What is the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF)?
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 NSLFaims 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 is an Approved Higher Education Institution for 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.
Funding is limited and programme places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
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. Furthermore, students will need to meet the proogramme entry requirements; by holding a QQI Level 6 Childhood Care and Education Major Award, Level 6 LINC Special Purpose Award or equivalent.
Programme Costs
- Yearly Cost: €720 (can be paid in 5 monthly instalments of €144 each)
- Learner Fund Contribution: An additional €360 directly paid to the student for each year of studies, 6 months after you have completed the course providing you are still working in Early Years
*NSLF funding will be available to support students who are progressing in their degrees ie not repeating years, subject to the continuation of the NSLF pilot scheme