2852. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the funding available to assist childcare providers with the costs of outdoor equipment, and indoor furniture such as Cots; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56545/26]

The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a programme of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities or additional needs can access the Early Childhood Care and Education or ECCE programme. AIM provides a suite of universal and targeted supports across 7 levels. Under level 5, AIM can provide specialised equipment, appliances or capital grants towards minor building alterations to ensure a child’s meaningful participation in preschool. This could include a hoist, hearing aid or wheelchair ramp to name a few examples. Training in the use of equipment will be given to providers free of charge.

Bia Blasta (Delicious Food),the Preschool Nutrition Programme, is a key funding programme under the Equal Start model. It supports the provision of a light nutritious meal to preschool children in Equal Start services and services with the highest concentrations of preschool children experiencing disadvantage. To date over 450 early learning and care services have opted in to the programme. A limited equipment grant is available for every Bia Blasta service with up to €1,000 available from a list of eligible items related to food preparation including for example, a fridge, a cooker, a dishwasher.