Minister Foley welcomes stakeholders to national forum on the future of early learning and childcare

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, today welcomed stakeholders from across Ireland to the Shaping the Future National Forum on Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare.

The Forum is the final stage of a nationwide consultation process under the National Conversation on Education and will inform Phase 2 of Shaping the Future: The Early Years Action Plan and the successor strategy to First 5.

The consultation has seen significant public engagement to date, including:

  • 11,725 responses to a national online survey.
  • A nationally representative telephone poll of 600 parents with children under 15 years old.
  • 55 local consultation events in every county, plus an Irish-language online session.
  • Children’s Creative Spaces, featuring artwork from 80 services across 18 counties.

Today’s event brings together parents, educators, school-age childcare practitioners, providers, representative organisations, public interest groups, and members of the Minister’s Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum, to discuss the consultation findings and priorities for the future of the sector.

Opening the Forum, Minister Foley said:

“I am delighted by the strong level of engagement in this consultation process. More than 11,000 people have shared their views online, while hundreds took part in the 55 local consultation events, which took place in every county in the country.

It is interesting to note that the preliminary findings from the national survey show that the top three issues identified by parents were access to places, affordability and having a secure and sustainable early learning and childcare workforce.

These challenges closely mirror the key priorities set out in phase one of our Shaping the Future action plan for early years.

Today is an important opportunity to consider how these insights can shape the future of early learning and care and school-age childcare. I am committed to ensuring services are affordable, accessible and of the highest quality, and this work will help guide future policy and investment.”

The Minister also welcomed the children of Bridget’s Montessori from County Meath, who were invited into the Department today in recognition of their contribution to Children’s Creative Spaces. During their visit, they took part in an art workshop led by award winning artist and designer Caoimhe O’Dwyer.

Minister Foley added:

“We must always listen to the children, who are at the heart of all early learning and care and school-age childcare services. I encourage all stakeholders to keep the voice of the child at the centre of our discussions and decision-making on future policy.”

Supporting Parents: Resources for Every Stage of Parenting

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Parenting is very rewarding. No matter your child’s age or how experienced you are, all parents can benefit from learning some new, practical parenting skills.

The Supporting Parents initiative is a national parenting resource, bringing together trusted, high quality information in one place, to help you navigate your journey. Feel free to browse through the resources below.

We will continue to update these pages as new resources become available locally and nationally, with tailored advice for parents and families at every stage.

Parenting Courses, Helplines and Advice
Parenting Courses, Helplines and Advice
Pregnancy Care and Support for New Parents
Pregnancy Care and Support for New Parents
Your Child’s Education & Childcare
Early Childhood Support, Education and Schemes
Assisting Children with Additional Needs
Assisting Children with Additional Needs
Resources and Support for LGBTI+ Children
Resources and Support for LGBTI+ Children
Support Your Child's Mental Safety and Wellbeing
Support For Your Child’s Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

More information

If you didn’t find the resource you were looking for, please contact us at parentingsupport@dcde.gov.ie – we’re here to help.

Learn more about the National Model for Supporting Parents – the government’s approach to improving parent support services in Ireland.

Parenting Resources: Supporting Parents Initiative | Gov.ie

Ministers Foley and Higgins welcome progress on disability residential services

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley and Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins, today welcomed the progress underway to provide residential services to people with disabilities.

Since 2020, additional funding provided to the HSE has supported the creation of over 1,000 additional specialist disability residential places for people with disabilities. These placements largely support people moving from their family home to a residential service and are in addition to transitions from congregated settings.

This has brought the number of residential places for people with disabilities to almost 9,000. The HSE’s National Service Plan 2026 is deploying €65 million of additional funding in Budget 2026 to develop around 152 newly created residential placements. This consists of 72 planned placements and 80 priority one placements to meet urgent need.

Following engagement with Minister for Housing James Browne TD and local authorities, every council in the country will set targets for the first time for delivering social housing for two key groups of disabled people. The housing targets will be contained in the forthcoming Local Authority Housing Delivery Action Plans 2027-2030.

Ministers Foley and Higgins met with HSE CEO Anne O’Connor and members of her senior management team this week as part of their ongoing engagement to discuss a number of issues, including the provision of residential places.

