The Pathway Fund 2025/26 and 2026 /27 is now closed for applications.
Stream A and B of the Pathway Fund supports registered providers or facilitators of early years (0-4) education and learning provision and Stream C, a NEW stream specifically to support registered childminders and Approved Home Childcarers.
Stream A for awards between £20,001 and £40,000
Stream B for awards up to £20,000
Stream C for awards up to £500
The Pathway Fund is one the Department of Education’s (DE) supports for the early years sector. In support of the DE vision “Every child and young person is happy, learning and succeeding”.
The outcomes of the Pathway Fund are:
Improved development of children who are at risk of not reaching their full educational potential ; and
An enhanced, more sustainable Early Years sector.
Contact Us
For further information please contact The Pathway Fund
A: The Pathway Project, 6c Wildflower Way, Apollo Road, Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6TA
T: +44 (0)28 9066 2825 (Option 2)
E: thepathwayfund@early-years.org
Meet our Team
Policies and Reports
Privacy notice
The Pathway Fund operates under the Early Years privacy notice available on the Early Years website here.
Complaints policy
If you wish to make a complaint about The Pathway Fund you should follow our complaints policy here. Please note that the complaints policy is not to be used for any appeals in connection with funding applications.
Appeals Policy
If you wish to appeal a funding decision you should follow our appeals policy here.
Compliments policy
If you wish to compliment The Pathway Fund please follow our policy here.