Minister Foley announces funding of over €1 million for digital and assistive technology projects for disabled people
- From: Department of Children, Disability and Equality
- Published on: 15 August 2025
- Last updated on: 15 August 2025
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley TD has announced funding of over €1 million for digital and assistive technology projects for disabled people.
These for digital and assistive technology projects support people with sensory, cognitive, physical, and intellectual disabilities. This includes older people who experience difficulties carrying out everyday functions that were once routine, as well as people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, cancer, Parkinson’s disease or dementia.
Grants of €75,000–€200,000 are available for each digital and assistive technology project under the next phase of the HSE’s Cooperative Real Engagement for Assistive Technology Enhancement (CREATE) initiative. Applications for funding can be made from today.
Minister Foley said:
“I am delighted to announce over €1 million in funding for new digital and assistive technology projects under the CREATE initiative. These projects can involve the use of walking devices, voice assistant technology, interactive sensory equipment, motion sensors, talking pens and smart home devices. They have had a positive impact on the lives of disabled people. These new projects will be focused on using assistive technology for personal mobility, vision, hearing, communication and accessibility.
I hope this further funding support will improve the health, well-being, participation and inclusion of disabled people taking part in the projects. I am committed to expanding the use of digital and assistive technology, which is something that everyone in society is likely to need during their lifetime, particularly as they age.”
The CREATE initiative is managed by the National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPPD) within the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Minister of State for Disability Hildegarde Naughton said:
“I am proud to announce the launch of our call for applications for funding that will support innovative assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities. Access to assistive technology can transform lives, enable greater independence, inclusion and opportunity. Our priority with this initiative is about empowering individuals to fully participate in every aspect of society. CREATE III will help embed assistive technology into the heart of our health and social care systems so that everyone has the tools and support they need to participate fully in society. Acknowledging this Government’s commitment to the UNCRPD, we will continue to pursue opportunities to enhance the lived experience of people with disabilities through enhanced access to assistive technology.”
Dr Rosemary Gowran, HSE Clinical Lead, National Clinical Programme for People with Disability, added:
“Ireland is working to enhance and advance assistive technology service sustainability nationally. CREATE III brings a new focus on local systems strengthening of existing and developing services through practice, innovation, education, and training.”
There have been two existing phases of CREATE. CREATE I received funding of €2 million for 11 projects in 2022. CREATE II received funding of €750,000 in 2023 to support ongoing projects and to advance 9 new projects.
These projects have enhanced disability services and supports for children and adults using disability services, as well as providing support for the staff delivering the services. Assistive Technology has been provided in libraries and education and training platforms. Alternative and Augmentative Communication technology was provided to help people who struggle with speech. Assistive technology clinics were delivered by multidisciplinary teams.
CREATE III is the third iteration of the CREATE initiative and has two main areas of focus
- Design, Demonstrate and Implement Good Assistive Technology Service Delivery
- Create Accessible Digital Education, Training and Resource Hubs for all Projects
- Funding call opens: 15 August 2025 (Queries accepted from 15–25 August 2025)
- Deadline to apply: 12 noon, 22 September 2025
Notes
CREATE III is managed by the National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPPD) within the Health Service Executive (HSE). This new phase will advance Ireland’s leadership in assistive technology by supporting co-produced, sustainable service delivery systems and developing accessible education and training resources.
This investment is aligned with the WHO Global Report on Assistive Technology, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Two Key Focus Areas of CREATE III:
🔹 1. Design, Demonstrate, and Implement Good Assistive Technology Service Delivery
Projects will develop and deliver assistive products and services in:
- Personal Mobility
- Vision
- Hearing
- Communication
- Accessibility
All projects must incorporate sustainability approaches such as:
- Receiving
- Reviewing
- Repairing
- Reusing
- Refurbishing
- Recycling
🔹 2. Create Accessible Digital Education, Training, and Resource Hubs for All
Projects will develop universally designed digital platforms to support education, training, and resources, using the Seven Universal Design Principles:
- Equitable Use
- Flexibility in Use
- Simple and Intuitive Use
- Perceptible Information
- Tolerance for Error
- Low Physical Effort
- Size and Space for Approach and Use
Funding Details:
- Grants available: €75,000–€200,000
- Managed by: National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPPD), HSE
- Applications must show:
- A strong record in assistive technology services
- A person- and family-centred approach
- Commitment to collaboration
- Plans to pilot or scale up innovations
- Clear evaluation methods
Important Dates:
- Funding call opens: 15 August 2025 (Queries accepted from 15–25 August 2025)
- Deadline to apply: 12 noon, 22 September 2025
Questions?
📧 Email: ncp.disability@hse.ie
(Queries accepted from 15–25 August 2025)
Minister Foley launches €4.2 million Bia Blasta lunch scheme for pre-school children in disadvantaged areas
- From: Department of Children, Disability and Equality
- Published on: 14 August 2025
- Last updated on: 14 August 2025
The Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley TD today announced the launch of Bia Blasta (Delicious Food), the pre-school nutrition programme, to provide daily lunches for pre-school children in disadvantaged areas.
Around €4.2 million in funding will be provided to ensure that 25,000 children get a nutritious meal while attending early learning and care services with the highest concentrations of disadvantage in the country.
It will tackle child food poverty, reducing the risk of children going hungry or missing meals. It will also ensure they learn about and enjoy nutritious foods, with the help of a dedicated dietitian to advise and support participating services.
Mealtimes will be provided within a learning framework that builds children’s experiences of nutritious foods, along with the experience of preparing, sharing, and clearing up after meals.
This is the latest initiative under the Equal Start funding model, which provides universal and targeted measures for children in disadvantaged areas in early learning and care and school-age childcare.
Announcing the new Bia Blasta programme, Minister Foley said:
“There is very strong evidence that giving nutritious lunches to children in disadvantaged areas will combat the risk of hunger as well as improving their attention levels and overall wellbeing.
Bia Blasta is another very positive initiative under the Equal Start model, which is delivering crucial supports to children attending early learning and care and school age childcare in disadvantaged areas.
My special thanks to all of the dedicated early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners working to deliver this model.
A total of €3.2 million is available to deliver the programme in 2025. €1m is also being made available up to the end of this year for services participating in Bia Blasta to purchase approved items up to a value of €1,000 per service to enable them to deliver the pre-school nutrition programme. This will include equipment such as a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, hob, or oven.
