Aims and Objectives

The NCIP 2006 - 2013 will build on the existing EOCP Programme and will incorporate the following number of key objectives.

Increase the supply and improve the quality of early childhood care and education services, part-time and full day care, school age childcare and childminding.

Support families and breaking the cycle of disadvantage.

Support a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of childcare which is centred on the needs of the child.

The NCIP 2006-2013 aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality childcare supports and services which are grounded in an understanding of local needs. The County and City Childcare Committees will play a key role in the implementation of the new Programme to enable greater flexibility and responsiveness to local needs. The following services will be eligible for support: those providing care for babies, full-day care, part time places, pre-school places, school age childcare including "wrap around" childcare places and childminding. Special consideration will be given to support services which provide a range of the above.