As part of the National Conversation on Education: the First Five Years and School-Age Childcare the Department is holding a series of local consultation events taking place nationwide from 20–30 April 2026. These consultations are being organised and delivered by the 30 City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs).

Each consultation will run for approximately 1.5-2 hours giving all participants the opportunity to contribute. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Whether you’re a parent, an early years educator, a school age childcare practitioner, a childminder, a service provider, or someone with an interest in the future of early learning and care and school age childcare – we want to hear from you!

Your views will inform:

• wider discussion as part of the National Conversation on Education;
• Phase 2 of Shaping the Future: the Early Years Action Plan; and
• the successor strategy to First 5: the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028.

Register Now!

Tuesday 28th April 2026, 7.00-9.00pm, Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow. R93 N207.
Click this link to Register Tuesday 28th April

Further information on the National Conversation on Education: the First 5 years and School-Age Childcare can be found here