As the new NCS programme call 2024/2025 has commenced, NCS on-site inspections will continue as previously. The compliance process will involve a series of standardised checks aimed at confirming adherence with programme rules, contract conditions and relevant legislation as set out by the Department of Children Equality Disability Integration & Youth (DCEDIY).
It is advised that services prepare for an unannounced compliance inspection by collating relevant information for review e.g. Parent Statements etc. in a Compliance File which can be made readily available to the Visit Officer on arrival. This will ensure minimum disruption and expedite the compliance inspection. It is acknowledged that services file their records in different ways which is acceptable, but it should be noted that records must be available onsite to enable the Visit Officer(s) to complete the compliance inspection in a reasonable timescale. In this regard we request that the person in charge on-site has access to the Compliance File / records in the event of an unannounced inspection. Please only maintain compliance related information in the Compliance File.
NB: NCS inspections require 12 months of records available and accessible for review.
Guidance on Attendance record keeping was published on the Hive on 17/06/2024 which advised that the format of the attendance records is not daily sheets, but rather that each page shows at least one week of attendance (i.e. weekly sheets/roll books). This will greatly support services when tracking attendance patterns of individual children, to assist in submitting weekly NCS Hive returns and keeping ECCE and CCSP Saver Programme registrations up to date.
With the commencement of the NCS 2024/25 inspection cycle, the Pobal Compliance team have updated the relevant NCS compliance support documents which are available on the Hive under the Resources section. These documents are listed below and can also be accessed through here: https://earlyyearshive.ncs.gov.ie/downloads/downloads-ncs/
NCS Compliance Checklist for Approved Providers 2024/2025
– NCS Compliance Approved Provider Guide 2024/2025
– NCS Post Inspection Rectification Actions for Approved Providers 2024/2025
– Accessing the NCS Compliance Report on Hive 2024/2025 (NB: Being finalised and will be uploaded to Hive in due course)
Please note – these documents are only supports, intended to assist you. There is an onus on each Provider to familiarise themselves with their responsibilities under the NCS legislative and contractual conditions.
In addition, webinars on the NCS Compliance process 2024/2025 are going to be scheduled for Providers the week beginning 16 September 2024. Each webinar will cover the same content. We encourage you to take the opportunity to attend a webinar. Following the conclusion of the webinar sessions, a recording of a session will also be made available on the Hive with the Powerpoint slides.
A further announcement will be issued in advance of ECCE/CCSP/AIM Level 1 & 7 compliance inspections commencing.
