As you may be aware, The National Action Plan for Childminding (NAPC) was launched in April 2021. Representation of childminders and consultation with childminders will be essential to the implementation of the NAPC.

To begin this representation and consultation process, the DCEDIY are seeking childminder representatives for the following groups:

• NAPC Steering Group which will oversee the implementation of the Action Plan
• NAPC 4 Advisory Groups: Regulation and Inspection, Training and Support, Funding and Financial Support, Consultation and Communication
• Focus Groups

The Steering group will be established first, followed by the 4 Advisory Groups over the following months. Focus groups will be established for childminder representation and consultation throughout the pathway of the plan.

If you are interested in having your voice heard and participating on these groups, please follow the link below to complete the form to register your interest:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7jkxQT9D0EmFUmlyjWbkiCx6EwgPdqxGk4qQzEUhSrRUQjdDU0FLSVpKTjEwRDBSWFNCSDNBWU5IRy4u

The survey will be open from Thursday 1^st July till 5pm Friday 9^th July.”

Parents, find helpful information on supporting children starting pre-school and primary school here:

As announced at the launch of the National Participation Framework for Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision Making, we have opened applications for the Capacity Building Grant and Hub na nÓg Training to support implementation of the National Framework for Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-making at the level of everyday practice. Please find attached the Capacity Building Grant and Hub na nÓg Training Application Form.

Capacity Building Grant Application 2021 

The fund and training is open to organisations that provide services, programmes or projects to children and young people from the following sectors:

• Tusla Registered Early Learning Care and School-Age Childcare providers.
• Arts Organisations** (Working directly with Children and Young People)
• Youth Services
• Youth Justice
• Traveller Service Providers
• Disability Service Providers
• Homeless Service Providers

Please note that Arts Organisations supported under the LCYP pilot programme are not eligible to apply. Criteria for eligible sectors will be reviewed in subsequent years.

Eligible organisations are invited to apply for the training and grant which will enable participation in training from Hub na nÓg and to develop and/or purchase resources to support use of the ‘Everyday Spaces Checklist’ in their work with children and young people.

Awards of the grant and training will depend on demand and/or availability.

The application deadline has been extended. Applications must be sent by close of business, Monday 5^th of July  to: citizenparticipation@equality.gov.ie

We look forward to receiving eligible applications.

Best wishes,

Participation Team at Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

A reminder of the Covid-19 Support Helpline for ELC and SAC – 1800 940341 available from 10am – 1pm & 1.30pm – 4pm at the weekend