Pathway Fund Applications Open For Early Years Providers

Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced the opening of online applications for the Targeted Early Years Pathway Fund for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years.

The Pathway Fund, introduced in 2016, aims to provide early years education services for children aged 0-4 who may be at risk of falling behind in their education. It also supports early years providers by offering training and governance support.

Minister Givan said "Earlier this year I announced a further £600,000 for the Pathway Fund, bringing the total Pathway Fund to nearly £4.4million in 2024-25. This reaffirms my ongoing commitment to stabilise the early years sector and support for high-quality targeted learning for children at risk of educational underachievement.

"I will continue to make the case for additional financial support to fund the further expansion of Pathway and would urge all providers to engage with the information sessions facilitated by Early Years and submit their applications for this important funding." The Pathway Fund, administered on behalf of the Department of Education by Early Years – the Organisation for Young Children, supports over 10,000 children annually across Northern Ireland in around 180 settings. Projects funded include supporting children in disadvantaged areas with special educational needs or with limited access to early years support.

The new Fund is now open for online applications with further information including a number of information sessions available on the Early Years website.

Early Years Chief Executive, Pauline Walmsley said: "Early Years is pleased to continue our partnership with the Department of Education to further enhance and deliver this crucial funding and we look forward to working with all providers, including childminders in local communities across Northern Ireland to sustain essential early education and childcare services."

All funding awards are subject to Department of Education budget availability and arrangements for year two, 2026/27 and for any future years will be determined at a later date. Applications close on 20 of December 2024.