AQW 44215/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 25/03/2015
Answered On Date: 02/04/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the role of the Early Years Organisation, and associated bodies, in driving forward improvement in education provision through (i) raising standards; (ii) supporting all children to reach their full potential; and (iii) narrowing the performance gap at an early age.

Answer:

Early Years – the Organisation for Young Children (EYO) administers the Early Years Fund (EYF) on behalf of my Department under Service Level Agreement. They fulfil a management and accountability role in respect of the funds allocated and provide additional support and guidance to those groups in receipt of funding to ensure that quality standards are raised.

The Early Years Fund was originally established in 2004 to help sustain certain early childhood services in areas of greatest need which were facing funding difficulties when Peace II funding ended. It has effectively remained as a “closed” Fund since then to only those groups that were identified as in need at that time.

The current criteria for receipt of EYF funding, which the eligible groups must demonstrate to EYO are to;

Provide direct early years care and education to children;

Provide a service in areas of low provision, disadvantaged areas or where the service is considered critical for children;

Ensure inclusion and diversity; and

Ensure a standard of excellence in relation to quality.

Any new Department of Education funding to support the Early Years sector will be strategically aligned to the Department’s framework for Early Education and Learning - “Learning to Learn”. Alignment will ensure improved outcomes for young children and their families.