Bia Blasta will be provided to all existing Equal Start-funded services in the free, universal two-year preschool Early Childhood Care and Education Programme (ECCE). This is expected to cater for around 15,000 children
In addition to these existing services with a priority designation under Equal Start, the Equal Start Identification Model will be drawn upon to target additional ECCE- only services that are serving high numbers of children experiencing disadvantage . This is expected to cater for another 10,000 children.
All early learning and care and school-age childcare services in Ireland are required by legislation to provide meals, with the type and frequency of meals dependent on the hours per day a child attends. Children in full day care (over 5 hours) must, for example, receive 2 meals and 2 snacks each day by regulation whereas children in the 3-hour free pre-school programme typically bring lunch boxes from home.
The Bia Blasta programme will be the first time that dedicated funding is provided for children who attend the 3-hour free pre-school programme, and who typically bring lunch boxes from home.
Notes
Carlow
Service Name
Anne’s Montessori Playschool
Apple Tree Pre-School
Askea Community Childcare Centre
Cill an Oir Afterschool
Dolmen Nursery
John Sweeney Park Afterschool
Kilkenny Road Community Childcare & Family Centre
Little Fairies Early Learning Centre
Natures Way Borris
New Oak /Askea Afterschool
Respond Early Years Service, Slaney View
Sherpa Kids Scoil Mhuire Lourdes (SMLT)
St. Catherines Community Services Centre
Stepping Stones Community Childcare Service
Cavan
Service Name
Bailieborough Development Association Ltd (BDA)
Bailieborough Resource Hse
Circle of Friends Childcare Services
Claddagh Childcare Limited
Cootehill Community Childcare
Krafty Kidz Afterschool
KraftyKidz Daisy Hill
Laochra Academy St. Clares
Tullacmongan Childcare Service
Clare
Service Name
Cairde Beag Kilrush
Curious Minds Quilty
FunScoil Deilfeanna Beaga
Josie’s Montessori
Labasheeda Learn and Play CLG
Little Acorns Pre-School
Moveen NS before and After schools
Ms Gráinnes Holy Family Montessori School
Naíonra Ui Choimin
Nicole’s Kidz Klub
Obair Newmarket on Fergus CLG (24CE0288)
Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus CLG (09CE0105)
Redeemer Preschool
Respond Early Years Service, Stonecourt
RTB Preschool
Scariff Playgroup
St Senans Montessori
Sunshine Montessori School
Woodstock Montessori School
Cork City
Service Name
Baile Beag
Barnardos Brighter Futures
Bessborough Centre Creche
Blarney Street Afterschool Club
Blossom Grove
Bright Start ELC Ltd.
first friends rathpeacon pre school
Glenfields Community Childcare
Glentrasna Preschool
Hollyhill Knocknaheeny Family Centre
Kids Inc Togher
Lotamore Family Resource Centre & Preschool
Mahon Community Development Project
Mayfield Community Pre school
Mount Eden Montessori
Muin Preschool
Na Paisti Mor
Newbury House Family Centre
Northside Community Enterprises Ltd. t/a Little Hands Childcare & Education Centre
Paisti
Páisti @ No. 3
Respond Early Years Service, Millpark
Scoil Ursula Creche ( BOM)
St Mary’s on the Hill National School BOM
St. Patrick’s Preschool and After School CareService
Stepping Stones
Sue’s afterschool programme
Sunday’s Well Montessori
The Fun Club
Tír na nÓg Glen Community Creche
Tír na nÓg Montessori School
Togher Family Centre
TVG Goras Community Childcare
County Cork
Service Name
ANCHOR PLAYSCHOOL
Busy Bees
Carleton Wharf Pre-School
Carrigtwohill Family Resource Centre CLG
Catherines Playschool
CHERRYBLOSSOMS CHILDCARE LISGRIFFIN
Cobh Youth Services Ltd
Countryside Before and Afterschool Service
Curious Minds Millstreet
Curious Minds Tullylease
Fermoy Community Preschool and Afterschool CLG
Liscarroll Community Care Playschool
Oasis Playroom
Respond Early Years Service, Oakfield Close
Riverside House Montessori School
Sherpa Kids Bunscoil Mhuire Youghal (BMSY)
Sherpa Kids Scoil Isogain Aghada National School
Sherpa Kids St. Josephs GNS
Youghal Family Resource Initiative
Youghal Family Resource Initiative 2
Donegal
Service Name
ABC Centre
Amanda’s Cots ‘N’ Tots
Aurora’s Hobbits Limited
Bizzy Bee’s
Bocan Community
Bright Beginnings Preschool
Buncrana Community Playgroup
Busy Bee Playschool
Cara House Children’s Centre
Clonmany Community Montessori
Cockhill After School Club
Convoy Playgroup
CPI Community Childcare (19DL0255)
CPI Community Childcare (13DL0179)
Crossroads & Killygordan Community Playgroup Ltd
Donagh Creche Ltd
Footprints Montessori Pre-School
Iarscoil An Aingil Choimeadaí
Kiddlywinks Childcare
Lamha Beaga Montessori
Letterkenny Youth and Family Service Ltd
Little Acorns Montessori Playschool
Little Acorns Nursery & Montessori Playschool, Acorns Afterschool
Little Acorns Playgroup
Little Smarties
Little Stars Preschool
Magic Moments
Manorcunnigham Community Childcare Centre Ltd
Milford Community Playgroup
Naíonra Ailt a Chorráin
Naíonra an Chlochán Liath
Naíonra An Fálcarrach
Naíonra Bhaile na Finne
Naíonra Ghleann Cholmcille
Naíonra Gort a Choirce
Naíonra na Crannóige
Newtowncunningham Morning and Afterschool Club
Raphoe Community Playgroups Ltd
Ray Montessori
Ready Steady Grow
Rosie and Jim’s
Shelly’s Academy Ltd.
