Funding

A number of funding streams became available in recognition of Northern Ireland emerging from a period of conflict and trauma. The Peace Programme, provided by the European Union, directed two specific initiatives towards Early Years. These were the Childhood Fund and Playcare Initiatives.

The Childhood Fund

The Childhood Fund focused on the rebuilding of communities, cross community cooperation and addressing the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland. The Fund was available within the top 25% wards under Robson and Noble; it distributed resources through the Peace I and II Programmes.

The total additional investment through Peace I was £5,278,257, which provided up to 2,200 places in 400 groups; Peace II invested £3,908,512 in continuing 687 of these places through 87 awards. Many groups that did not achieve Peace II closed. However some sought funding from alternative sources and continue on a short term basis. The total investment in the Eastern area through the Childhood Fund was £9,186,769.

Playcare

The Playcare initiative of £3,102,481 had a focus on economic regeneration and supporting adults to return to employment and training through the provision of childcare services. In total this fund provided 1,045 places through 40 services and has provided employment for 131 Play Workers. For the latest developments with the Playcare initiative contact PlayBoard - details on Contacts page.

The New Opportunities Fund

The New Opportunities Fund Out of School Hours Childcare (OOSHC) has provided £2,4495,857 support to the after school sector since 2000. This investment has enabled a range of services to develop where previously they did not exist, supporting 3,391 places.

All of the three funding schemes are short term and will cease from June 2004 onwards, coming to an end in March 2006. The total additional investment generated by each of these funds since 1997 is detailed in table 2 below.

Total Non-Recurrent Investment in Childcare Provision since 1997.

* The allocation figures refer to both Peace I and II Programmes since 1997.

Latest News June 2005

From June 2005, funding is available to groups currently in receipt of the Childhood Fund or DHSS&PS funding. For further information about this opportunity contact:

Cahal Hynds
Early Years - The Organisation for Young People
6c Wildflower Way
Boucher Road
Belfast
BT12 6TA
Tel: 028 9066 2825
email: cahalh@early-years.org

For more information on sources of funding please see our Funding Guide ('pdf' document will open in new window)