In September 2022, I launched Together for Better, the new funding model for early learning and childcare. This new funding model brings together three major programmes, the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, including the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and Core Funding , with a fourth programme under development - Tackling Disadvantage.
All Partner Services who participate in Core Funding must operate their early learning and childcare service in line with the terms and conditions outlined in the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement - publicly available here: first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Core-Funding-Partner-Service-Funding-Agreement-09.08.22-Final-revised-clean-PDF.pdf
In relation to wages, as the State does not employ early year’s educators or school-age childcare practitioners, my Department has no role in the employment relationship between employers and employees in the sector. The Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) agreed by the Joint Labour Committee govern minimum rates of pay for workers in the sector. These EROs are entirely independent of my Department and any breaches of EROs may be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). As with employees and employers in other sectors, those in the early learning and childcare sector can avail of employment supports provided by other State bodies. One of these supports is the Mediation Service provided by the WRC. The operation of this service, including the appointment of mediators, is a matter for the WRC, which is an independent body.
The Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement is contingent on EROs being in place for the sector, and provides funding to Partner Services to contribute to costs, including staff costs, but does not contain contractual obligations governing pay. Neither my Department nor Pobal are responsible for monitoring the implementation of the EROs. To date, my Department has not received complaints on pay being below the ERO minimum.
In relation to fees, Partner Services must uphold their contractual obligations regarding Fee Management as laid out in the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement. In its first year, Core Funding requires Partner Services not to increase the fees charged to parents from those charged in September 2021.
As of 7 March 2023, Pobal are considering 6 cases raised with them that involve a potential breach of Fee Management. In the case of a potential breach of Core Funding Fee Management, an individual may seek to have this examined through the Core Funding Fee Review process operated through City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs), Pobal and the Department. I would advise any parent or person with concerns or questions about fees to contact their local CCC for support and guidance.
