Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
54. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the Annual Early Years Sector Profile Report 2021/2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28455/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Years Sector Profile Report is based on an annual survey of the early learning and childcare sector and on administrative data gathered on DCEDIY funded programmes and schemes.
The Report, which is compiled by Pobal on behalf of my Department, plays a central role in informing policy development, in assessing the impact of policy change and in monitoring key trends over time.
Notwithstanding the significant challenges presented by Covid-19, the 2020/21 survey went ahead, with almost 60 per cent of providers taking part. The Report of the 2020/21 survey, which I launched earlier this month, provides us with important data, insight and analysis into the sector – particularly in the context of Covid-19.
Fieldwork for the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2021/2022 survey commenced on 9 May. As well as capturing data on the numbers of children participating in DCEDIY funded programmes and schemes, fees, staff wages, qualifications and turnover within the sector, this year’s Sector Profile includes questions on services’ income and costs in order to establish the most up to date and accurate picture on providers financial circumstances
With the end of pandemic supports and the imminent introduction of a major new funding stream, Core Funding, this year’s Sector Profile is an optimal time to capture this essential information about the sector. Importantly, it also provides a baseline to assess the impact of Core Funding against.
Given the importance of collecting this data at this point in time, completion of the Sector Profile is a necessary requirement in order to access Core Funding later this year. To avail of Core Funding, a service must have completed the Sector Profile.
Approximately 83% of providers have already completed the Sector Profile survey to date and more have sought the opportunity to do so next month. This is very encouraging and bodes well for the future of Core Funding and the new funding model more widely.