Sli An Eolais
Smart Steps Carrigans
Smart Steps Raphoe
Smart Steps St. Eunans
Spraoi agus Sport
Spraoi agus Sport Family Centre Ltd
Spraoi Le Cheile/ Ionad Curam Paisti
St. Gabriels Pre-school
Stepping Stones Playgroup
T/A Kiddies Corner Community Playgroup
The Doorway Project 2
The Learning Tree
Tír na nÓg Naíonra
Dublin City
Service Name
Afterschools
Aisling Project
Aisling Project Poppintree
Aisling Project Sillogue
An Cosan Early Years – Colaiste Eanna
Apple of My Eye
Axis Creche
Babes in the Woods Creche
Ballyfermot Centre for Children, Young People and Families
Ballymun East Community Centre Ltd
Barnardos Finglas Early Intervention Service
Baron’s Playschool
Best Start Preschool Afterschool Donnycarney
Blooming Lillies After Bloom
Blooming Lillies Early Education Centre
Bonnybrook Early Education Centre
Bunratty Community Childcare Centre Ltd
Busy Bees
Buttons Community Playschool
Carrs Child & Family Services CLG
Cherryorchard Community Childcare Service Ltd
Children’s Project
Community After School Project
Community After Schools Project Mountjoy Square
Connolly Children’s Centre Ltd
Creative Kids and Co
D7 Afterschool Care
Darndale Belcamp New Life Centre Ltd
Darndale/Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service
Dolphin Creche
Dolphin Homework Club
Dolphins Early Education and Childcare Centre
Doras Bui
Eala Og Childcare Centre
Early Days/School St After Schools
Fatima Childrens Day Care Centre
Fatima Homework Club
FCC – Oak Tree Creche
FCC Willow Tree Creche
Fionn Ghlas Early Years Hub
Footprints Early Years Ltd (18DY0754)
Footprints Early Years Ltd (19DY0790)
Fountain Resource Group Bizzy Bees Afterschool
Fountain Resource Group Junior Youth
Fountain Resource Group Marrowbone Lane Youth Project
Fountain Resource Group Wee Tots
Garden of Eden
Glenhill Community Playgroup
Goldenbridge ECDS
Griffith Community Playgroup
Happyway Creche and Pre School
Hope Childcare
Hyde & Seek Childcare Ltd
Hyde and Seek Childcare Ltd (Tolka Road)
Hyde and Seek Glasnevin
Inchicore Community Creche & Afterschool
Kids Inc Liberty Park
Kidz First
Kilbarrack Childrens Community Project
Kilbarrack Community Childcare Services Ltd t/a Lir childcare Centre
Kilmore West Community Playgroup
Larkin Childcare Facility
Larkin Early Education Service
Learn and Play Preschool and Afterschool Company Limited By Guarantee (13DY0568, Kilmore)
Learn and Play Preschool and Afterschool Company Limited By Guarantee (16DY0672, Priorswood)
Little Bells
Little Footprints Montessori
Little Learners Creche
Little People’s Academy
Little Rainbows (Main Street Belmayne)
Little Stars
Little Treasures Community Creche
Little Treasures Preschool Playgroup (12DY0506, Bluebell Community Centre)
Little Treasures Preschool Playgroup (17DY0704, 50 La Touche Road)
LittleStars Childcare
Lorcan Montessori
Loreto Preschool Crumlin
Lullabys Afterschool
Lycs First Step Creche
Marist Creche
Mead Day Care Centre
Mellow Spring Childcare Centre
Mercy Family Centre Ltd
Naionra an T-Seachtar Laoch
Naíonra Glór na nGael
Naíonra Uí Earcáin
One Step Ahead Preschool
Our Lady’s Nursery
Ozanam House Childcare Centre
PH Montessori t/a Little Steps Preschool
Pitter Patter Community Creche and Playgroup
Pop Up Preschool
Poppintree Early Education Centre Ltd
Precious Children Daycare
Precious Children Daycare ltd
Realt Beag Ballyfermot STAR
Robert Emmet CDP Afterschool
Saint Ultans Childcare Project
Saol Beag
Scallywags Creche
Sherpa Kids O’Connell Primary School (OCBD)
Sherpa Kids Scoil Chaitríona
Sherpa Kids St Audoens NS
Sherpa Kids St Vincent’s Boy NS
Sherpa Kids St. Davids BNS
Small Steps (23DY0867, Marist Primary School)
Small Steps (24DY0894, Mount Argus)
Solas Afterschool Project – Basin Street
Solas Afterschool Project – St Catherine’s
Sophia Nurturing Centre Cork Street
St Audoen’s Pre-school
St Benedict’s Creche
St Brigids Day Nursery
St Finbars Playschool
St Helenas Childcare Centre Ltd
St Louise’s ECDS
St Mary’s Early Years Service
St Matthews Community Playgroup
St Michaels Preschool & Afterschool Service
St Raphael’s Preschool & Afterschool Project
St Vincent’s ECDS
St. Andrew’s Childcare Centre
St. Joseph’s ECDS
St. Oliver’s Park After Schools
Stepping Stones
Teanga Beo Baile Formaid Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Rathaiochta
The Family Resource Centre Creche and Afterschool
The Kids Den Preschool Limited
The Liberties Community Project Afterschool (10DY0439)
The Liberties Community Project Afterschool (14DY0602)
The Liberties Community Project Afterschool (14DY0604)
The Liberties Community Project Afterschool (14DY0605)
The Rec Afterschool Club
Tigers Childcare- Glasnevin
Tiny Toes Creche
Tír na nÓg Early Childhood Development Service
Tír na nÓg Early Childhood Care & Education Centre
Tracey’s Tots Preschool
Treasure Tots Nursery
Wonder Kidz
Woodlands Creche
YMCA Childcare
Dublin South
Service Name
An Cosán Early Years – Jobstown
An Cosán Early Years – St. Anne’s
An Turas
Ballyboden Family Centre – Scoil Mhuire Pre-School
Ballyboden’s Children’s Centre
BARNARDOS MILLBROOK FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
Blossoms Childcare
Busy Beehive
Choice Childcare
Coach Approach After School
Coach Approach After School Scoil Iosa
Deansrath Family Centre
Deansrath Family Centre Play and Development
Early Steps Pre-school
First Steps Early Education Centre
Glenview Montessori Pre-School
Honeybears Creche
Jadd Childcare Service
Kilnamanagh Kids Creche & Montessori School
Leap Frog @ The Park
Loreto Playgroup Ltd
