South Dublin Childcare Committee

29/05/2026

This report shares the process, findings and recommendations from a 12-month evaluation carried out by DCU ECRC in partnership with the StartBright community. The evaluation explored the StartBright Way and looked at what makes StartBright a strong example of best practice in Early Learning and Care...

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

𝗔𝗜 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱’𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱.

From homework support to Snapchat filters to AI chatbots — Generative AI is now part of everyday life for young people.

That’s why the National Parents Council has co-authored, alongside Webwise Ireland , a new national resource:

📘 A Parents’ Guide to Generative AI

This practical guide supports parents to understand:

• What Generative AI actually is
• How young people are using it
• The real benefits for learning and creativity
• The risks — misinformation, privacy, bias and over-reliance
• Age restrictions parents need to know
• Conversation starters to help you talk about AI at home

Almost half of parents surveyed had not yet discussed AI with their child.

AI isn’t going away.

But with the right guidance and conversations, young people can learn to use it safely, responsibly and confidently.

📥 Download the guide here:
https://www.webwise.ie/parents

🔗 Also available via our Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/nationalparentscouncil

29/05/2026

𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗦𝗔𝗜 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 ⚠️

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has updated its guidance on slush ice drinks containing glycerol.

The FSAI now advises that children aged 10 and under should not consume these drinks due to the potential risk of side effects.

Glycerol is used in some slush drinks to help maintain the “slush” effect, but consuming too much may cause symptoms including:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Low blood sugar

The guidance is particularly important for younger children, who may be more affected due to their body weight.

With warmer weather and summer activities approaching, many families may not yet be aware of the updated advice.

🔗 Read the full FSAI guidance here:
https://www.fsai.ie/news-and-alerts/latest-news/fsai-updates-advice-on-slush-ice-drinks-for-childr

💬 Were you aware of this updated guidance before now?

29/05/2026

26/05/2026

Are you a charity, social enterprise, or non-profit working directly with disabled people? Did you know you can apply for funding through the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund?

€3.5 million is available through this Fund for projects supporting people with disabilities. To date, the Fund has supported 60 organisations and more than 5,000 disabled people to participate more fully in their communities.

The Fund is managed by Rethink Ireland on behalf of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. To apply, please visit: https://rethinkireland.ie/current_fund/disability-participation-awareness-fund-4/

Applications close on Thursday 23 April 2026.

Pictured at the launch of the 2026 Disability Participation and Awareness Fund are (l-r): Trina Coleman, participant in the opera When Forests Sing, which was a previous recipient of DPAF funding; Deirdre Mortell, CEO, Rethink Ireland; Deborah Kelleher, Director, Royal Irish Academy of Music; Rachel Willoughby, When Forests Sing participant; Aoife Goodison-Lawlor, student, Royal Irish Academy of Music; Minister of State with responsibility for Disability Emer Higgins T.D.; Elaine Martin, When Forests Sing participant; and Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley - TD.

26/05/2026

Do you feel your child may benefit from Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) supports?

Applications for AIM level 4 and 5 support opened on 6 May. You can talk to your childcare service provider, and find further information at https://aim.gov.ie/.

26/05/2026

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has today announced €400,000 in funding for new recreational spaces for teenagers.

The four projects will create safe, welcoming spaces where young people can meet friends, spend time outdoors, and enjoy unstructured play and recreation.

Each project will include sheltered, all-weather areas with comfortable seating, appropriate lighting, and accessible design.

Read the full press release here; https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/press-releases/minister-foley-announces-400000-in-funding-for-new-recreational-spaces-for-teenagers/