Early education providers in danger of never reopening

Fears that services may not re-open after government move

The ECCE scheme was halted in recent weeks in the face of the global pandemic and country-wide closures of early years facilities

Independent early years education providers across Ireland are in danger of never re-opening after the government paused funding from the Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) scheme in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to some providers.

The ECCE scheme provides funding for childcare services to allow children to access early learning prior to starting primary school.