This Weeks News & Information Bulletin
Click HERE for this week in Childcare Bulletin
Deadlines/Important Dates:
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31 March
Closing date for submission of year 3 Core Funding Trial Balance
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15th April
Childminding Development Grant 2026 application closes
The First Five Years and School-Age Childcare Consultation Survey
The First Five Years & School Age Childcare Consultation survey is a 12-question online survey for parents, early years educators, providers and other stakeholders as part of the National Conversation on Education. The survey seeks views on priorities for early learning and care, school-age childcare and childminding. The online survey can be accessed here.
Childminding Development Grant 2026
On 9th February, Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability & Equality, announced the opening of the 2026 Childminding Development Grant. The grant application window is from Wednesday, 11th February to Wednesday, 15th April 2026. For further information about the Childminding Development Grant 2026, including the application form, visit Cork County Childcare Committee or contact Denise Quinlan at dquinlan@corkchildcare.ie / (022) 23880.
Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026
Seachtain na Gaeilge runs for 01 – 17 March. It’s a great opportunity to weave Irish into everyday life in simple ways. You will find some games you can download and useful phrases through the following link. Games – Seachtain na Gaeilge
Core Funding Financial Reporting Requirements for 2024/25 Programme Year
All Partner Services who received Core Funding during the 24/25 Programme Year are required to engage an accountant to submit a full Trial Balance for Year 3 of Core Funding. The CFCRRS portal opened Friday, 27 February. Supporting documents are available here.
Journey Through the HIVE training
For new or existing users who which to refresh their navigation skills on the HIVE please click on the link below to register:
Journey Through the Early Years Hive: Thursday 12 March at 10:30am to 11:30am
Aim Level 5 Equipment – Transfer of Ownership
A transfer of ownership of the equipment when a child finishes their participation in the ECCE programme. This process opened on 04 March 2026. Click here for a How to guide on how to complete the process or you can find the recorded training webinar here.
Tusla Dedicated Contact Points
The Dedicated Contact Points (DCP) have changed to reflect new structures and networks within Tusla. Some old DCP numbers may remain in use until all changes have been finalised.
The DCP’s for Cork are:
Cork North-West & Cork East 021-4927000
Cork South West 021-4923001
North Cork – Kerry 064-6678065
Cork North – South Tipperary 052-6177302
The full contact details for DCP’s at county level can be found here.
Tusla Update
Tusla have updated Policy Guidance Documents for the Early Years Sector on their website. The documents can be access from Early Years Provider Resources page or directly on the new Policy Guidance Documents for the Early Years Sector page. There is an updated and revised A Practical Guide to Developing Policies, Procedures and Statements in Early Years Services
QIPP Report Template 2025/2026.
The Core Funding QIPP Report Template 2025/26 is now open on the CFCRRS Portal. The deadline for completion of the 2025/26 QIPP Report is Friday, 31 July 2026.
Happy Talk
Click Here for the Happy Talk calendar for March, this month’s topic is Face to Face.
Training Courses
Cork County Childcare Committee Training
Always Children First: Child Safeguarding Awareness Training for Organisations (Foundation Level)
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Clonakilty Park Hotel, Clonakilty, 09:30 – 16:30, Saturday 18 April
Each participant must complete both the universal 'Children First E-learning Programme' and the 'Mandated Persons' E-learning Programme (available on the Tusla website and links below) prior to attending the course.
Universal E-Learning: Children First E-Learning ProgrammeTusla - Child and Family Agency
Mandated Persons E-Learning: Children First: Mandated Person Role and Responsibilities | Rise 360
Pre-Registration Training for Childminders
Cork County Childcare Committee is delighted to offer Pre-Registration Training to anyone who is interested in finding out more about childminding. This is a mandatory training programme for childminders who wish to register with Tusla. For any potential childminders, this training will support understanding of the new childminding regulations and will provide guidance on what is required to register with Tusla. This is a FREE training course and takes approximately 7 hours to complete. There is no assessment, and participants will receive a certificate upon completion. Please see additional information on the Childminders tab above Training and Events.
The upcoming online training dates are as follows:
Online: Wednesday 15th, 22nd & 29th April from 10am – 12pm
Online: Wednesday 13th May & 20th May from 6.30pm to 9.30pm
If you are interested in attending any of these Pre-Registration Training Courses, please click on the link below to book your place:
Childminding Pre-Registration Training Cork County Childcare Committee 2026 – Fill in form
Please contact Denise at dquinlan@corkchildcare.ie / 087 1044448 with any queries.
Cork City Childcare Committee Childminding Pre-Registration Training dates:
In Person: Sat 21st March Location: Cork City Childcare, T12P9PV Time: 10am - 4pm
Online: Weds 15th, 22nd & 29th April Time: 10am - 12pm
Online: Weds 13th & 20th May Time: 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Booking link: Childminding Pre-Registration Training Cork City Childcare Committee (Q1) – Fill out form For more information contact nessa@corkcitychildcare.ie
Cork County Childcare Committee was formed in 2001 and is funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) to improve the quality of childcare in Cork County.
In addition to supporting the administration of all Government funding programmes for childcare; City and County Childcare Committees work with early childhood services and childminders looking for support with quality development, HR, governance, financial sustainability and continuing professional development.
We also work with Parents to locate childcare best suited to their families needs, and advise on relevant government funded schemes etc.
