Weir continues to invest in Early Years Pathway Fund

Education Minister, Peter Weir, has announced new arrangements for the Early Years Pathway Fund.

The Pathway Fund replaced the Early Years Fund from April 2016 and is administered by Early Years – the organisation for Young Children (EYO). The Pathway Fund prioritises support in areas of disadvantage where there is little or no provision.

Speaking today, Minister Weir said:

“During this first year of the Pathway Fund approximately 3,140 children directly benefited from support and I want to continue to build on these positive outcomes. Having reviewed the first year of the Fund I intend to introduce new arrangements for 2017/18.  Reflecting on the views of sector and the need to provide an element of stability, I want to continue supporting interventions whilst also enabling a wider range of provision to be supported.

“I have therefore committed to keep the Pathway Fund in place at the same level of investment as 2016/17 with new arrangements for application.  Organisations who were awarded funding in 2016/17 will have the opportunity to avail of Pathway funding for a further year.

“My Department will work with the Fund administrator, EYO to establish the arrangements for the Pathway Fund so that awards can be made from April 2017 onwards. 

“The organisation will engage directly at an early opportunity with those in the sector to provide information about the Fund and the new arrangements for 2017/18.

“I wish all those involved well for the future. I have no doubt the Pathway Fund will continue to have a positive impact on those it seeks to serve.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Pathway Fund was established in April 2016 and replaced the previous Early Years Fund.
2. Pathway funding in 2016/17 was £3million and the Fund continues at the same level in 2017/18.
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