If you work in the early years sector in Ireland you may be wondering what courses are funded by the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund in 2025?
Portobello Institute is participating in the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme (NSLF) to help early years educators upskill.
The courses covered by the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme at Portobello Institute include:
- BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 7) - starts October 4th 2025
- BA (Honours) Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 8) - starts October 4th 2025
What is the BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care and Education Level 7 Degree?
In order for you to choose the right course for you, let's delve into more detail on these qualifications.
The BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care and Education degree, awarded by the University of Essex, is delivered through blended learning, enabling you to work full-time while studying.
Graduates are eligible for the Graduate Premium from DCEDIY for roles in early years settings.
Your work placement hours can be completed within the setting that you are employed in.
The programme is delivered by online learning over two academic years with one-to-one tutor support, accommodating your work-life balance.
The sector is moving rapidly towards a graduate-led workforce and this degree is your opportunity to keep up with those changes.
Upon successful completion, you will be open to new career opportunities and eligible to apply for more diverse roles such as those within community projects and public health.
The programme meets the Professional Award Criteria and Guidelines standards set by the Qualifications Advisory Board (QAB). It is also recognised by DCEDIY for the Graduate Premium.
Upon completion, you will hold a BA (Ord) in Early Childhood Care & Education from the University of Essex, aligned with level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
What is the difference between BA (Ord) level 7 and BA (Hons) level 8?
The level 8 qualification shares the same first two years with the BA (Ord) level 7 degree, the difference is that you continue on to an additional third year to complete the Honours degree level.
The final year takes you a step further, qualifies you for roles with organisations such as Pobal, Better Start, DCEDIY, the Ombudsman for Children's Office and other roles involving policy development, innovation, leadership and change in the sector.
It is suited to people who are thinking about their future in childcare, and roles outside of the setting and working with children. It is also suited to those who own or lead childcare settings who want to deepen their knowledge to offer the best practices possible to the children they work with.
The third year includes a research project you can do in your current work setting.
This work-based programme enhances critical thinking, research skills, and professional practice, including a research project on a relevant topic that you are interested in. You have the opportunity to explore a topic of interest with Portobello's expert tutor support.
This is a valuable learning experience enhanced by small classes, draft assignments, and individual module tutors.
Graduates receive a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies from the University of Essex, recognised at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications, meeting the Professional Award Criteria for Early Childhood Care and Education.
Holding a level 8 degree open the opportunity for you to progress onto postgraduate studies in an are that you are interested which could be anything from an MA Inclusive Education and SEN to an MSc Speech and Language Therapy.
Why Upskill in Early Childhood Care and Education?
One-third of the early years sector working directly with children now holds a level 7 degree or higher.
The proportion of staff with a qualification at level 7 and above increased significantly from 26.6% in 2019/20 to 33.2% in 2021/2022 - a 6% increase.
According to Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028 the purpose of the NSLF is to develop "a well-qualified, skilled, diverse and valued professional workforce that is centred on children’s rights, needs and potential and that provides quality experiences for children in partnership with families, and which continues to advance its professional development within a coherent and competent system.”
Keeping up with the professionalisation of the early years sector in Ireland is beneficial for a number of reasons:
- Improved Quality of Care and Education – Ensures higher standards in early childhood care and education benefiting children’s learning and development.
- Enhanced Child Outcomes – Supports better cognitive, social, and emotional development in young children.
- Increased Recognition for Practitioners – Strengthens the professional status of early years educators, leading to greater respect and career opportunities.
- Higher Standards and Regulations Compliance – Ensures alignment with national frameworks like Síolta (Quality Standards) and Aistear (Curriculum Framework).
- Better Pay and Working Conditions – Contributes to improved wages, benefits, and job security for early years professionals.
- Access to Professional Development – Encourages continuous learning and upskilling through training and qualifications.
- Parental Confidence and Trust – Provides assurance to parents that their children are in safe, high-quality learning environments.
- Attracting and Retaining Skilled Educators – Helps retain experienced staff and attract new talent to the sector.
- Alignment with Government Policies – Supports national goals for early childhood education and care, increasing investment and support from policymakers.
- Long-Term Societal Benefits – Contributes to a well-educated workforce, reduced social inequalities, and economic growth in the future.
How Do You Apply for NSLF?
Step 1: Register your interest to study at Portobello Institute. You can do this by filling in and submitting the form below.
Step 2: Apply online on the relevant course page with Portobello Institute. Either BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care and Education or BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care and Education by using the 'Apply' button. This starts your application process with us.
Step 3: You'll hear from our team with more information and support. Pay a deposit to hold your place with us while your NSLF application processes.
Step 4: From Wednesday, 12th March, 2025, applicants wishing to avail of the fund can email Pobal, at NSLF@pobal.ie to request a link to the NSLF Student Portal in order to create an account and upload employment details and complete the new application process.
Step 5: Submit relevant transcripts of your level 6 qualification to Portobello Institute as part of your application.
Step 6: Our team will assess your eligibility for the course - your application will be accepted or declined. If accepted you will receive an 'offer' which you will need to submit to NSLF ahead of your funding being approved/declined.
Step 7: Upon approval for entry onto Portobello Institute's course you will be registered on the degree programme pending NSLF funding approval. If you are unsuccessful with your application to Portobello Institute or NSLF we can arrange a deposit refund or discuss payment options with you.
Start the process by filling in this form:
Portobello Institute Graduate Success Stories
Read Corine's Success Story here.
Read Ann's Success Story here.
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 0028.
