-on learning approach in the outdoors. OUTSTE(A)M are seeking educator opinions about their draft materials before they are released to the public. If you are interested in reviewing the materials then click on this link to complete the anonymous online questionnaire.
Survey: Experiences of ELC services in supporting Ukrainian Families Displaced by Conflict
Early Learning and Care (ELC) services across Ireland are invited to take part in a short survey exploring experiences in supporting Ukrainian families displaced by conflict. Your insights will help identify what has worked well,
the challenges faced, and how we can better prepare for similar situations in the future.
The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete, and all responses will be handled with care.
The final date for responses is 31st March at 12.00pm.
Your input will help shape practical improvements that make a real difference for families and ELC services alike.
Your time and thoughts will be really appreciated. You can access the survey here: ELC Survey
Free Membership of Barnardos Online Library
Barnardos are delighted to invite early years providers, school age childcare providers and childminders to register for free membership to their online library. Funded by Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Barnardos Library has a unique collection of online resources to support you in your work, whether you are developing and reviewing policies, researching best practice or engaging in continuing professional development. Benefits include access to:
- EBSCO Discovery Service
- Education Source Database
- Sociology Source Database
- A growing eBook collection
- Table of contents alerts from the Journal of Infant Mental Health
- A monthly members update of content that has been added to the online library collection
Contact Barnardos Library (resources@barnardos.ie) for more information, or register for free membership HERE
Communities of Practice Invitation!!!
Westmeath Co Childcare Committee Facilitate Two Communities of Professional Practice.
1.Managers of early years services
2. School age services (stand alone and combined services)
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
· Help with everyday challenges
· Gain confidence
· Fun with colleagues
· Meaningful Participation
· Sense of belonging
· Networking opportunities
· Enhanced communication skills
· Develop personally and professionally.
· Expand skills and expertise.
Please e-mail scleary@westmeathchildcare.ie if you have any further questions.
Covid Case Advice
Please see below links to relevant information: Preventing the spread of covid 19 in school or childcare – HSE & Pre_School_ManagementInfectiousDisease.pdf
General Covid-19 queries: Contact HSE on 1800 700 700 between 8 am and 8 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday / HSE Covid-19
