Dear Service Provider,
In advance of the commencement of Core Funding Compliance Inspections 2026/2027, please see the guidance document provided by Department of Children, Disability and Equality’s (DCDE) on Maintaining a Core Funding Application and Service Profile for Programme Year 5. This guidance is a support and reminder for Partner Services to keep their Core Funding Application and Service Profile data up to date to comply with the Terms and Conditions of the Agreement for the provision of Core Funding in Programme Year 5 (2026/2027), referred to hereafter as “the Agreement”.
Core Funding is calculated and adjusted using information submitted by Partner Services through their Core Funding Application during the Programme Year. Partner Services are responsible for ensuring this information remains accurate and up to date at all times and must maintain records that can be verified by the Department, Pobal or any other agents of the Minister.
The Department expects full compliance with the Agreement and treats breaches seriously. Where non-compliance is identified, the Department may exercise the powers outlined in the Agreement including:
- Suspending or withholding payments.
- Recovering overpayments (clawback/recoupment).
- Terminating the agreement.
- Referring cases to relevant authorities where appropriate.
This guidance document explains Partner Services’ responsibilities for maintaining accurate Core Funding Applications and Service Profiles through Application Changes, outlines the records required for verification purposes, and should be read alongside the Agreement, Programme Rules, and other guidance available on the Early Years Hive.
Kind Regards,
The Early Years Team
