Playgroup Funding Handbook
The Playgroup Funding Handbook provides information about how playgroup funding is calculated and the conditions which need to be met to receive funding in accordance with section 548 of the Education and Training Act 2020(external link).
PG3 Playgroup Funding Form
To claim Playgroup Operational Funding, playgroups should register for access to the Education Resourcing System (ERS). ERS is a funding system for early learning services and schools that allows funding applications to be submitted online. It allows users to track the status of current funding applications and review their funding history requests.
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Access to ERS
You will need to have an Education Sector Logon (ESL) to access ERS.
To obtain an ESL logon to access ERS complete sections 1 and 2 of the ESL 61 Form - ECE user request for playgroups. Send the completed form and proof of identity to your regional Education Advisor who will send you an invitation to create an account.
ESL 61 Form - ECE user request for playgroups(external link)
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Applying for funding
For guidance on how to request funding using ERS, see the training material and user guides available on the Education Applications and Online Systems website.
ERS – Education Applications and Online Systems(external link)
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Timelines
Your Education Advisor will let you know when funding requests are due. The cut-off dates for submission in ERS are:
- 30 June each year for the period 1 January to 30 June of the calendar year.
- 31 December each year for the period 1 July to 31 December of the calendar year.
Requests cannot be submitted after the cut-off dates. Any request submitted after the cut-off dates will be processed as a request for the next funding round.
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Paper funding forms
We encourage all playgroups to use ERS to submit their requests for funding. But if you need to submit a paper form a PG3 Playgroup funding claim form can be downloaded from our website and should be returned to your regional Ministry of Education office.