Minister Foley reiterated the Government’s commitment to enhancing services for people with a disability in Ireland to maximise each individual’s independence and support people to live ordinary lives in ordinary places.

Minister Foley said:

“There are currently almost 9,000 residential places for people with disabilities and I welcome the progress that has been made in providing more residential places this year. However, we need to provide more housing for people with disabilities in every corner of Ireland. I know that people with complex disabilities and their parents and families need greater assurances that supports and residential placements will be there when they need them, close to home and close to community. This is a key commitment under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People.

I am working very closely with Minister for Housing James Browne and his Department to provide a pipeline of homes for the people with disabilities who need them most. Councils will supply the homes and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, via the HSE, will supply the funding for the staff and services that people with disabilities need to live in these new homes.”

Minister Higgins said:

“Too many people with disabilities and their families face uncertainty about accessing residential support, and unfortunately families often reach crisis point before residential services are available for them.

Families are rightly frustrated by Government’s lack of planning and I acknowledge that we need to do better at planning ahead, identifying needs earlier and giving families greater certainty about the future. That is something Minister Foley and I are working to achieve.

This year, €2.2 billion is supporting residential services as part of our record €3.9 billion disability services budget. We are working with the HSE and service providers to deliver planned residential places as well as transitional support plans and enhanced care packages for families who need extra help at home.

I will continue to work closely with Minister Foley and Minister for Housing James Browne to deliver more appropriate housing for people with disabilities and strengthen the coordination between housing and disability services. There is a lot of work to do and our focus must be on making sure people can access the right support, in the right place when they need it.”

Funding has also been provided for other residential responses including to enable the uptake of vacant residential places by new individuals and also additional funding to support people already in an existing placement, whose needs have become more complex.

A new procurement framework for for-profit providers in disability residential services is also under development and nearing finalisation.

A particular focus is on strengthening implementation structures established under the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People to enhance coordination between Local Authorities and disability service providers at local, regional and national level.

This will inform the setting of targets in the upcoming local authority Housing Development Action Plans (HDAPs) for two groups of disabled people. The first group is disabled people who are able to live more independently in the community with some supports and the second group is disabled people who need more intensive, specialist supports.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is undertaking research to progress a new policy framework for specialist disability residential services. Engagement and input from stakeholders, particularly those with lived experience, will be an important part of this policy development process.

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Minister Foley welcomes over 90% of early learning and childcare services into Core Funding for fifth year

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, today announced that over 90% of early learning and childcare services have signed up for the fifth year of Core Funding to date.

Core Funding is provided by the State to support early learning and childcare services and has been increased to a record level of €482 million for this programme year from September 2026 to August 2027.

The fee-freeze and maximum fee-caps which services must comply with under Core Funding have been key to the progress in recent years in improving the affordability of early learning and childcare services.

With uptake rates of Core Funding amongst early learning and childcare services now exceeding 90%, participation rates already remain consistent with previous years of Core Funding. Services can sign up to the fifth year of the scheme at any point over the course of the programme year, which further increases the percentage of services in Core Funding.

Minister Foley said:

I am pleased to see such a strong sign up to Core Funding from early learning and childcare services. Core Funding supports parents by maintaining the fee freeze and maximum fee caps, and it also supports Partner Services to keep their doors open, recruit and retain staff, and deliver high-quality care.

“In the previous programme year, we saw over 4,600 services sign up to Core Funding. These were the highest numbers at any point since the scheme was launched in 2022.

Today, we have exceeded 4,600 services signing up to Core Funding for the fifth year and I expect that number to rise over the coming weeks and months.

The €482 million in Core Funding for this programme year is an increase of over €90 million on the previous programme year. It brings the total investment by the state to over €1.7 billion in Core Funding since the scheme was first launched in 2022.

There are strengthened affordability measures for families in this fifth programme year of Core Funding. The maximum fee caps, which were introduced for First-Time Partner Services in 2024 and reduced and extended to all new and existing Partner Services in 2025, have been lowered again this September. This means that approximately 12% of services will be required to reduce at least one fee. The fee freeze will continue to operate in other services, ensuring that all families will continue to benefit from this measure.

Core Funding is also providing increased funding for all Partner Services in recognition of rising cost pressures for the sector. This will balance the need for affordable early learning and childcare with ensuring sustainability for the sector.

