Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Childcare

14/10/2026

**Reminder** AIM Level 1**

AIM Level 1 is an annual application for services with new and existing graduates of the LINC programme. All applicants are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible.

Applications received by 5pm on Thursday 22 October 2026 will be awarded the additional capitation from the Inclusion Co-ordinator’s employment start date relevant to the 2026/2027 programme year. Any applications received after this date will not be backdated.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the Early Years Hive. Applicant guidelines can be found on the Hive.

Should you have any queries in relation to the AIM Level 1 application process please contact the Early Years Provider Centre by raising a Request on the Hive using the following categories:



Programme: AIM Level 1

Request type: Application

Request type detail: How To

14/10/2026

**Attention Service Providers**
QIPP Plans are now available to complete on the www.cfcrrs.ie portal. If you require any support completing this you can contact us on 012896600 or [email protected]

Better Start are also available to support longer term plans and goals.

As Early Learning and Care settings complete their Quality and Inclusive Practice Plans (QIPPs), the Better Start Quality Development Service is available to support the implementation of quality development goals identified within the plan.

Through on-site and online mentoring, Better Start Early Years Specialists work alongside settings to support reflection, quality improvement and meaningful practice development linked to their identified priorities.

If you would like mentoring support as part of your QIPP, you can apply through the Early Years Hive and select Better Start Quality Development Service as a quality development action.

Not sure if mentoring is right for your setting? You can raise a request through the Early Years Hive to speak with a member of the Better Start Quality Development Service team. We would be happy to discuss how mentoring works and explore how we can support your quality development goals.

View our short video to learn more about mentoring and how to apply through Hive.

14/10/2026

**Attention Providers**

You are invited to attend an NCS Refresher Training. The sessions will be held on 21 and 22 October 2026.

In this training session we will cover the following:

Introduction to the National Childcare Scheme (NCS)
NCS 2026: Updates & Changes
NCS Claims
Returns & Payments
Attendance: Records & Rules
Sponsor Referrals
NCS Service Calendars
Change of Circumstance
Reviews & Appeals
Resources


Training Webinar Registration Links:

NCS Refresher Session 1: 21 October, 2:30 pm
cb4a18b9-2149-4dff-9509-f4bf75348272@aeae5436-a997-489f-b0e1-ae283ced47f7" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/cb4a18b9-2149-4dff-9509-f4bf75348272@aeae5436-a997-489f-b0e1-ae283ced47f7
NCS Refresher Session 2: 22 October, 10:30 am
8bb7cd9a-fc96-4a4a-a460-d312683c7831@aeae5436-a997-489f-b0e1-ae283ced47f7" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8bb7cd9a-fc96-4a4a-a460-d312683c7831@aeae5436-a997-489f-b0e1-ae283ced47f7
NCS Refresher Session 3: 22 October, 6 :30 pm
f3db9482-029f-479e-b2c1-79b8a6526bde@aeae5436-a997-489f-b0e1-ae283ced47f7" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f3db9482-029f-479e-b2c1-79b8a6526bde@aeae5436-a997-489f-b0e1-ae283ced47f7

We kindly ask that questions asked on the day are kept to the topic being covered.

Regards,
The Early Years Team

13/10/2026

13/10/2026

The LINC Programme is delighted to host the inaugural National Inclusion Coordinator (INCO) Day on Wednesday, 18 November 2026 at 7pm, an online event celebrating the contribution INCOs make to inclusive practice across Ireland.

The evening will recognise the important work of INCOs and welcome guest speaker Sonia Mainstone-Cotton, author and wellbeing specialist, who will share practical ideas for supporting wellbeing at home and at work.

Please click link to register: National Inclusion Coordinator Day Tickets, Wednesday 18 November • Starts at 7 PM GMT+0 | Eventbrite

12/10/2026

Looking forward to National Childminding Week next week. Why not join us for an evening of hand reflexology, refreshments and chat.

To book your space lease contact [email protected]

🧘‍♀️🧘 Childminders 🧘‍♀️🧘

National Childminding Week

Would you like to come for an evening of relaxation, wellness and refreshments.

Hand Reflexology for Childminders
Tuesday 20th October, 7pm-9pm
Blackrock Education Centre

To book your space contact [email protected] or call 012896600

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

**Attention Providers**

Please see link below to access our weekly news bulletin.
https://mailchi.mp/1a4a89b3069e/dlrccc-weekly-updates-updates-5th-to-9th-oct-26

Subscribe here: https://dlrchildcare.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4ce05b2987975991e8786c1aa&id=e856ba8cba

09/10/2026

Are you Childminding in your own home or thinking about Childminding in your own home?
The Pre-Registration Training Programme will help you to:
• Understand the new childminding regulations.
• Apply the regulations to your childminding practice.
• Understand the Tusla registration process for childminders.
• Understand the documentation required to register with Tusla.
• Access supports and resources.
It will also provide an opportunity to meet with other childminders both new and existing which will offer you great peer to peer support.

For more information contact your local City/County Childcare Committee https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-

08/10/2026

**Learner Fund 2026 Reminder - Closes TomorrowFriday!**

Applications are open for 2026 Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary
The 2026 Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary is open for applications between Monday 14th September and 5pm on Friday 9th October 2026.
For more information please go to https://www.nurturingskills.ie/new-learner-fund-and-childminding-bursary-2026/
To receive an application form, please contact us on 012896600 and [email protected]