New Nurturing Skills Learner Fund

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 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.

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 €360 contribution will be paid by the Fund 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 pilot scheme.

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 Duration

Level 7 – 2 Academic years

Level 8 – 3 Academic years

Programme Costs

The student contribution is €720 per academic year, which can be paid through instalments, subject to the continuation of the NSLF pilot scheme.

Timelines

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.