Around €45 million of ringfenced funding was made available in the fourth year of the scheme to support providers to meet the cost of increased minimum pay rates. These minimum pay rates arose from the new Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) which commenced in October 2025, following negotiation by the independent Joint Labour Committee (JLC).

The Department has allocated €45 million in ringfenced funding in this current Core Funding programme year to support Partner Services with the cost of increasing pay. That allocation is contingent to new EROs being established, which has been the subject of the recent negotiations at the Joint Labour Committee.

Minister Foley said:

I secured a ringfenced €45 million to support providers meet pay costs that may arise from the Joint Labour Committee process in line with our Programme for Government to continue to implement Employment Regulation Orders to attract and retain early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners.

“I welcome the news of new proposals in minimum rates of pay for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners negotiated by the Joint Labour Committee.

If these proposals are implemented through new Employment Regulation Orders, they will bring much-needed improvements in pay for these dedicated professionals, enhancing the quality of care and education provided to children across Ireland.

I am hopeful that these proposals will soon come into effect, marking a positive change for our dedicated and skilled staff in the early learning and childcare sector and the services that employ them.

Alongside the increased Core Funding allocation of €482 million, Partner Services facing sustainability challenges can continue to avail of supports through the Department’s established case management process. This involves local City and County Childcare Committees and Pobal working together to assess and provide support including financial support to services experiencing difficulties.

For more information on Core Funding, including a list of Partner Services and allocations for previous programme years, please visit: Core Funding

Minister Foley welcomes new proposals for over 6% increase in minimum rates of pay for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners

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The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has welcomed the new proposals for, over 6% increases to minimum rates of pay for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners.

The proposals have been put forward by the Joint Labour Committee, which is made up of employer and worker representatives. It has the responsibility for setting minimum rates of pay for over 39,000 staff in the early years and childcare sector.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has allocated €45 million in ringfenced funding in this current Core Funding programme year to support Partner Services with the cost of increasing pay. That allocation is contingent to new EROs being established, which has been the subject of the negotiations at the Joint Labour Committee.

Minister Foley expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the Joint Labour Committee and acknowledged their independence in the negotiation process:

“The new proposals of on average over 6 per cent increases in minimum pay represent a significant step toward ensuring fair pay for educators and practitioners working in the sector. I am committed to ensuring the successful implementation of these proposals by providing a ring-fenced allocation of €45 million over a full year. This allocation has been specifically earmarked to support services in meeting the cost of the proposed increases in pay and conditions.”

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Joint Labour Committee in these negotiations and their vital role in advancing the professionalism and value of those working in the sector.

“If these proposals are implemented through updated Employment Regulation Orders, they will bring much-needed improvements in pay for these dedicated professionals, enhancing the quality of care and education provided to children across Ireland.

“I am hopeful that these proposals will soon come into effect, marking a positive change for our dedicated and skilled staff in the early learning and childcare sector and the services that employ them.”

Careers in the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) sector

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Please see link to Nurturing Skills brochure- A Career in Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare. :Nurturing Skills Brochure

If you are already working in Early Learning and Care or School-Age Childcare as an early years educator, school-age practitioner or childminder or you are thinking about starting your career, this guide will give you a typical pathway from entry to progression and leadership: Career Path

Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare careers in Ireland: Frequently Asked Questions: Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Annual Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Forum 2026

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Annual Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Forum 2026 to focus on Building a Love of Numeracy: From Play to Empowered Problem Solving

The annual Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Forum is taking place today (Thursday, 17 September) with a special focus on ways to address mathematics anxiety among children and young people.

The forum, which is being held at the Law Society of Ireland’s headquarters in Blackhall Place in Dublin reinforces the importance of a positive relationship with numeracy from the earliest years.

A key aim of Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033 is to enhance children’s and young people’s literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills to help them navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

This year’s Forum will feature Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Associate Professor in Mathematics Education alongside a series of practical workshops led by experts from early years, primary and post-primary education.

Session will explore innovative approaches to mathematics teaching and learning, strategies to build numeracy confidence, and ways to address mathematics anxiety among children and young people.

Minister for Children Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said:

“Confidence in numeracy starts early, through play, curiosity and positive experience. This forum is about turning ambition into practical action and ensuring that children are supported to develop a lifelong confidence in numeracy.

