Why is the EPM being introduced?
The Equal Participation Model will seek to promote equitable participation for all children in ELC and SAC, with a particular focus on children experiencing different forms of disadvantage.
It is envisaged that the EPM will promote inclusion and provide supports to enhance belongingness, engagement, care, and learning equitably in all ELC and SAC settings. The model will aim will aim to provide universal supports to children and families all over the country, and targeted supports to address the needs of children and families in ELC and SAC settings operating in the context of of concentrated disadvantage.
The development of the EPM is driven by a commitment in First 5, to develop a model for ELC and SAC settings, informed by the DEIS model in schools, to create further opportunities to narrow the gap for children experiencing economic and social disadvantage.
The work of an Expert Group to develop a new funding model for the sector, set out its report Partnership for the Public Good: A New Funding Model for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (2021), explored this commitment further, conducting research on how to identify children and settings in need of additional support and potential funding models to address early childhood disadvantage and made a number of recommendation to take this work forward
Links to key documents
EPM Steering Committee Terms of Reference
Report on the needs of parents with experience of Early Learning and Care School Age Care services
Report on NGO Day 1 Workshop Feedback
Report on NGO Day 2 Workshop Feedback
Report on ELC and SAC Day 1 Workshop Feedback
Report on ELC and SAC Day 2 Workshop Feedback