Review of the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative

This report provides a review of the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative. The review was carried out by Sandra Roe Research on behalf of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

The Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative was first introduced under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006-2010 by the then Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and other stakeholders. Its aim was to support the growth and development of parent and toddler groups across the country. Since its introduction, the Initiative has been rolled out on an annual basis. The Grant provides funding to not-for-profit groups that involve parents/guardians taking part in community-based activities with their children.

This review was undertaken in fulfilment of a commitment set out in First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their families. In particular, it supports Goal C of the strategy, which focuses on supporting positive play-based early learning.

The review show that the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative is performing well. It provides strong social value at low cost and helps fund local supports that benefit families, communities and early social development.