• Watch on Virgin Media Television
• 29 August 2026
• 12:00 PM

Discover the story of Ireland’s State Funded Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) ‘Pre-School’ programme.

Featuring the experiences of early years educators, families and children across Ireland, it highlights how the programme is supporting children’s learning, development and well-being while helping to shape the future young lives of our nation.

Featuring the experiences of early years educators, families and children across Ireland, it highlights how the programme is supporting children’s learning, development and well-being while helping to shape the future young lives of our nation.

A Million Children. Hundreds of Thousands of Families. Thousands of early years educators. Working Together. Shaping the Future.

Since its introduction in 2010, the State funded Pre-School programme has given more than one million children the opportunity to benefit from high-quality pre-school education.

In Shaping the Future, viewers are taken inside pre-school settings across Ireland to see the positive impact these experiences have on children’s development, confidence, friendships and readiness for school.

Real Stories from Across Ireland

The documentary showcases real-life examples of inspiring practice in pre-school services, highlighting:

• The experiences of children participating in the State’s Free Pre-School programme
• The warm and nurturing relationships between children and their early years educators
• The trusted partnerships between families and early years educators
• Inclusive early learning experiences for all children, including children with disabilities
• The dedication, professionalism and expertise of early years educators

Celebrating the People Behind Early Learning

At the heart of every child’s early learning journey are passionate, highly qualified educators who create nurturing, engaging and inclusive environments.

Shaping the Future celebrates the professionalism of the sector and presents early education as a rewarding and impactful career. Currently, 39% of early years educators working in pre-school services are college graduates.

Shaping the Future

A celebration of early childhood, high quality pre-school and the people helping young children in Ireland get the best possible start in life.

• Virgin Media Television
• Saturday, 29 August 2026
• 12:00 PM

Don’t miss this inspiring look at the impact of pre-school across Ireland.

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley has today published the First 5 Annual Implementation Report 2025.

First 5, the ten-year Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families set out an ambitious programme of work to improve services and supports to young children over the ten year period between 2019 and 2028.

There have been annual implementation reports every year to track progress in achieving First Five’s targets right across government.

Speaking about today’s publication, Minister Foley said:

The report published today summarises recent progress in implementing First 5 last year.

Key achievements include:

• Two significant action plans for the early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) sector were launched. ‘Shaping the Future’ delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to publish a detailed Action Plan to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible ELC and SAC system. The ‘Simplify and Support: Action Plan for Simplification’ will streamline administration and regulation in the sector
• The Building Blocks Extension scheme for ELC and SAC services commenced in 2025 with 50 projects selected for funding, for extensions to existing premises for both private and community services, and the purchase or construction of new premises for community services.
• Nutrition supports in ELC and SAC services were strengthened with the 2025 launch of the Bia Blasta (Delicious Food) pre‑school nutrition programme, providing daily nutritious lunches in over 470 Equal Start targeted settings in disadvantaged areas.
• Work has also begun on developing a new, tailored version of the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) for children aged 0–3 years in ELC settings.
• The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund continued to support early years educators and SAC practitioners to upskill through contributions to Level 7 and 8 ELC course fees, with over 700 applicants funded since its launch in 2024.
• Children and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSC) continued to play a key role in coordinating services, with the 2025 roll-out of an €81,000 Parenting Supports Awareness Fund across all 27 CYPSCs to promote local parenting supports.
• An increase of 33% (€25,000) to the Parents Peer Support Fund compared to 2024 with a total of €100,000 in funding available in 2025 to organisations working with parents and/or children and young people to facilitate the development of parent peer support projects.

The First 5 Implementation Plan 2023-2025 was launched in November 2023. It includes 125 actions to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families. Some other key achievements in 2025 include:

A broader range of options for parents to balance working and caring

• A combined total of 46 weeks of paid family leave is provided for two-parent families through Maternity, Paternity and Parent’s Leave and Benefit. This extended paid leave allows children to spend additional time with their parents during the critical stages of early development. These paid entitlements are supplemented by 16 weeks of unpaid maternity leave and 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave per parent, offering families further flexibility to meet their caring needs.
• As part of Budget 2025, weekly payment rates for Maternity, Paternity, Adoptive and Parent’s Benefits were increased to €289 per week in 2025 (€299 in 2026). These payments are now aligned with the State Pension, making them among the highest individual payments in the social protection system and underscoring the State’s commitment to supporting new parents.
• Future development of family supports will be guided by commitments in the Programme for Government and the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025–2030, with any changes to leave and related supports considered within this broader policy context.
• Significant progress has been made in promoting flexible and remote working through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, which introduced new statutory rights supported by a Workplace Relations Commission Code of Practice, with a review of flexible working provisions due to commence shortly.

