Funding details
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, T.D., has launched a pilot of a new Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF). The NSLF aims to assist early years educators to pursue early learning and care (ELC) qualifications that have been approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board (QAB) while continuing to work in the sector.
Chevron College has expressed its interest in taking part in the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme for both our L7 and L8 Early Years programmes.
The pilot Nurturing Skills Learner Fund scheme will fund a number of students to undertake QAB-approved Early Learning and Care degree programmes (at levels 7 or 8), with funding provided directly to the educational institutions, lowering the overall cost to those studying while working in the sector.
To minimise the barrier to participation, the pilot fund will meet 80% of the tuition fees and student contribution due by successful applicants, after taking into account other State funding supports (such as free fees and SUSI grants) to a maximum amount of €3,200. The remaining costs can be paid by the student or their employer, though a further 10% contribution will be paid by the Fund 6 months after completion of the course to the student if they remain working in the sector. (It should be noted that student levies, exam fees, and graduation fees, are not supported through the fund.)
The student will be required to provide evidence of approval for NSLF funding to the educational institution of study.
Student Eligibility
In order for student to avail of financial support through the NSLF, it is envisaged that students must be currently working in an ELC or SAC service that is in contract for DCEDIY’s Core Funding programme.
Timelines
It is expected that applications from prospective students for the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund will open in May 2024, with programmes commencing in September 2024. Please complete the initial Expression of Interest form below.
What courses are funded?
The NSLF pilot will make a significant contribution to course fees that early years educators face while pursuing QAB-approved ELC qualifications at levels 7 and 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
- BA (Ord) Early Childhood Education & Care level 7
- BA (Honours) Early Childhood Education & Care level 8
What happens next?
Simply complete the below expression of interest form and subject to approval, we will contact you in May 2024 to proceed with your enrolment for the September intake.