Concerns over toddler groups

Concerns over toddler groups

9 March 2016

CONCERN has been expressed that parent and toddler groups across the district could miss out on vital funding as a result of a change in the way their financial support is administered.

The Department of Education is changing the mechanism for allocating funding, but insists registered groups which provide early years education will continue to be financed.

Councillor Gareth Sharvin said groups would previously have been allocated funding through the Early Years programme, but are now required to apply for funding through the new Pathway Fund set up to allocate cash by application.

He claimed a number of local groups “were in limbo” until a decision was made to set up the Pathway application programme with those who deliver early years education concerned they will not receive the same amount of finance under the new funding system due to a lack of support in completing new application forms.

“When you consider the possibility that some groups will not receive the same level of funding or lack of funding, it will only impact on the valuable service those groups provide to our community,” he declared.

“Parents see a parent and toddler group as a way of connecting with the community and to learn from other parents alike. Playgroups provide the foundation of education for children and prepare them for nursery and further life learning.”

Councillor Sharvin says he has raised his concerns with Education Minister, John O’Dowd, asking what support will be provided to early years groups that have not been successful through the Pathway Fund.

He added: “Will these groups simply be allowed to close up or will the minister’s department support them in identifying other funding sources? It is a major concern for the district and one the next Assembly need to grasp to ensure that our early learning sector is not worse off.” 

A Department of Education spokeswoman said the Early Years Fund was originally set up in 2004 to help sustain some early childhood services in areas of greatest need, which were facing finance difficulties when Peace II funding ended.

“The Fund has effectively remained closed since it was first set up, with applications only accepted from previous recipients of the fund.  This perpetuated a situation that rarely allows for new entrants who may be equally deserving of funding and the Minister determined that it could not continue in this inequitable format,” she explained.

“The Pathway fund replaces the Early Years Fund and will be open to all providers of registered early years education, including groups in the Early Years Fund. It will focus on providing funding in areas of greatest need, prioritising support in areas of disadvantage where there is little or no provision and where services will enhance integration from an early age.”

The spokeswoman confirmed the Early Years Fund closes at the end of this month, with the Pathway Fund opening on April 1.

She added: “Funding will be available to allow financial commitments to be met by any group that currently receives funding from the Early Years Fund, but who may be unsuccessful in their new application to the Pathway Fund.”