Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
506. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if consideration is being given to the establishment of a targeted summer childcare support scheme for working families during school holiday periods, particularly for children transitioning from preschool to primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41343/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMany registered early learning and childcare providers operate year round and provide early learning and childcare places throughout the summer months.
These places are subsidised by the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) for a maximum of 45 hours per week.
Local Childcare Committees can provide details of such services to parents seeking a place.
In addition, children who meet the criteria and are entering primary school in September 2026 are eligible for the Summer Programme, operated by the Department of Education and Youth. The Summer Programme is for children with complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage.
There is also wider initiatives to support with the transition to primary school.
The Department funds the National Parents Council to deliver both face to face and online transitions meetings for parents with children leaving pre-school and starting primary school.
The Little Library initiative which is funded by the Department in collaboration with the Local Government Management Agency and Libraries Ireland offers a free little library bag for every child starting primary school at their local library. The bag contains 2 books on the themes of making friends and starting school and resources for children and parents on transitions. Over 40K of these bags are collected each year.
The Tús Máith pilot in 5 counties in the Northwest of the country which is a collaboration between Childcare Committees and Education Centres connects pre-schools and schools in these counties to connect educators, teachers, parents and children to work together on making preparations for each of the children starting school. The learning from this pilot is informing policy.
The Department also runs a digital campaign every summer to give families all the information they may need to support both transitions in early learning and care and the transition from pre-school to school. The is a campaign on social media and is supported by the Let's Get Ready website which is a one stop shop for all information a parent might need.
The Department is currently working with the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and science on a National Transitions Policy. The Inter-Departmental Group has been established to develop the policy in 2026. The Group is working collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders to co-create the National Transitions Policy.