Mary Prior
Mrs Giggles
Mrs Giggles at Lilyput Lane
Naíonra Chaitlín Maude
Naíonra Santain Teoranta
New Shapes After-school
Oakview Village Clondalkin
Respond Early Years Service, Ard Mor
Ronanstown Community Childcare Centre
Ronanstown W CDP Creche
Rowlagh Parish Playgroup
Rowlagh Women’s Group
Sherpa Kids Scoil Aoife Comm Sch (SACS)
St Dominics (Lilys Childcare)
St Louise’s Playschool
St Marks Preschool
St. Kevins Childcare Centre
StartBright Balgaddy
StartBright Bawnogue
StartBright Brookview
StartBright Deansrath
StartBright Greenhills
StartBright St Ronan’s
Super Stars ELC
Tallaght Childcare Centre
Tigers Childcare- Belgard Square
Toddling Tots
Young Explorers’ Preschoool
Youth Horizons Ltd
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown
Service Name
Barnardos – Loughlinstown
Barnardos – Tivoli
Basement Project Company Ltd. t/a Mounttown Early Years Service
Blackrock Community Playgroup
Hillview Community Resource Centre
Lakelands Preschool
Shanganagh Park House
Fingal
Service Name
Ashleigh House Pre-School & Creche
Barnardos Early Years Service
Blakestown & Mountview NYP
Busy Bees Pre-school
Corduff Childcare Servicec Ltd
Homestart Creche
Hope Childcare
Kids Zone
Little Cherubs Montessori
Little Learners Creche
Little Wonders Preschool
Market Green Montessori
Mini Manners Preschool
Phoenix Childcare Huntstown
Ready Steady Learn
Sophia Nurturing Centre Donabate
The Jolly Tots
The Kids Den 2
The Little Learners Corner
Galway
Service Name
Athenry Community Childcare
Athenry Community Childcare
Ballinasloe Community Childcare Group
Ballinasloe Social Services Preschool
Ballyconneely Community Playgroup & Afterschool Service
Bright Sparks Claddagh Afterschool
Bright Sparks Montessori
Cleggan/Claddaghduff Playgroup
Happyfeet Pre-school & After-school
Headstart Montessori School
Ionad Cúram Leanaí na Cheathrún Rua
Kidzone
Kiltormer Breakfast and Afterschool Club
Little All Stars Montessori & Creche
Naíolann na nOileán
Naíonra an Chnoic Tir an Fhia
Naíonra Ard Mhór
Naíonra Chárna
Naionra Leitir Meallain
Naíonra Leitir Móir
Naíonra Ros Muc
Presentation Preschool
Rainbow Community Childcare
Sign Out Afterschools
Sunflowers Creche & Preschool
The Trinity Den
Tuam Community Childcare Centre
Wiz Kidz Preschool
Kerry
Service Name
Aiseanna na hOige
Ballyspillane Childcare Service
Brookview Childcare
Buddies Creche & Childcare Facility
CBS Afterschool
Cre-8-Tive Corner Childcare
Cumann Iosaef Community Preschool and Afterschool
Curam Leanaí Na Dromoda
Curious Minds Ballylongford
Curious Minds Lyreacrumpane FDC
DSCSO LTD, trading as Kilflynn Preschool & Afterschool
Holy Family Afterschool Tralee
Killorglin Family Resource Centre TA Laune Childcare Services
Listowel Family Resource Centre
Little House Montessori
Little Leaders
Maureen’s Childcare Centre
Mounthawk Montessori School & Busy Bees Nursery
Muire Gan Smal
Naionra Na Dromoda
Pebbles Preschool
Presentation After-school Tralee
St Brigid’s Community Centre
Tigh na Leanai
Tus Nua Montessori
Valentia Island Resource & Childcare Centre
Wise Owl Shanakill
Kildare
Service Name
Churchtown stepping stones
Happy Days Community Childcare.
Memory Lane Preschool LTD
Newbridge Family Resource Centre
Shining Stars Academy
Shining Stars Academy Glebelands
Shining Stars Homework Club
Sugradh Kilberry
Tiny Tots Childcare
Wigwams Childcare
Kilkenny
Service Name
Ballyraggett Community Playgroup
Croía Early Childcare Education & Afterschool Care
Deenside Early Years
Droichead Childcare
Droichead Childcare Afterschool
Kilkenny Community Early Years Project
Larc Community Pre-school
Little Steps Country Creche
Little Tots Creche And Afterschools Programme
Natures Way Goresbridge
Respond School Age Service, Millennium
The Growing Patch Childcare Centre
The Learning Tree
Thomastown Creche & Montessori School
Urlingford Community Childcare Service
Urlingford preschool for little learners Ltd
Laois
Service Name
Birchgrove Childcare (Laois Partnership Company)
Graiguecullen Parish Childcare Centre CLG
Kiddiecare Early Years Childcare
Laois International School
Lisduff Adventure Farm
Lisgorm services ltd t/a Leanbh mo Chroi
Majella’s Montessori School
Maples 2
Mountmellick Youth & Family Resource Centre
O’Moore Place Childcare
Ria’s Kids Academy
Suaimhneas Community Childcare
The Hive @ Maples
The Orchard Childminding Service
Tir Na Nog
Tots and Co. Playschool
Leitrim
Service Name
Childhood Days for Children with Learning Disability Limited
Kinlough Childcare Ltd
Mohill Afterschool
Shannonside Community Childcare Centre
Spencer Harbour community Afterschool
Limerick
Service Name
Abbey Kids
Ardagh Montessori School
Bizzi Kids Limited
Castle Kids
Castletroy View, Montessori
Clever Cats Pre School
Clever Clogs
Courtenay NS Afterscool
Curious Minds Abbeyfeale
Curious Minds Presentation Limerick
Cute & Clever Play School
Elm Tree Afterschool Gaelscoil
Family Tree Creche
Happy Faces
Happy Faces After-School
Happy Times Pre School
Kilmeedy After-School
Le Cheile School Aged Childcare
Leaping Frogs Afterschool
Learning for Life Limited
Limerick Social Service Council Ltd
Little Buddies Preschool Abbeyfeale
Little Explorers
Lyons Den Salesian Primary School
Lyons Den St Johns Girls and Infant Boys Primary School
Manister Breakfast / Aftershcool Club
Moon & Stars
Moyross Integrated Childcare Services
Northside FRC
Nursery Times
Our Lady of Lourdes Childworld Creche
Our Lady Queen of Peace Pre School
PARK HOMEWORK CLUB
PARK HOMEWORK CLUB LTD
Patrickswell Community Play-School Ltd.