“We want children to see numeracy as a playground for their ideas, not a source of anxiety. The foundations we build in early years can shape how children feel about numeracy for years to come.

Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton said:

“A positive relationship with numeracy can open doors for children and young people, helping them to develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive in school and throughout their lives. Whether it is managing finances, understanding information, solving problems or pursuing further study and careers, numeracy plays a vital role.

“Through our Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033, we are committed to ensuring that every learner is supported to reach their full potential in numeracy. I am delighted that today’s forum will showcase innovative practice from schools and provide an opportunity for educators to share approaches that help build confidence, reduce mathematics anxiety and support successful learning outcomes for all students.”

The event built on the success of last year’s forum held in Dublin Castle in April 2025.

The keynote speaker and workshops this year included:

  • Dr. Aoibhinn Ní Shuilleabhaín, Institute of Education, Dublin City University
  • Dr. Sandra O’Neill, Síolta Aistear Team Lead with Better Start
  • Róisín Neururer, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University College Dublin
  • Julie Winget Power, Programme Coordinator and lecturer on the BA Early Childhood Education and Care Programme in Dublin’s Technology University
  • Breed Murphy and Dr. Claire Carroll, Mary Immaculate College
  • Dr Siún Nic Mhuirí, Institute of Education Dublin City University and Jennifer Holligan, St Cronan’s SNS, Swords and the Institute of Education Dublin City University.

Participants also heard from Early Learning and Care settings and schools that showcased inspiring numeracy initiatives and their positive impact on learners.

There were presentations from:

  • CASPr Early Years, North East Inner City, Dublin.
  • St. Mary’s National School, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
  • Newport College, County Tipperary.

Notes

Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 20242033: Every Learner from Birth to Young Adulthood

Barnardo’s Early Numeracy

Background

Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033: Every Learner from Birth to Young Adulthood builds on the achievements and ambition of the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy 2011-2020 and the 2017 interim review. The strategy continues the journey to nurture and enhance literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills from birth to young adulthood to ensure that every individual is equipped with the essential skills to navigate and succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

The areas for development and action, as identified in the strategy, span five pillars:

Pillar 1: Enabling parents and communities to support learners’ literacy, numeracy and digital literacy.

Pillar 2: Supporting the professional practice of early years educators, childminders and teachers.

Pillar 3: Supporting leadership in early learning and care and in the school system.

Pillar 4: Improving the learner experience through curriculum, pedagogy and assessment.

Pillar 5: Supporting diverse learners to achieve their potential.

A comprehensive five-year implementation plan has been developed which serves as the blueprint that transforms the strategy into actionable steps. It outlines the specific actions and initiatives that will be undertaken. Measuring the success of the strategy will be a continuous process.

QQI Level 5 and Level 6

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Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet have announced, in association with Barrow Learning, that they are now delivering QQI Level 5 and 6 Childcare.

Nationally recognised qualifications for anyone entering or progressing within the early years and childcare sector. Online and blended, built around your schedule.

Upon successful completion of Early Learning and Care Major Award QQI level 5, learners are eligible to progress to the Early Learning and Care QQI Level 6 programme.

 

Application Window Open – Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary 2026

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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 contact your local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC). Completed applications must be received within the deadline by your local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) who will process applications, for appraisal by the DCDE.

 

The rules for the Graduate Bursary and the Childminder Bursary are set out below.

 

The Learner Fund Bursary amount for 2026 will remain set at €1000.

 

For 2026, the Learner Fund Graduate Bursary is open to Early Learning and Care practitioners who fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

  • applicants must currently be a Tusla registered Childminding Service.
  • have graduated in 2024, 2025 or 2026 only;
  • have graduated with Level 5, or 6 award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

or

If demand for Learner Fund Graduate Bursary funding exceeds the available budget, policy-based selection criteria will apply, as set out in the rules of the scheme.

 

Completed applications for the 2026 Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary must be received by your local CCC by 5pm on Friday 9th October 2026.

First Aid Requirements in Pre-School Services

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Please see below Regulatory Notice issued in relation to First Aid Requirements in Pre-School Services issued September 2026.

EYI-RN12.8_First_Aid_requirements_in_pre-school_services_