The Pathway Fund supports registered providers or facilitators of early years (0-4) education and learning provision and Registered Childminders and Approved Home Childcarers in Northern Ireland.
It is one of the Department of Education's supports for the early years sector, in support of the DE vision: "Every child and young person is happy, learning and succeeding."
Key facts
Funded by
Applications
Information regarding any future funding applications, subject to Department of Education confirmation will be published here.
About
The Pathway Fund is administered over three streams and applicants can apply to one. Streams A and B support registered providers or facilitators of early years (0-4) education and learning provision. Stream C is specifically for registered childminders and Approved Home Childcarers.
Improved development of children who are at risk of not reaching their full educational potential
An enhanced, more sustainable early years sector
Awards from £20,001 to £40,000
Stream A of the Pathway Fund will support all registered providers or facilitators of early years (0-4) education and learning provision.
Awards up to £20,000
Stream B of the Pathway Fund will support all registered providers or facilitators of early years (0-4) education and learning provision.
Awards up to £500
Stream C of the Pathway Fund is specifically for Registered Childminders and Approved Home Childcarers.
Eligibility
Open to all registered providers or facilitators of early years (0-4) education and learning provision, including:
Registered sessional daycare settings (including Out of Schools, summer schemes, playgroups and crèches)
Registered full daycare providers (day nurseries)
Registered childminders and Approved Home Childcarers
Specifically for registered childminders
Approved Home Childcarers (AHCs)
Application support
The Pathway Fund Applications process - The Pathway Fund Team will provide information sessions, guidance and support to understand the application process. Short video guides and support links will be available online when completing an application.
Set up your account on the online application system before you start.
How to reset your password and get back into your application.
Give a colleague access so you can complete the application together.
A walk through the online form from start to submission.
For registered childminders and Approved Home Childcarers.
Use these when completing an application. Documents open as downloads; links marked external open in a new tab.
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deprivation.nisra.gov.uk
education-ni.gov.uk
legislation.gov.uk
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Case studies
The following case studies demonstrate the variety of projects and registered Childminders/AHCs that the Pathway Fund support across all three streams.
Thanks to this support, one of our childminders recently invested in new toys and equipment—giving children hours of fun while exploring, learning, and developing through outdoor play.
Read the case study
The Pathway Fund Stream C funding supports hundreds of Registered Childminders/AHC across Northern Ireland, helping to give the young children in their care the best start in life.
Read the case study
The Pathway Fund Stream C funding supports hundreds of Registered Childminders/AHC across Northern Ireland, helping to give the young children in their care the best start in life.
Read the case study
Recently, Beverley shared how she used the Pathway Fund to purchase a personalised Montessori board. This busy board encourage the children in her care to play and learn - enhancing their development of fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, and inspiring creativity.
Read the case study
Funding has enabled childminders and AHC providers to invest in new toys, resources and equipment, creating exciting opportunities for children to learn, explore and enjoy hours of fun through play.
Read the case study
Funding has enabled childminders and AHC providers to invest in new toys, resources and equipment, creating exciting opportunities for children to learn, explore and enjoy hours of fun through play.
Read the case studyGovernance and leadership
In keeping with the second outcome of the fund - an enhanced, more sustainable early years sector - the fund offers a number of support services for grantees. One of the conditions of the Pathway Fund Letter of Offer is that grantees must take part in one governance training session.
Sessions take place throughout the year and cover topics such as managing your staff, supporting your staff, financial management, committee roles and responsibilities, Outcome Based Accountability and funding applications.
One of the conditions of the Pathway Fund Letter of Offer is that grantees must take part in one governance training session.
Advice and information on governance matters is available by contacting Diarmuid by email: diarmuidm@early-years.org
Short one-to-one meetings where you can talk in detail and in confidence about any governance, funding or financial issue facing your setting. Book a one-hour slot for individual support.
For grantees facing more serious governance challenges. Arranged in agreement with Early Years - contact Diarmuid to discuss: diarmuidm@early-years.org
Contact
Have a question about the Fund, a funding stream or an application? The Pathway Fund team can help. Get in touch directly, or contact Early Years.
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