A new model of parenting support

• Tusla completed the development of its reform programme for implementation in January 2026. As part of that work, Tusla has developed a Local Integrated Service Delivery Framework, including family support teams at network level. Other work was also undertaken by Tusla to develop preventative and early intervention parenting supports, including the new National Home Visiting Programme and Parenting Support Advisor roles.
• Parenting Support Services locally and nationally are being promoted across DCDE social channels.

New developments in child health

• Progress was made on the dedicated child health workforce, with the Steering Group’s scoping of the current national and international approaches to the child health workforce complete. The Steering Group provided a report on work completed to the Minister for Health and shared this report with the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality. The report includes five recommendations and considerations for progressing the work. These are being actioned, with testing of a dedicated child health workforce underway.
• Investment in 2024 and 2025 is delivering 8 new Postnatal Hubs; additional specialist midwives; and improvements in maternity services through research, audit and new clinical guidelines.
• Significant progress has been made in supporting positive early mental health, with over 300 practitioners trained in the Togetherness programme and a further 99 trained as trainers to support its wider implementation across sectors.

A package of measures to tackle early childhood poverty and disadvantage

• Almost 247,000 children benefited from the National Childcare Scheme in 2025, with further enhancements from September 2026 set to expand income thresholds and increase multiple-child deductions, ensuring families below the relative income poverty line receive maximum subsidies.
• The strategy also contributes to wider commitments under From Poverty to Potential and Ireland’s EU Child Guarantee Action Plan, including through initiatives such as the DCDE-led What Works Initiative, which in 2025 funded a second year of pilot Local Area Child Poverty Action Plans in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown/Wicklow, Kildare, Monaghan and Tipperary to improve service integration and outcomes for disadvantaged children and families.

The National Severe Weather & Flooding Coordination Group met with key stakeholders this morning to review and prepare for the weather conditions that are predicted for Ireland over the next two days. There are two separate weather-related risks that the public needs to consider over the next 48 hours: the dangers associated with extreme high temperatures and the increased risks associated with heavy thunderstorms.

The recent high temperatures have been welcomed and enjoyed by many people; however, the public is reminded to remain vigilant in relation to the risks associated with high temperatures. Today, it is possible that parts of Ireland will experience record high temperatures, and this presents potential risks. In particular, the public is reminded to keep hydrated, stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, avoid strenuous activity and not to leave people and animals unattended in vehicles for any period of time.

Met Éireann has also identified the potential for severe thunderstorms with the possibility of torrential downpours, localised flash flooding, large hail and damaging wind gusts. This risk exists for all of Ireland, but with a higher potential for impacting on the midlands, west and north west this evening and into Friday. The public is therefore encouraged to remain weather aware and be prepared to take action if conditions deteriorate in their area.

Speaking afterwards, the Director of the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), Keith Leonard emphasised;

Severe Weather Mr Leonard added:

The main public advice if thunderstorms develop in your area is as follows

• If you hear thunder, move indoors immediately.
• If heavy rain begins, avoid driving unless necessary.
• If roads become flooded, turn around and find another route.
• Never drive, walk or cycle through floodwater. Heavy rainfall can cause dangerous flash flooding with little warning.
• If lightning develops, stop outdoor sports and seek shelter.

Forecast Conditions

Met Éireann has indicated that exceptionally warm weather is expected across Ireland for the next two days, with high daytime temperatures, warm and humid nights, and the possibility of thunderstorms.

• Daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 27°C, with values possibly reaching record highs on Thursday.
• Night-time conditions are expected to remain very mild and humid, with temperatures generally staying above 15°C.
• Thunderstorms are possible, particularly on Thursday and Friday. Thunderstorms can produce intense rainfall over a short period. This may lead to sudden surface water flooding, poor visibility and hazardous road conditions, even in areas that do not normally flood.

A yellow weather warning for high temperatures has been issued and remains in place until 09:00 Saturday, 27/06/2026.

The public should continue to check the Met Éireann website www.met.ie and app for the latest forecasts and weather warnings.

Public Health is a significant consideration during high-temperature events, and the public is advised to

• Stay in the shade and be Sunsmart
• Avoid going out or partaking in strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Apply UVA and UVB sunscreen to skin that is not covered, factor 30+ for adults and 50+ for children
• Look out for others who may be impacted by the weather conditions

The high temperatures today and this evening can be a real strain for elderly people. If you know and elderly person who is living alone, call in a check that they are comfortable and have access to cold drinks. A short visit could can make a huge difference to the well being of an elderly neighbour today

The Health Services Executive (HSE) have specific and comprehensive advice on staying safe in hot weather, and this can be accessed at the following address.

https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/procedures-guidelines/staying-safe-in-hot-weather/

Water Safety

The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, Waterways Ireland and the RNLI are urging the public to stay safe and remember that water safety is not just about swimming or water sports. It is relevant to everyday activities such as coastal walks, cycling beside canals, angling, or visiting parks and beaches with family. Drowning data shows that most accidental drownings (65%) follow land-based activities such as walking, angling, cycling, or simply spending time near the water. Now is the time for families and communities to have important conversations about staying safe near water. Awareness is a Lifesaver.

