1.2.1 Policy and reforms

1.2.1 Policy and reforms

First 5, a Whole-of-Government strategy, set the policy framework for the development of the early learning and care sector

The main policy framework guiding the development of the ELC sector is First 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families. First 5 is a ten-year plan, covering the period 2019- 2028, to help make sure all children have positive early experiences and get a good start in life. It commits to major initiatives on family leave, children’s health services, parenting supports, child-friendly communities, and ELC services among a broad range of actions.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth led an ambitious programme of reforms in the early learning and care sector

During the period covered by this report, there was an ambitious programme of reforms underway in the ELC sector, led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), working in conjunction with other Departments and agencies. Since 2019, the reforms have been advanced within the policy framework provided by First 5. This programme of reforms is a clear recognition of the value of high quality early learning and care, not only for children and families but for society as a whole. These reforms include:

Figure 1.1: Key early learning and care initiatives and publications 2016-2020

■The extension of the Early Childhood Care and Education Programme (ECCE) in 2016

and 2018, making two years of free pre-school available to all children

■The introduction of the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) in 2016, to support access and

meaningful participation in the ECCE programme for children with disabilities

■New regulations for ELC services in 2016 (including the introduction of a minimum qualification

requirement for early years educators) and extension of regulation to school-age childcare for the first time in 2019

■The introduction of the National Childcare Scheme in 2019

■A review of the operating model for the sector, due for completion in 2022

Further information on the ELC sector more broadly and on ECCE specifically can be found on the website of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) (www.gov.ie/dcediy) and in the Annual Early Years Sector Profile, published by Pobal on behalf of DCEDIY (available at www.pobal.ie/research-analysis/early-years).

Work, which commenced on these reforms in the early learning and care sector in 2020, has continued since and laid the basis for a new funding model for ELC and SAC (school-age childcare (SAC) services)2; the publication of a plan to support the further professionalisation of ELC and SAC workers3; arrangements to improve the pay and conditions of ELC workers4; plans for the regulation of non-relative childminders5; and OECD proposals for strengthening the quality of ELC provision6.