The Childcare Partnership (CCP) is providing short term funding in five themed areas to address identified need during the year 2022/23.  The five themes are:

1. Large items of outdoor or indoor play equipment
2. Sensory space development
3. Activities aimed at improving staff and children’s health and mental wellbeing e.g. mindfulness programmes, stress control, team building activities
4. Measures to address fuel poverty
5. Minor refurbishment works

Please download the Guidance Notes and Application Form for the CCP Small Grant Scheme 22-23 via the links below:

• Guidance Notes
• Application Form

Click here for details of nutrition information sessions that will be running throughout August.

Sessions are delivered online by Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists from HSC Trusts across Northern Ireland and provide evidence based and accurate information to promote health and wellbeing. They are free of charge and open to everyone.

This month’s topics:
– Food and Mood
– Feeding the Under 5’s
– Lunchbox and snack ideas (for children)
– Eating Well As You Age

Adverse Childhood Experiences E Learn Programme- Register Yourself Now!

ASCERT are delighted to offer two new e-learning programmes aimed specifically at people working in roles where they encounter Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

Level One Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Awareness E-Learn Programme

Level Two Developing Trauma Sensitive Approaches to Practice Training E-Learn Programme

These courses have been developed by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland as part of the Early Intervention Transformation Project and are now available FREE on ASCERTs website.

You can access these courses using the links below:

• Level One Adverse Childhood Experiences
• Level Two Developing Trauma Sensitive Approaches

Extension of Funding
What great news to receive just before the summer holidays kick in! The Department of Education has announced the extension of both the Sustainability Fund and the Temporary Closure Fund. This funding will go a long way for those Registered Childminders that continue to struggle throughout this pandemic. Registered Childminders in Northern Ireland have been the linchpin in supporting the economy and families during these unprecedented times and Patricia and the NICMA team would like to send thanks to you all.

The Sustainability Fund
All Registered Childminders that have been operational during the period 1st April 2021 to 30th June 2021 will be eligible to apply for £255 for each month between April-June 2021. The closing date for this fund is 16th August 2021 and we would encourage all eligible registered childminders to apply.

The Temporary Closure Fund
The Temporary Closure Fund has been extended from April 1st 2021 to September 30th 2021. This fund will help support and Registered Childminder who have or may have to close their setting due to testing positive for COVID-19 or being deemed as close contact. If you find yourself in this position please ensure that you let your Early Years Team know.

Applications are available via the Early Years organisation for young children and we would encourage all registered childminders to apply. Click Here

PANTS
The NSPCC have developed a campaign to help protect children and young people from abuse. “We know it’s a conversation no parent wants to have, but we believe it can feel just as natural, and be just as easy, as the road safety chat.“

Our team of Development and Engagement Officers recently attended a webinar with The NSPCC. During the session the NSPCC team explained their vision for the PANTS campaign and gave us some very useful resources for the childcare sector.

If you would be interested in a similar webinar designed to the needs of Registered Childminders please contact your Local Development and Engagement Officer and they will be more than happy to help. Click Here

Wild World Heroes

Wild World Heroes, Summer Reading Challenge 2021; a celebration of nature and action for the environment, in partnership with WWF UK. Arriving online and in libraries across Northern Ireland this summer.

What’s it all about?
Children aged 4-11 can join the Wild World Heroes for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge to discover how they can make a difference to the environment and be inspired to stand up for the planet. There will be amazing books, awesome rewards and plenty of ideas too!

How does it work?
The Summer Reading Challenge will take place from 19 June until 18 September. Children can sign-up at their local library, choose their reading goal and then read any books to collect special stickers and other rewards along the way – all for FREE. There is a digital platform too so the fun can carry on at home. Everyone who completes their personal challenge will receive a certificate and medal. Events and activities will take place throughout the summer online and possible face-to-face depending on guidelines issued by the Northern Ireland Executive.

Why should children take part?
Children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the long summer holidays if they do not have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure.

The Reading Agency’s annual Summer Reading Challenge really helps by getting over 700,000 regularly into libraries over the summer, with thousands more taking part online.
There is no other free reading activity that involves so many children, introduces families to their library, encourages children to read books freely and independently and is endorsed by parents and children.

For more information visit: Libraries NI

Please click here to view Sense of Purpose Carers Newsletter Issue 4.

The Post-Qualifying Leadership (PQL) programme is designed to support new and aspiring leaders in schools, Further Education Colleges and other educational settings to deliver whole school improvement. The units on the programme are led by experienced leaders from across the primary, post-primary and College sectors.

For further information or book please visit: https://www.stran.ac.uk/courses/professional-development/leadership/

Get involved in this year’s Summer of Play!

PlayBoard NI has joined with other organisations across the UK to call for children’s play to be prioritised this summer to repair some of the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic on children’s well-being. Summer of Play campaigners including charities, businesses and child development experts are asking organisations to pledge to support a Summer Of Play to help bolster children’s mental and physical health as the Covid-19 restrictions ease.

Play is vital for children’s physical and mental health and development, yet coronavirus restrictions have greatly restricted children’s access to play and outdoor activities. It is hoped that this campaign will help children recover from the impact of repeated lockdowns and give those who’ve been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic the opportunities they need to play and have fun.

Pledge your Support

Pledge your support for children to have space and time for play this summer by supporting fun, friends and freedom! Organisations and individuals can pledge support and find out more about the Summer of Play campaign at www.summerofplay.co.uk Get involved and show your support on social media using #SummerOfPlay and #FunFriendsFreedom.

Summer of Play Challenge

To help children and young people enjoy a summer of play this year, PlayBoard is sharing the Summer of Play Challenge! The challenge is a list of the top 20 fun activities to try this summer (as voted for by our followers) – tick them off to keep a record of a fun summer of play!

Download PlayBoard’s Summer of Play challenge at www.playboard.org/summer-of-play-challenge

Play Matters!

Please click here for information on the Wild World Heroes, Summer Reading Challenge 2021; a celebration of nature and action for the environment, in partnership with WWF UK.

Please click here to find information on co-designed EA & RISENI training and useful links that may be of interest to you, your staff and parents of children in your setting.