Childcare News
Learner Fund 2026
Application Window Now Open for 2026 Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary The 2026 Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary is open for applications between Monday 14th September and 5pm on Friday 9th October 2026. To receive an application form, please...
Equal Start Staffing Supports for programme year 2026/2027
Dear Service Provider, Equal Start Staffing Supports programme year 2026/2027 is now open and will operate from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027. Services eligible for Equal Start Staffing Supports will have received a notification on the Early Years Hive. To...
AIM Level 7 2026/2027 payments confirmation
Dear Service Provider, We are pleased to confirm that AIM Level 7 payments for the 2026/2027 programme call have been processed and should be in bank accounts by 7 September 2026. This marks an important milestone for the 2026/2027 programme year and the introduction...
Journey Through the Early Years Hive training invite
Dear Service Provider, We are delighted to announce the latest of our rolling training, Journey Through the Early Years Hive. This training will benefit those wishing to refresh their Early Years Hive navigation skills and new Early Years Hive users. Please note:...
NCS Compliance Inspections – 2026/2027
Dear Service Provider The new NCS programme call 2026/2027 has commenced and NCS on-site inspections will continue. The compliance process will involve a series of standardised checks aimed at confirming adherence with programme rules, contract conditions and relevant...
Early Years Service Joint Labour Committee FAQ
Transition from Preschool to Primary
Dear Parents, The transition from preschool to primary school is one of the most significant milestones in a child’s early years. At the National Parents Council (NPC), we are committed to supporting parents and childcare providers in helping children navigate this...
Core Funding Staff Funding Annual Contribution 2 (SFAC 2)
Dear Provider, As you will be aware, applications for the Core Funding Scheme 2026/27 opened on 8 June and many providers have already contracted for the scheme for the coming programme year, with applications rates for this year on par with previous years. In...
Early Years Hive Snapshot 27 July 2026
Registration is now open for Aistear in Practice
Dear Service Provider, Join Better Start for a series of online mentoring sessions. Aistear in Practice is a series of online mentoring sessions developed by Better Start to support reflection on practice linked to Aistear, with a focus on quality inclusive...