Training, expert advice and sensory toys to make childcare accessible to all

“6,200 packs to be distributed to childcare centres

to promote development of every child”

Statement by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone

Wednesday, 9th August 2017

Extra Resources

Créches, pre-schools and childcare centres are to receive extra resources to open up their services to children with disabilities.

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, is confirming that resource packs will be developed which will offer centres special instruction manuals, sensory toys as well as the support of a team of experts.

Up to €4m in funding will be provided to ensure that 6,200 packs are distributed across the country.

Minister Zappone is inviting proposals to develop and distribute the packs which must include equipment and materials:

·    to develop manipulation and co-ordination skills;
·    to develop audio, visual and tactile skills;
·    that can be activated by a remote switch (e.g. toys with adapted switches); and
·    that represent a particular disability (e.g. disability awareness toys)  and/or are adapted to promote participation of children with a disability.

The closing date for receipt of proposals is 8th September. Proposals for 3 different AIM Resource Packs are being sought based on different unit costs (i.e. – a) €250 (ex. VAT); b) €350 (ex. VAT); and c) €500 (ex. VAT).

Inviting proposals Minister Zappone added:

“A childcare system which truly delivers for families must be accessible to all.

Last year I was proud to unveil the new Access Inclusion Model (AIM) which supports the participation of children with disabilities in free pre-school education.

Now we are building further on that work by providing special resource packs to every pre-school provider in the country.

In addition to information and advice from experts each provider will also receive sensory toys which will ensure that every child has access to play. This is in line with best international practice and the huge body of research showing play is vital for a child’s development.

I want children to benefit as soon as possible. We are now accepting proposals to provide the packs with a decision due in October and packs in services by the end of the year.

This is another important step as we transform our childcare system from being one of the most expensive in the world into one of the best.”