Presentation Pre School
Respond Early Years Service, Distillery View
Riverside Early Childhood Centre
Scoil Iósaf Pre School and Afterschool
Small World Pre School
Southill Afterschools Club
Southill Childrens Nursery
St Johns Pre School
St Mary’s Boys’ School Abbeyfeale
St Marys Pre School & Homework Club
St. Anne’s Childcare Service
St. Anne’s Montessori
Stepping stones Preschool
Tait House Afterschool
The Beehive Play Learn Grow Ltd
The Child and Family Centre
Longford
Service Name
Bluebells Montessori
Catkins Early Years Service
Granard Community Childcare Facility
Granard Community Childcare SAC LNG
Kids Paradise & Montessori – ABC Stonepark
Kidz Demesne Afterschool
Naoí Rath Ré
Springlawn Community Childcare
St. Mary’s Childcare Campus Company Limited By Guarantee
Tír na nÓg Preschool
Louth
Service Name
Aunty Paula’s Pre-school, Creche
Castletown Girls Preschool
CBS Preschool
Claddagh Treasures
Clever Clogs
Cox’s Demense Youth & Community Project Ltd
Cuddles Creche P AND S LTD
De La Salle preschool
Drogheda Women’s & Children’s Refuge Centre Company Limited By Guarantee
Dun Dealgan Childcare
Dundalk Creche
Holy Family Parish Community Creche / Claddagh’s Treasures
Jellytots daycare LTD
Just Kids Pre-School + Afterschool
Lios na nÓg Playgroup
Little and Big Rascals
Little Partners Creche Ltd
Little steps
MiniMinds Preschool
Moneymore Afterschool Project
Moneymore Childcare Centre
Muirhevanamore Community Youth Project Ltd
Naíonra Dhún Dealgan
Playmates Montessori
Realt na Mara Preschool & Afterschool
Redeemer Creche and Playgroup Ltd
Respond Early Years Service, Tredagh Court
Respond School Age Service, Riverwell Close
Smart Start
Stepping Stones
The Grove Early Years Education Centre
Mayo
Service Name
Ardnaree Community Playgroup Ltd
Ballyhaunis Community Preschool
Bangor Erris Children Centre
Barneys Playgroup
Belmont Montessori
Comharchumann, Naionra, Beal An Atha Teo
Footsteps
Haven Community Childcare Centre
Joanna’s Preschool
Junior Junction Preschool
Keel Childcare Ltd(Suantrai)
Kiddies Korner
Little VIPs
Making Memories Preschool
Naiona Gleann na Muaidhe
Naionra Acaill
Naionra Baile Chruaich Teoranta
Naíonra Beal an Muirthead
Naionra Dhun Chaochain
Naíonra Montessori
Naionra Na hEachleime Eachleim
Tír na nÓg
Meath
Service Name
Johnstown Childcare Centre
Leanaí Lomhara Montessori Limited
Liag na Nog
Lilliputs, Laytown Resource House
Little Angels Pre School,Navan Travellers Workshops Ltd
Little Tots Montessori
Mabuhay ECDS
Navan Educate Together Childcare Services
Navan Educational Enhancement Project
Oakleaves Pre-school
Scallywags Childcare Blackcastle
Scoil Naomh Eoin School Age Care (NSCP)
The Village Preschool and Afterschool, Nobber
Monaghan
Service Name
Aspire afterschool
Castleblayney Community Childcare (Iontas Childcare)
Laurel Hill Community Childcare
Little Wonders
Teach na bPaisti
Tinys Day Nursery
Tree tops MN childcare ltd
Offaly
Service Name
Castleview Pre-school
Cherrytots Playschool
Daingean Community Childcare Services Ltd.
Kilcormac Community Childcare
LAUGH & LEARN CHILDCARE
Little Blooms
LNAN Limited
Mad Hatters Afterschool
Memory Lane Preschool LTD
Playdays Nature School
Pullough Community Pre-school
Rainbowland Childcare
Rainbows and Butterflies Early Learning Centre
Re Scoil Iosagain
River’s Edge Afterschool Care
Skippy’s Creche & Playschool
Sunflowers Shinrone
Tullamore Community Pre-school
Roscommon
Service Name
Castlerea Community Playschool
Frenchpark & Districts Childcare Ltd
Jack & Jill SAC
Kid’s Rule Afterschool Services Roscommon Town
Roscommon Community Playgroup
St. Annes National School
The Growing Tree
The Growing Tree 2
The Growing Tree 3 SAC
Tir na nÓg Preschool
Toddle In
Sligo
Service Name
Bright Minds
Claire Barden School Age Childcare
Cranmore Abbeyquarter
Footprints
Lilliput
New Ballytivnan Afterschool Service
Northside Community Playgroup
Sandcastles Quigabar
Sligo Family Support Ltd
Sligo Springboard CLG
Sligo Traveller Support Group Collooney service
Sligo Traveller Support Group Ltd. – Carraroe School Age Service
Springboard Resource House Project
Tubbercurry FRC
Tipperary
Service Name
Bright Beginnings
Busy Bees
Busy Bees James Street
Busy Bees Presentation
Buttons & Bows Childminding
Canon Hayes Recreation Centre
Carrick Breakfast Club + Afterschool Club
Cashel Pre-school Playgroup
Clever Clogs Community Childcare
Clever Clogs Montessori
Clonmel Kidz Afternoon and Morning Club LTD
Clonmel Kidz Afterschool and morning Club Ltd
Daisychain
Daisy’s Montessori Playschool
Elm Tree Preschool
Fethard Breakfast Club an Afterschool
Fethard Community Playgroup
First Steps
Ladybirds Afterschool Club gaa complex
Ladybirds Pre-School and Childcare Centre
Laethanta Sona Montessori Pre-School
Lamha Beaga
Little Angels Preschool
Little Einsteins
Little Explorers Playschool
Little Learners
Little Rascals Clonoulty
Little Rascals Playgroup
Little Scholars Carrick Playschool Limited
Lunas
Marthas Montessori School
Marthas Montessori School
Montessori, Naionra
Naíonra Dhurlas Éile
Naionra, Lus na Greine
Nanos Nest Playschool
Rainbow Pre-School and Childcare Centre St Marys
Rainbow Pre-School and Childcare Service Dromin
Ready Steady Go Childcare
Respond Early Years Service, Hilltop
Ríocht na nÓg ag Cúl an Tí
Scolairi Oga Teoranta Borrisokane
Scolairi Oga Teoranta Puckane
Spafield Family Resource Centre
Sparkling Starts
St Mary’s Preschool
St. Mary’s Montessori School A.M.I
Sugradh Creche
Templemore Community Services Centre Ltd
Templemore Montessori Centre
The Den Montessori Fort Aengus
Three Drives Afterschool Club
Thurles Targeted Early Intervention Service
Tiny Tots Pre-school
Tooqinn Kids Club
Treasure Island Childcare
Willisson Preschool
Wonder Years
Waterford
Service Name
An Duine Beag Teoranta
Báile Beag First Steps Creche Ltd
BRIGHT STARS CLONEA
Co. Waterford Community Childcare Facility
Kids at Play
Kilmacthomas Montessori School
Learn Thru’ Play ltd.
