What is NSLF?
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (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.
NSLF was introduced on a pilot basis in 2024 and is anticipated to continue for the academic year 2025/2026.
Chevron College is an Approved Higher Education Institution for the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme for both our L7 and L8 Early Years programmes.
The 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, up to a maximum amount of €3,200. The remaining costs can be paid by the student or their employer, though a further 10% (€360) contribution will be refunded to the student six months after completion of each academic year, once they remain working in a ELC/SAC service and subject to the continuation of the NSLF scheme.
Student Eligibility
Those wishing to make an application must meet the following eligibility criteria for the NSLF,
• be working with children in a Tusla-registered Early Learning and Care (ELC) or School Age Childcare (SAC) service,
• the service in which the applicant is working in, must have a current signed Core Funding contract with DCEDIY.
• Applicants must have worked within an ELC or SAC service for the six months prior to their application.
Furthermore, students will need to meet the programme entry requirements; by holding a QQI Level 6 Childhood Care and Education Major Award, Level 6 LINC Special Purpose Award or equivalent.
Funding
For successful applicants, the NSLF scheme will make a contribution of up to 90% of course fees over the course of the degree.
Funding will be paid each year to an amount of 80% of the total cost of course fees (after discounting other governmental assistance such as Free Fees, SUSI etc..) to a maximum cap of €3,200 per year. This funding will be paid directly to the educational intuition on behalf of the successful applicants. The remaining 10% (of the overall 90% contribution) will be refunded to the applicants after completion of the course and contingent on the successful applicants remaining working in the sector for 6 months after completing.
What is the duration of the course?
How much dose the course cost
What are the timelines
What courses are funded?
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.