For more water safety information, contact www.watersafety.ie.

If you’re planning an activity in or on the water, remember:

• Swim at a lifeguarded waterway if possible.
• Swim where you can be seen within your depth and stay within your depth.
• Avoid entering the water in locks, marinas and harbours where hidden hazards may be present.
• Supervise Children: Never leave them unattended near water.
• Avoid Alcohol before swimming, operating watercraft or being near water, as it impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
• Be aware that cold water temperatures can also cause cold water shock, increasing the risk of drowning.
• Pay attention to all water safety signs and warnings and carry a means of calling for help.
• Check tides and updated weather warnings.
• Always wear a correctly fitting serviced lifejacket or buoyancy aid when boating or participating in water sports.
• Let others know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Water Supply

While reservoirs, rivers and groundwater sources recovered earlier this year, that does not guarantee water security for all areas in the months ahead. Water supply continues to face challenges from rising demand and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. Even where supplies are stable, a period of dry or warm weather can quickly place pressure on some areas. The public is reminded that every individual water-saving action counts, and using only what you need really helps to make a positive contribution that can benefit everyone and avoid water restrictions.

Customers can contact Uisce Éireann’s 24/7 helpdesk at 1800 278 278 or visit https://www.water.ie/

Fire Safety

A High Fire Risk warning has been issued by the Forestry Section of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This indicates that the conditions exist for wildfires in all areas where dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.

The public is reminded that everybody has a part to play in protecting our unique rural landscapes, communities, habitats and forest resources from the threats posed by wildfire. If you are out and about enjoying our countryside and forests this summer, please help to reduce the risks of fire by keeping the following in mind:

• Do not light fires in or near woodland. Use only designated barbecue points where available. Thoroughly soak BBQ embers after use and make sure that they are extinguished completely.
• Do not block forest entrances or roads when parking – access may be required by the fire service or forestry personnel in the event of an emergency.
• If you see a fire, report it immediately to the emergency services – Dial 999 or 112.
• Report any illegal and suspicious activity to the Gardai. Note that the burning of growing vegetation on uncultivated land between 1 March and 31 August each year is prohibited by law.
• Do not approach fires or attempt to extinguish fires yourself. Wildfires can be extremely dangerous and can rapidly change direction and behaviour.

Further advice is available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/fire-management/

With the potential for thunderstorms today people should be mindful of the potential for flooding. Summer flash floods can hit in minutes and are probably the most hazardous type of flooding event. If you come across flooded road while driving, turnaround and find an alternative route. You cannot see how deep the water is and you don’t know of the road surface has been completely washed away. If you need to be rescued from a flood do not hesitate to call 999 for assistance.

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) will continue to liaise with all the relevant stakeholders to monitor the weather conditions during this weather event.

Ends

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, today launched ‘Let’s Talk Childminding’, a public consultation on new childminding regulations.

The consultation forms part of the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021–2028 and begins with an open call for submissions.

This consultation will inform the review of the initial implementation of childminding regulations, introduced in September 2024. [The Child Care Act 1919 (Early Years Services) (Childminding Services) Regulations 2024.]

These regulations marked a significant step in formally recognising childminding within the wider early learning and childcare system. They enable childminders to register with Tusla and to participate in the National Childcare Scheme, providing access to financial supports for families and strengthening quality assurance for childminders, children and their parents.

There is currently a three-year transition period to September 2027, after which registration will move from being voluntary to mandatory.

Minister Foley said:

The Minister committed to bringing forward the review to this year, following feedback from childminders and representative organisations, to ensure there is sufficient time to consider any changes needed before the end of the transition period.

The consultation will seek to:

• Evaluate how the regulations are operating in practice.
• Assess whether the regulatory model is appropriate and proportionate.
• Examine the effectiveness of supportsavailable to childminders.
• Identify barriers to registration and compliance.

The review will consider the experiences of childminders at all stages of engagement with the system, including those who have registered, those who are considering registration, and those who have not engaged with existing supports.

The Department will undertake an extensive programme of engagement, beginning with this open call for submissions, and followed by:

• An online survey (to open in early July)
• Regional focus groups
• Stakeholder interviews
• Case studies.

The review will independent and will conclude before the end of 2026. Its findings will inform actions to support childminders to enter and remain in the regulated sector, including any adjustments that may be required ahead of the introduction of mandatory registration in 2027.

The Department is encouraging all childminders, parents and stakeholders to take part in the consultation –

The call for submissions is open from 19 June to 20 July 2026.

Submissions can be made by email to:
Qualitydevelopment@DCDE.gov.ie

Further information on the consultation and supporting documents is available at:

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/consultations/lets-talk-childminding/

For further information about the National Action Plan for Childminding, see www.gov.ie/childminding

ENDS