Little Buddies Creche
Presentation Play School
Respond Early Years Service, Lisduggan
Respond Early Years Service, Tramore
St Brigids Childrens Centre
The Children’s House Montessori School
Tiptoes Community Childcare Centre
Waterford Child Care Company Limited By Guarantee
Westmeath
Service Name
Battery Heights After School Service
Brawny Community Centre
Dalton Community House
Grovelands Childcare
Marian Corbett & Valja McCabe Pre School
Na Fea Montessori Preschool
Naionra Lios na Nog
Sarsfield Pre-School
Shannon Pre-School
St. Kierans Childcare Centre
St. Mary’s After School (Harmony CDP)
St. Pauls After School Service
St. Peter’s Primary School
Sundancers Montessori
Sunny Days Playschool
Westmeath Community Development Ltd. (WCDL) Mullingar Afterschool – Rathgowan After School
Women’s Community Projects (Mullingar) Association CLG
Wexford
Service Name
A Place to Grow, Adamstown
Bellefield Early Years Centre
Clonroche Playschool
Club Maidine / Trathnóna
Coisceim Montessori School
Cot 2 Crayons
Daisy Daycare Creche & Montessori Ltd
Discoveryland Creche & Montessori
Domhan Beag
Explore and Discover Childcare
FAB Huggie Bears
First Steps Ferns Childcare
Junglebox Childcare Centre
Little Daisies Community Childcare
Little Duckling’s Pre-School
Little Treasures Creche
Michael Street Community Preschool
Respond Early Years Service, Daphne View
Respond School Age Service, New Ross
Scoil Spraoi na Leanai
Stepping Stones Early Years Centre
STEPPING STONES EARLY YEARS CENTRE
TCCC Afterschool Service
Teach Spraoi Community Childcare Centre
Templeshannon Community & Childcare Centre
Wonderland Childcare Centre
Wicklow
Service Name
Ballons Preschool
Ballyflanigan Montessori
Bellevue Preschool and Afterschool
Bray Family Resource & Development Centre Ltd.
Early Days Academy
Forever Friends Pre-school
Happy Faces community playgroup
Hazelbrook
Kids Aloud
Kidz Ink Childcare
Little Acorns
Little Bray Afterschools Service
Little bunnies Montessori
Little Oaks Bray
Little Rascals Playschool
LMNO Childcare
Marian Centre
Marian Centre (Ballywaltrim)
Marian Centre (St. Peters School)
Naionra Lacain
R.O.S Early Years Arklow
Ravenswell After School Service
St. Fergals Resource Centre
Treasures Montessori
Minister appoints Ms. Koulla Yiasouma as the Chair of the Young Ireland Advisory Council
- From: Department of Children, Disability and Equality
- Published on: 13 August 2025
- Last updated on: 13 August 2025
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, has announced the appointment of Ms. Koulla Yiasouma to chair the Young Ireland Advisory Council. The Advisory Council is a key part of the governance of Young Ireland, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People.
Koulla Yiasouma is an established leader in the area of children’s rights and youth justice. She served as the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People from 2015 to 2023, working to safeguard the rights and best interests of children.
Ms. Yiasouma is the former Director of Include Youth, a rights-based organisation working with young people involved in the criminal justice and care systems in Northern Ireland. She is the Chair of the Board of Management of the Oberstown Children’s Detention Campus.
Ms. Yiasouma will replace Ian Power as Chair, who stepped down to take up a new role earlier this year.
Announcing the appointment, Minister Foley said:
“I am delighted to appoint Koulla Yiasouma to this important role. The actions set out for Government in Young Ireland pave the way towards improving the lives of children and young people; I know that Koulla’s guidance and experience will help to ensure an emphasis on children’s rights in the implementation of policies that affect them. I would also like to thank Mr. Ian Power for his work with the Advisory Council.”
Information about children’s rights, Young Ireland, and the Young Ireland Advisory Council can be found here: www.gov.ie/YoungIreland.
Notes
Young Ireland: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People provides a platform to realise the rights of children and young people in Ireland, so that all partners can work effectively together to ensure children and young people can thrive. Young Ireland’s governance structures provide a forum for stakeholder engagement, drive implementation of existing policy commitments, and ensure accountability in the development of further policies impacting children and young people.
The Young Ireland Advisory Council enables the community and voluntary sector, as well as academics and other experts, to advise on and support the implementation of Young Ireland. The members of the Advisory Council have varied expertise in the key issues facing children and young people today, with an initial focus on the Spotlight areas of disability.
Number of early learning and childcare services located on school premises at all-time high
From: Department of Children, Disability and Equality
- Published on: 11 August 2025
- Last updated on: 11 August 2025
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley has welcomed the growth in the proportion of early learning and childcare services located on school premises which has reached an all-time high.
In the 2021/22 programme year, 15.9% of early learning and childcare services were located on school premises, this increased to 16.8% in the 2022/23 programme year and 19.2% in the 2023/24 programme year.
The proportion of early learning and childcare services located on school premises has further increased to 22.5% in the current 2024/25 programme year.
This equates to 1,084 services of the 4,816 early learning and childcare services in contract with the Department for the 2024/25 programme year.
It means that nearly one in four of early learning and childcare services are now located on school premises.
This is reflective of an overall expansion of the early learning and childcare sector, with enrolments of children in services increasing by 19% from an estimated 197,285 in 2022 to 234,597 last year.
Minister Foley today welcomed the data which shows that supply of early learning and childcare is increasing, both in schools and in the wider community.
“I particularly welcome the growth in the number of services operating in school buildings. This supports availability of places in a convenient location for parents.
