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Category: News
News

Child Poverty and Wellbeing Programme Office – Second Progress Report

The Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office was established within the Department of the Taoiseach in Spring 2023 to drive cross-government action aimed at improving outcomes for children and families experiencing poverty. In August 2023, the Office published its initial Programme Plan, From Poverty to Potential, which set out key priorities for addressing child poverty

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Lyndsey Cummins 28/07/2026
News

Policy in Action: Childminding Regulation Consultation

Early Childhood Ireland welcomed the introduction of the proposed new Childminding regulations, which we believe offer the chance for a new era for children in home-based settings. They also have the potential to finally recognise the significant role childminders play in the Early Years and School Age Care system We had previously submitted on the

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Lyndsey Cummins 28/07/2026
News

End the Exodus: Time to recognise Early Years and School Care Age staff

Early Childhood Ireland has launched our Budget 2027 Submission, calling on the government to prioritise the Early Years and School Age Care workforce. Valuing the Early Years and School Age Care workforce means providing educators with proper salaries and improved working conditions to attract and retain high-quality staff. Pay levels for the Early Years and

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Martin Nagle 21/07/2026
Inclusive and SEND reforms in England
News

Leadership resources from the EU Working Group on ECEC

The working group on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) supports EU Member States in implementing the European Quality Framework for ECEC. The group includes ministerial experts from 34 European countries, as well as representatives of European Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and European and international organisations who come together to share their expertise. The goal of

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Martin Nagle 21/07/2026
Garda Vetting

Top Tips for a Successful Garda Vetting Submission

A successful Garda Vetting application starts long before the submit button is clicked. Taking the time to carefully review the applicant’s information, validate documentation, and ensure all required consents are in place can help prevent delays and keep the process moving smoothly. Where to Start? Once your applicant has provided you with their completed NVB1

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Martin Nagle 21/07/2026
Budget 2027
News

Government cannot ignore opportunity to ‘End the Exodus’ of Early Years workforce in Budget 2027

Government cannot ignore opportunity to ‘End the Exodus’ of Early Years workforce in Budget 2027 An ‘exodus’ of staff is putting the Early Years and School Age Care system at grave risk, according to Early Childhood Ireland, which today (16.07.27) published three proposals aimed at ensuring Budget 2027 contains measures to retain staff in the

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Lyndsey Cummins 16/07/2026
Garda Vetting

Why Garda Vetting applications get delayed?

Avoidable mistakes Avoidable mistakes during the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) application process remains one of the most common causes of delays and resubmissions. Through our experience reviewing applications, we have identified a number of recurring errors made both by applicants and by validators and those submitting applications on their behalf. By understanding these common pitfalls

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Martin Nagle 14/07/2026
News

Early Years and School Age Care in Budget 2027

Ahead of the publication of our own Budget 2027 Submission, we have been reviewing proposals relating to Early Years and School Age from other organisations. There has been an increased focus on our system at a political level in recent months. National Women’s Council Launched on  Monday, 7 July, the National Women’s Council’s Submission 2027

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Martin Nagle 14/07/2026
Making the News: National Pyjama Day 2026
Making the News

Making the News: National Pyjama Day 2026, Eco-Emotions

In June, we were thrilled to announce that over €311,000 was raised during Early Childhood Ireland’s annual fundraiser, National Pyjama Day 2026. Over 55,700 children and educators in 1,083 Early Years and School Age Care settings wore their favourite pyjamas with a purpose earlier this year all in the spirit of children helping children. Through

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Martin Nagle 14/07/2026
Inclusive and SEND reforms in England
News

High quality Early Years for children under three-Part 2

The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) recently published a new report entitled Building Quality Education and Care for Children under Three. Last week’s Policy in Focus outlined findings from the report in relation to key features of Early Years systems for children under three across OECD jurisdictions as well as meaningful interactions and inclusive

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Martin Nagle 14/07/2026

Exciting changes are coming!

We are launching a new website and improved ECI Professional Learning Hub.

From Friday, 7 August, some learning resources may be temporarily unavailable while we complete essential upgrades and migration work.

Important: Please download any certificates and complete courses from the Professional Practice Learning Space by 5pm on Friday, 7 August, as these certificates will not automatically transfer to the new platform.

Thank you for your patience as we build a better learning experience for members.

Find out more
Read our submission here
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