Rural Childcare Programme

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) launched a £1.5million Rural Childcare Programme aimed at improving childcare provision in rural areas.  (See Ministerial Foreward by Michelle Gildernew MP MLA).  The closing date for applications was 30 June 2009.

Rural Childcare was identified as a key priority in DARD's recently developed rural Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Framework and the Rural Childcare Stakeholder Group report.  The aim of the programme was to provide solutions that address the particular and distinct challenges faced by rural communities in childcare provision.  Application to the Rural Childcare Programme was restricted to pilot or demonstration projects run by community organisations or representative organisations that address the priority areas in a rural context.  See Rural Childcare Programme Information Booklet.

The Rural Childcare Programme is administered through Rural Development Division’s Omagh Office.  

                       Rural Childcare Programme Section
                       DARD Rural Development Division
                       21 Hospital Road
                       Omagh
                       Co Tyrone
                       BT79 0AN

                       Telephone: 028 8224 7727.