Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
44. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the challenges that have been experienced in the roll-out of the new core funding model for childcare providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28267/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCore Funding is an ambitious and far reaching new funding stream that will be coming into effect from the end of August of this year. It was first announced in Budget 2022 with further detail outlined with the publication of Partnership for the Public Good in December 2022. The project is on track for delivery in line with the original schedule.
There have been extensive communications on Core Funding and the roll-out of the project, particularly with providers and sector representative groups.
Core Funding was first announced in the context of Budget 2022 in October of last year. Initial information about the scheme was made available as part of the Budget FAQ: at www.gov.ie/en/publication/b3e97-budget-2022-overview-and-faqs-for-early-learning-and-care-elc-and-school-age-childcare-sac-providers-and-parents/.
This was followed in December with the publication of the report of an Expert Group, Partnership for the Public Good: A New Funding Model for Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare. The report sets out extensive detail for the rationale for the introduction of Core Funding along with specific recommendations for implementation which have been accepted by Government. The report is available here: first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/report/.
Extensive information was communicated to the sector on 7th March, including detail on the way in which Core Funding will be allocated to individual services. A Ready Reckoner was also launched to assist providers in estimating the potential value of Core Funding for their individual service, as well as to test different scenarios. A detailed FAQ was published at this time which is available here: earlyyearshive.ncs.gov.ie/how-to-guides/faqs/faq-rr/DCEDIY-FAQ-for-Ready-Reckoner.pdf.
In response to a number of queries received by my Department, officials have produced public information relating to Core Funding for the whole sector. This includes presentations and case studies to help providers understand the impacts and benefits of Core Funding for their services. This information, first published on 14th April and kept up to date at www.first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/core-funding/, addresses many of the frequently asked questions around Core Funding and the New Funding Model.
City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) have also received extensive briefing and training on Core Funding so they can provide support and guidance to individual services or parents with any queries relating to Core Funding. CCCs are offering workshops and one-to-one sessions to providers to support them.
The Core Funding contract will be published in June so applicants can review what they will later be asked to sign in August. The details of the Core Funding application form will also be available in June along with a new FAQ. Payments to providers will commence at the end of August.
Core Funding is a very significant development and a new departure in how funding is administered in the sector. The new funding model being implemented aims to transform the sector to one that is increasingly publicly funded and publicly managed, delivering a service for the public good, through a partnership between the State and providers, to the benefit of children, parents, practitioners, and society overall.
The new funding model is an extensive project requiring multi-annual investment. This transformation starts with Core Funding and the new approach will entail a shift in the relationship between the State and providers in relation to delivering ELC and SAC, with new responsibilities on both sides.
Core Funding is open to all registered providers subject to their agreement to the terms and conditions of the funding. It is my ambition that the maximum number of providers choose to participate in this partnership to deliver ELC and SAC for the public good and come into contract for Core Funding. Core Funding however is optional for providers.
83% of services have now responded to Sector Profile survey, which is a first step in applying for the
new Core Funding scheme. 93% of providers have signed-up to the Transition Fund, which introduces fee control measures to be continued under Core Funding. I am encouraged by this high uptake and that providers have shown a real willingness and openness to work in partnership with the State towards the shared goal of delivering high quality and affordable ELC and SAC for families, for the public good.
