Frequently asked questions: Stream C
Providers & membersNew applications to Stream C, for registered childminders and Approved Home Childcarers - awards of up to £500.
Content relates to the Pathway Fund arrangements for 2025/26 and provisionally 2026/27. Funding awards in 2025/26 will be subject to DE budget availability. Funding awards for year two (2026/27) are also subject to DE budget availability therefore even if an award is made in 2025/26, there is no guarantee of all or any funding in year two. Pathway Fund administration arrangements for year two (2026/27), and for any future years, will be determined at a later date.
Who can apply to Stream C?
Registered Childminders and Approved Home Childcarers (AHCs) can apply.
What is required to apply to Stream C?
Support children aged 0-4 years
Registered with Health & Social Care Trust
Compliant with the requirements of The Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care
Date of most recent inspection
Date safeguarding training is valid to
How much can I apply for?
Awards of up to £500.00.
What can I apply for?
Training - the grant can be used to contribute towards the cost of training and expenditure related to attending.
Resources & Equipment - capital items such as laptops, building works and large equipment cannot be included. Play and developmentally appropriate resources and equipment for the children are encouraged.
All expenditure must be directly related to the delivery of the childminding service and to enhance outcomes for children aged 0-4 years.
How do I apply?
The online application and guidance documentation will be made available on the Early Years website on the official opening date of Monday 25th November 2024.
Will I receive an update on how my application is progressing?
You will receive an automated email once you submit your application. If you do not receive an email, please contact the Pathway Fund Team via email: streamc@early-years.org
No further update will be provided until we issue the notification of outcome.
Can I meet with you to discuss my application?
The Pathway Fund team will run a series of information sessions.
The Pathway Fund team will be available to answer general queries, by phone or email, relating to eligibility, completing and submitting an application. You can contact the Pathway Fund office on (028) 9066 2825 (option 2) or email streamc@early-years.org.
When will money be available from the Pathway Fund?
Subject to availability of DE funding, it is anticipated that the fund will commence and Letters of Offer will be issued in April 2025. Indicative Notifications of Outcome will be issued in advance of this.
Contact
Contact The Pathway Fund team
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.
- Address
- The Pathway Project, 6c Wildflower Way, Apollo Road, Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6TA
- Telephone
- +44 (0)28 9066 2825 (Option 2)
- Email - Streams A and B
- thepathwayfund@early-years.org
- Email - Stream C
- streamc@early-years.org