First 5
First 5 is a whole-of-Government strategy to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families. It is a ten-year plan to help make sure all children have positive early experiences and get a great start in life.
The First 5 Strategy uses evidence to identify goals, objectives and the specific actions required from across Government to support children (and their families) in the early years of life. First 5 commits to major initiatives on family leave, children’s health services, parenting supports, child-friendly communities and Early Learning and Care services among a broad range of actions. The Strategy will significantly enhance early childhood and make a huge contribution to the lives of young children, society and the economy over the short, medium and long term. For more information, visit the First 5 website
A vision for early childhood…
All babies’ and young children’s early years will be valued as a critical and distinct period which should be enjoyed. Families will be assisted and enabled to nurture babies and young children and support their development, with additional support for those who need it. Those providing services for babies, young children and their families will be equipped to contribute to their learning, development, health and wellbeing. Community contexts will help babies and young children make the most of their early years and fulfil their potential.
Together for Better
Together for Better is the new funding model for Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare.
Together for Better brings together three major elements, the Early Childhood Care and Education programme, including the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), the National Childcare Scheme and Core Funding. It implements a series of recommendations in the Expert Group report Partnership for the Public Good.
9 out of 10 Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare providers – over 4,100 services – have become Partner Services under Core Funding, committing to working in partnership with the State for the public good, and to a freeze on parental fees.
A list of Partner Services is available here: Partner Service List 15/03/23
My Little Library 2025
My Little Library 2025 Initiative Launches for 60,000 children
starting primary school in the coming months
• All children who are due to start primary school this year are entitled to their free book bag, with books in English or ‘as Gaeilge.’
• An average of 20,000 children around Ireland join their local library every year thanks to the My Little Library initiative.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, together with Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, today announced the launch of this year’s My Little Library free book bag for almost 60,000 children starting primary school. Each year, every one of the almost 60,000 children leaving pre-school and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag and take the opportunity to join the library.
The My Little Library initiative 2025 is expected to lead to tens of thousands of families picking up their book bags and joined their local library. Since its launch, an average of 20,000 4-5 year olds have joined their local libraries annually. The books and resources in the book bag, which is available in both English and ‘as Gaeilge’, support parents and their children in the transition to primary school.
From 9th of May 2025, all children completing the free universal pre-school Early Childhood Care and Education Programme and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library and pick up a free book bag. The bags will be available throughout the summer. All families are welcomed to join the library if they are not already members.
Minister Foley said she was pleased to announce the 2025 My Little Library initiative.
“Reading is a magical gift and it is great to give children the opportunity to develop a love of reading from a young age. Many parents may not be aware that every child about to enter primary school is eligible for their free My Little Library book bag. That’s why I am urging every family with a child starting primary school this September to pick up their Little Library book bag from their local library. The transition from pre-school to primary school is such an important moment for every child in Ireland. Books and stories support connection between parents and their children. They also promote early language and literacy development which is crucial for children’s success in early childhood and beyond.
Minister Buttimer said today:
“I warmly welcome the launch of the 2025 My Little Library Initiative. I know that the library staff across the country share my enthusiasm for connecting young families with our excellent national library service.
“Books and stories are a lovely way of helping parents support their children with their learning journey and becoming a library member gives lifelong access to the joy of books and reading.”
My Little Library is run in association with the Local Government Management Agency and delivered
by local authorities. It is a collaboration between the Department of Children, Disability and Equality,
the Department of Rural and Community Development, and Local Government Ireland.
