The new Pathway Fund, open to providers or facilitators of registered early years education, closes for applications at 12 noon on Wednesday 2 March.
![](https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/de/news/480208815%20Childrens%20Silhouettes.jpg?itok=eruMXFtM×tamp=1446547425)
The new fund will prioritise support in areas of disadvantage, where there is little or no provision and where services will enhance integration from an early age. The fund will be administered by Early Years – The Organisation for Young Children.
The fund will also promote services that are delivered on a community-based social economy basis and will focus on the delivery of quality early years services and the sustainability of the early years sector.
Information on the Fund and how to apply is available on the Early Years website.
Notes to editors:
1. The Pathway Fund will replace the Early Years Fund which has been in place since 2004.
2. The new fund will be open to all voluntary and community providers or facilitators of registered early years education and learning services focused on children aged 0-4 years.
3. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect - Education Works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.
4. See photos from the Department of Education in our flickr collection.
5. Media enquiries to the Department of Education’s Communications Team on Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.
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