I would like to thank all the schools who have responded so positively to the updated Procedures on the use of School Buildings and School Sports Facilities outside of School Hours which guarantee that any income from after-school use of their facilities will not affect their State grants, capitation fees or any other form of departmental funding.”
The Programme for Government sets out the ambition to work with schools to host before and after-school childcare in school buildings. There is also a commitment to develop State-led early learning and childcare facilities in tandem with the school building programme.
I look forward to working with colleagues across Government to advance these commitments, which will improve choice and convenience for parents, and maximise the potential of school sites.”
There has been a notable rise in the use of school buildings for school-age childcare-only services. Most of this is understood to be for breakfast clubs and after-school clubs.
Last year, in her role as Minister for Education, Minister Foley published Procedures on the use of School Buildings and School Sports Facilities outside of School Hours to encourage more schools to open up their facilities for early learning and childcare and other community purposes when not required by the school.
There are now 565 school-age childcare-only services located on school premises which represents almost two thirds (65%) of the 869 school-age childcare only services in operation.
Around 261 new school-age childcare services were registered with Tusla in 2024, leading to a net increase of 225 new school-age childcare services in one year alone. At the end of last year, there were a total of 2,724 school age services on the Tusla register of early years services which are located both on school premises and in the wider community.
The rise in the availability of school-aged childcare services, particularly after-school clubs, has led to a 56 per cent increase in children enrolled in these services over the past two years. The number of children enrolled is up from an estimated 50,847 children in 2022 to 79,183 last year.
The potential for development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme will be considered as part of the wider capital plans to develop State-led services. The Programme for Government commits for the first time to provide capital investment to build or purchase state-owned early learning and childcare facilities, to create additional capacity in areas where unmet need exists.
State ownership of facilities is a very substantial and significant development and offers the potential for much greater scope to influence the nature and volume of provision available and to ensure better alignment with estimated demand.
The overall approach to ensure there are appropriate levels of high-quality early learning and childcare places for families will be advanced in the Action Plan to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early childhood education and care system that Government is committed to publishing.
Notes
Data on the number of children enrolled in early learning and childcare services is compiled each year by Pobal as part of the Early Years Sector Profile.
The Annual Early Years Sector Profile survey is the primary data source on the early learning and childcare sector.
It is developed and administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE). All services who are contracted to deliver at least one DCDE funded programme/scheme (that is, ECCE, NCS, CCSP) are invited to take part in the survey.
The survey response rate in recent years ranged from 82 to 85 per cent of providers, so it can be used to accurately estimate what percentage of services are located on school premises. It is more difficult to get definitive figures on the total number of individual services, given that a small percentage of services that did not complete the survey. However, new administrative data for the current 2024/2025 programme year shows that the 22.5 per cent of early learning and childcare services equates to 1,084 services out of 4,816 services in contract with the Department for the 2024/25 programme year.
The survey, which has been running for 21 years, plays a central role in informing policy development, assessing the impact of policy change and provides a comprehensive national analysis of early learning and childcare services throughout Ireland.
Further information can be found on the Early Learning and Childcare data website. The Capacity section of the website provides information on enrolments and vacancies on services that responded to the survey as well as estimated figures for the overall sector.
Minister Norma Foley Announces €1.5 Million in Annual Funding for Community-Based Counselling Services Supporting Children and Families
- From: Department of Children, Disability and Equality
- Published on: 25 July 2025
- Last updated on: 25 July 2025
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, today announced €1.5 million in annual funding for community-based counselling services. In 2025, this funding will benefit 73 community and voluntary organisations delivering essential counselling and therapeutic supports to children and families.
This funding provides community-based counselling, psychotherapy, and a range of therapeutic interventions such as play therapy, creative arts therapy, bereavement support, and systemic family therapy.
This funding has been sourced in recent years from the Dormant Accounts Fund, but in a significant development, this funding has now been regularised and will be delivered from the annual budget of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
Minister Foley stated:
“This funding will help children and young people to get timely and effective access to counselling services in their own communities. These services are deeply responsive to local needs. They play a vital role in delivering therapy for children and young people and their families when they are most needed.”
The €1.5 million yearly investment will enable these services to:
- Increase counselling and therapeutic capacity;
- Reduce waiting lists for children and young people;
- Provide supports to those who may otherwise be unable to access services due to cost or location;
- Embed a more sustainable response to the growing demand for child and adolescent therapeutic support.
The decision to regularise funding for these services was informed by a detailed survey, completed by organisations who had previously received funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund, on the outcomes and impact of their funded services. Tusla also engaged closely with its area offices to assess need and guide the allocation of funding on a targeted, evidence-informed basis.
Minister Foley said:
“This funding reflects the government’s recognition of the critical work being done every day by local community-based services. I am proud to support their work and delighted that this investment will now be part of the mainstream provision through Tusla.”
Tusla’s continued collaboration with the funded organisations will ensure accountability, quality, and ongoing responsiveness to emerging needs in communities across Ireland.
Minister Foley welcomes the additional investment for disability services and early childhood education in the new National Development Plan
- From: Department of Children, Disability and Equality
- Published on: 24 July 2025
- Last updated on: 24 July 2025
The allocation for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality in the National Development Plan (NDP) has increased to almost €800 million.
Under the previous NDP, some €255 million was allocated to the Department over the period 2021 to 2025 but this has now risen to €795 million in the new NDP from 2026 to 2030.
The increased funding will be used to provide additional early learning and childcare places, more disability services for those with complex needs, capital investment for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and investment in playgrounds.
Another major initiative to be progressed under the NDP is the National Centre for Research and Remembrance.
Welcoming the announcement, Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, commented:
“I welcome the additional investment for disability services and early childhood education in the new National Development Plan. It also provides funding for a range of other important initiatives including the National Centre for Research and Remembrance and continuing development of the Oberstown Detention Centre.
It also contains increases in capital spending projects for disabled people with complex needs from around €77 million over the last five years to a capital allocation of €278 million between 2026 and 2030 – an increase of over 250 per cent.
There are also substantial increases in the NDP more broadly for new housing development and new transport projects for example – which will assist disabled people as well.
This is a sign of this government’s commitment to deliver a step change in services for disabled people and to deliver real value for money for taxpayers with this substantial investment.”
