Better Start

Better Start

If you wish to register for upcoming training or events please see the Better Start website . 

Better Start National Early Years Quality Development is a national initiative established by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and hosted by Pobal. Its aim is to promote and enhance inclusive high-quality Early Learning and Care (ELC) for children from birth to six years of age in Ireland.

Better Start offers three operational programmes:

Quality Development Service- QDS

The Better Start Quality Development Service is a national initiative, available to all Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings in Ireland.  A team of Early Years Specialists provides professional development to settings, catering for children from birth to 6 years. Specialists deliver mentoring and coaching to implement the national frameworks Síolta and Aistear, enhancing quality practice and positive outcomes for children

Access and Inclusion Model – AIM

The Access and Inclusion Model ensures that all children, regardless of disability, can fully take part in mainstream pre-school. AIM helps pre-schools to create an inclusive environment and provides supports to children to meaningfully participate in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) which is a two-year state-funded pre-school programme.

Learning and Development

Better Start works with Early Learning and Care providers to improve quality and create an inclusive environment. The Better Start team coordinates the delivery of Continuing Professional Development, including Hanen Teacher Talk, Lámh Module One and Sensory Processing in Early Learning (SPEL).

If you wish to register for upcoming training or events please see the Better Start website . 

Aistear  Framework – National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) Consultation with Parents and Early Learning and Care Providers

Aistear is the curriculum framework for children from birth to 6 years in Ireland. It provides information for adults to help them plan for and provide enjoyable and challenging experiences so that all children can grow and develop as competent and confident learners within loving relationships with others. 

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) are holding a consultation with parents and ELC providers, including on line consultation seminars, questionnaires for parents and ELC providers and the opportunity to make a written submission. A short video explains the process and links to all the information you need are provided 

To find out more: 

For a short video on the updating Aistear process click here 

To visit the NCCA website page on ‘updating Aistear’ click here