05 April, 2024 | Posted by Jenny Smith

How to Apply for the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme for Early Childhood Care and Education 2024

Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme

Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme 

We're delighted to share with you that Portobello Institute is participating in the new Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme (NSLF)

The new fund helps early years educators to upskill to level 7 and level 8 qualifications by covering part of the cost.

The courses covered by the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme at Portobello Institute include:

How Much of the Cost Does the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme Cover?

Fees for the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme are calculated as follows:

  • Cost per academic year: €3,600
  • Nurture Fund Grant at 80% of fee: €2,880
  • Cost to student per academic year: €720

Important: If you remain working in the early years sector for 6 months after completion of the course, you will be entitled to reclaim 10% of the total fees i.e. €360 per academic year.

The total cost to the student, after this rebate, will be €720 for the 2 years of the level 7 degree.

Payment method – pay €720 to secure your place in year 1.

A similar amount will be payable on or before 30th June 2025 to secure your place and confirm progression to year 2.

Students will need to provide evidence of NSLF approval to Portobello Institute when applying for either of the degree programmes. 

How will I know if I am eligible? 

To qualify for financial support through the NSLF, all course applicants must currently be employed in an Early Learning and Care (ELC) or School Aged Childcare (SAC) service under contract for DCEDIY’s Core Funding program. 

How many places are available? 

This is a pilot fund with the number of places allocated for funding limited.

It is essential to register your interest and submit your application early to avail of this extraordinary opportunity.

Application Timeline 

Applications for the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund will open in May 2024, for degree programmes commencing in October 2024.

To ensure that you keep up to date with the fund application timelines, please complete the initial Expression of Interest form provided below and we will be in touch with you as soon the application window is open.  

Portobello Institute is delighted to be part of the NSLF and looks forward to supporting you in furthering your education and career in Early Learning and Care. 

Please note - this is a pilot fund and the number of places allocated are limited, registering your interest and early application will be essential to ensure you don't lose this opportunity.

Register your Interest

Please fill in this form to let us know that you are interested and we will contact you with more information.

Which Qualification is Right For Me?

If you hold a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education or Early Learning and Care at level 6 or equivalent you can complete the BA Ord Early Childhood Care and Education degree in just two years and there will be an opportunity to go onto a one-year BA Honours (level 8) programme after its completion.

If you hold an award in Early Childhood Care and Education at level 7, you can complete a level 8 award in one year at Portobello Institute.

Why Choose Portobello Institute?

Portobello Institute foundations lie in early years education since 1981.

We have a longstanding reputation in the early years sector, offering you flexibility through our blended learning delivery so you can study on your own time while balancing family and work commitments.

Many of our graduates found our delivery and one-to-one support helped them to go further than they ever thought possible, as our tutors take a personal interest in your success, nurturing every student to achieve their best.

Our tutors are knowledgeable, experienced practitioners who know all of the latest changes in the sector, as well as the foundational principles necessary for success in early childhood care and education.

Corine's Peter's Portobello Institute Early Years Success Story

Read Corine's Success Story here.

Ann Maher Success Story Portobello Institute Early Years

Read Ann's Success Story here.

Anna Portobello Early Years Success Story

Read Anna's Success Story here.

If you are interested in obtaining funding through the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme please register your interest by completing the form above and we will be in touch with you.

If you have any questions you can book a consultation call with our expert course advisor Sarah Coyne email sarah.coyne@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0041.

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