Education Minister John O’Dowd today launched the new Pathway Fund which will replace the Early Years Fund from 1 April 2016.
The new fund will be open to all providers of registered early years education. It will prioritise support in areas of disadvantage, where there is little or no provision and where services will enhance integration from an early age. The fund will be administered by Early Years – The Organisation for Young Children (EYO).
(L-R) Katrina Godfrey Deputy Permanent Secretary Department of Education, Pauline Walmsley, Director of Knowledge with Early Years, Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of Early Years, and Linda Drysdale Early Years Team Department Of Education. The children are (L-R) John Gilmore aged 18 months and Cain Campbell aged 10 months.
Speaking ahead of the launch the Minister said: “It is widely recognised that the early years of a child’s life are some of the most important in terms of their development. Intervention during these early years of education can have a significant, positive and lasting impact on raising educational standards and narrowing gaps that prevail in achievement later in life.”
The fund will also promote services that are delivered on a community-based social economy basis and will focus on the delivery of quality early years services and the sustainability of the early years sector.
The Minister added: “Evidence shows that the greatest impact and most significant difference can be made for children from areas of disadvantage. During these times of severe budgetary constraints, it is critical that we focus resources in areas where we can ensure the best possible outcomes for our children.”
Concluding, the Minister highlighted his Department’s Learning to Learn Framework and his vision that all children have equal opportunities to achieve their potential. He said: “High quality early years education and learning positively impact on a child’s educational outcomes. The Pathway fund will make a valuable contribution to achieving this aim. I welcome the appointment of EYO to deliver this fund and wish them well for the future.”
Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of Early Years – the organisation for young children said: “We are delighted to be awarded the tender to administer the new Pathway Fund. We believe that this much needed fund can play a significant part in improving outcomes for very young children and their families. We commend the Minister of Education, John O Dowd, for his commitment to the Early Years sector.”
For further information on how to apply to the fund visit:
