Our work
Early Years delivers programmes and services that support young children, families and the early childhood care and education sector across Northern Ireland. Our work includes childcare support, funding programmes, Shared Education, specialist practice support, governance, payroll and disclosure services, direct provision for children and families, and international collaboration.
Filter programmes:
The Centre of Excellence Award, our Fermanagh centre and Sure Start
Explore the Early Years Centre of Excellence Award, childcare at our Fermanagh Children and Family Centre, and support through our Sure Start partnerships.
Explore Centres of ExcellenceHelping settings strengthen quality and practice
Our Specialist Support Services provide early years settings with professional guidance, mentoring, training and practical support to strengthen quality and improve outcomes for children. Support includes mentoring, PSEP support, HighScope, Eager and Able to Learn, Respecting Diversity and the Centre of Excellence Award.
Explore Specialist Support ServicesResearch-based programmes for early years settings: Eager and Able to Learn, HighScope and Respecting Diversity
Early Years' focus is evidence-based practice throughout the early childhood care and education sector. We draw from research and academic studies to develop innovative quality programmes which support services within the sector
Explore Evidence-Informed PracticeSharing learning and strengthening early childhood practice internationally
Early Years works with international partners and networks to share evidence, develop early childhood practice and contribute to research and peace-building. Our global engagement draws on Early Years' experience in early childhood development, Shared Education and evidence-informed practice while bringing international learning back into our work.
Explore Global EngagementHelping settings lead and manage with confidence
Strong governance helps early years organisations operate effectively, meet their responsibilities and make good decisions for children, families and staff. Early Years provides governance support for early years settings through training, practical resources, advice and one-to-one support.
Explore Governance Support
Helping eligible working families by making childcare more affordable
The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme, or NICSS, supports eligible working families using registered childcare providers participating in Tax-Free Childcare. Early Years administers the scheme on behalf of the Department for Education and provides dedicated information and guidance for parents, carers and participating childcare providers.
Explore the Childcare Subsidy Scheme
Supporting better outcomes for young children
The Pathway Fund supports registered early years providers, childcare providers and eligible childminders to deliver services and projects that improve outcomes for young children. The Fund supports the development of children who may be at greater risk of not reaching their full educational potential, while helping to strengthen the sustainability of the early years sector. Application information and links are published on The Pathway Fund page when funding rounds are open.
Explore The Pathway Fund
Bringing children together through Shared Education
PEACEPLUS ASPIRE - Advancing Shared Partnerships through Inclusive Relationships in Education - brings children from different backgrounds together to promote peace, reconciliation and inclusion. The programme connects pre-school settings across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland through Shared Education partnerships. Early Years leads the pre-school element of the programme.
Explore PEACEPLUS AspirePractical payroll support for early years settings
The Early Years Salary Service helps settings manage payroll administration and the responsibilities that come with employing staff. Support includes maintaining payroll records, producing employee payslips and processing areas such as statutory payments, pensions, new starters and leavers.
Explore Salary Service
Early learning, health and family support for families with children under four
Sure Start supports children aged 0-4 and their families through services focused on early learning, family support, health and wellbeing. Early Years plays a governance and leadership role across a number of Sure Start partnerships in Northern Ireland and works with local projects to support high-quality services for children and families.
Explore Sure Start
Play-based home visits and family support for Traveller and Roma children aged birth to four
Toybox supports Traveller and Roma children from birth to four and their families in Northern Ireland. Through play-based home visits and practical family support, we help children explore, learn and take their next steps into early education.
Explore ToyboxNo programmes match this filter. See all programmes and services
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