This government has been clear that a cross-departmental approach is being taken to deliver the step change required in disability services. In this respect, itis important to note the NDP contains significant increases in funding for other government departments which also play a key role in improving the lives of disabled people. This includes record allocations for the Department of Housing, which provides housing for people with Disabilities, the Department of Transport which provides transport for people with disabilities and the Department of Education which funds the special education budget in schools.
Minister of State for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton added:
“Government is committed to significantly investing in services for children, young people and adults with disabilities, and key to this is ensuring that our day services, respite and residential facilities are of high quality and are suitable for all those who need them.
The physical environment is so important, and there has been historic under-investment in this area. The funding provided under the new National Development Plan will allow us to develop and deliver a pipeline of projects across the country, which will make an enormous difference to those with disabilities and their families.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BELOW RELATING TO GARDA VETTING FOR ALL ELC/SAC SERVICES
Garda Vetting is a legal requirement for all people working with children and vulnerable adults, under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016 including staff of Early Learning and Care and School Age Services.
Garda vetting for each staff member must be renewed every three years. It is a breach of regulation for staff to continue working with children where their vetting has expired.
There is a new Garda Vetting process in place for ELC/SAC services since 1st February 2025. The following now applies:
- TUSLA manage Garda Vetting services for registered providers, including childminders, as well as Chairpersons of Boards of Management (where they are the registered provider) and board members who have access to children.
- Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) manage Garda Vetting services for all employees in ELC and SAC services.
- Barnardos no longer provide vetting services.
TUSLA Vetting
In order to apply for vetting through TUSLA you must create a new account on the Tusla Garda Vetting Portal. This is a separate portal account to that used for your TUSLA Renewal of Registration and can be accessed here: Tusla Portal
You can apply for Garda Vetting through TUSLA the following persons only:
- Registered Providers,
· Heads of Boards of management for childcare services where the person is the Registered Provider,
· Board members who have access to children in the service
ECI Vetting
If you have used Barnardos to access vetting in the past, will need to apply for a GNVB number in order to access vetting for employees through ECI. This needs to be done before making an application for vetting through ECI and can take up to 6 to 10 weeks. This needs to be taken into account when reviewing staff vetting expiry dates.
In addition, if an applicant has lived outside of the Republic of Ireland/Northern Ireland in an EU country or the UK, their Garda Vetting application will now take longer:
- Up to 10 additional working days for EU countries
- Up to 20 additional working days for the UK
This also needs to be taken into account when reviewing staff vetting expiry dates.
The TUSLA Registration Renewal Process requires submission of in-date Garda Vetting for the Registered Provider and the Person in Charge (if different). Services should review their Garda Vetting date as soon as possible to ascertain if up-dated vetting is required prior to Registration Renewal. Current timelines for vetting should be considered and updated vetting should be sourced as soon as possible.
REMEMBER – You must make a registration renewal application AT LEAST 2 MONTHS before the expiry of your current registration date. If your registration renewal date is 01/01/2026, you are required to submit your registration renewal application by the 31st of October 2025 and will require up to date Garda Vetting to do so.
Services can complete Registration Renewal any time up to 6 months prior to expiry date. Once Garda Vetting is up to date at the time of submission of Registration Renewal application it will be accepted. We encourage you to make the application to renew registration as soon as possible.
For further information:
https://www.tusla.ie/early-years-inspectorate/garda-vetting-applications/
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Garda Vetting Applications From 1st February 2025 commenced providing the Garda Vetting Application Service for anyone who is a Registered Provider of an early years service (under part VIIA of the Child Care Act 1991, as amended) or anyone who is planning to submit an application to become a Registered Provider Who is included? Registered Providers of pre-school services Registered Providers … |
https://www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/garda-vetting/
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Garda Vetting is a legal requirement for all people working with children and vulnerable adults, under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016. The Garda Vetting process must be completed before an employee commences work in an Early Learning and Care or School Age Care setting. Before applying for Garda Vetting Have Service Provider membership or Garda … |
Keeping children safe and comfortable indoors and outdoors in all weathers
Tusla have published an updated guidance document- Keeping children safe and comfortable indoors and outdoors in all weathers
The document is designed to help childcare providers and staff protect children during all types of weather by offering practical advice on clothing, hydration, safe play, and sleep. It supports compliance with regulations and includes a checklist to help plan for weather-related risks, ensuring children stay safe, comfortable, and well cared for year-round.
Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary 2025
The Learner Fund Bursary will open for applications for Graduates and Childminders in autumn 2025.
This year, changes to eligibility and selection criteria of the Learner Fund Bursary will be introduced to align the scheme rules with those of the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF).
The Learner Fund Bursary amount for 2025 will remain set at €1000 however where the demand for Learner Fund exceeds funding allocations successful applicants will be selected based on the new eligibility and selections criteria.
Since its inception in 2024, the pilot NSLF scheme has offered financial support to approximately 700 early years educators. In view of the success of the pilot NSLF, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) now intends to wind down the Learner Fund Bursary by 2026.
The rules have been amended to reflect an alignment with the NSLF scheme in relation to the eligibility criteria (and the selection criteria in case of excess demand).
For 2025, the Learner Fund Graduate Bursary will be open to early years educators who fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
– have graduated in 2024 or 2025 only;
– have graduated with a Qualifications Advisory Board (QAB) approved Early Learning and Care Degree Programme at Level 7 or 8 only.
If demand for Learner Fund Graduate Bursary Fund exceeds the available allocation in 2025, applicants will be selected based on criteria set out in the rules of the scheme.
For 2025, the Learner Fund Childminder Bursary will be open to childminders who fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
– have graduated in 2024 or 2025 only;
– have graduated with Level 5, or 6 award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or Level 7 or 8 on the Qualifications Advisory Board (QAB) list of approved Early Learning and Care Degree Programmes.
– Applicants must currently be a Tusla registered Childminding Service.
The local City/County Childcare Committees (CCC) will process applications for Learner Fund Bursaries for appraisal by the DCDE.
The Learner Fund Graduate Bursary and the Learner Fund Childminder Bursary will open for applications on 15 September 2025 and close on 17 October 2025.
Additional Links:
The list of QAB approved Level 7 and Level 8 courses referred to above can be viewed at the attached link: list-of-approved-programmes-for-adherence-to-the-professional-award-criteria-and-guide.pdf.
For more information, including the rules for the above schemes, please visit the following page on the new Nurturing Skills website: Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary 2025 | Nurturing Skills