Portobello Institute - Early Years degree, Montessori and Childcare

⏰ NSLF application deadline: 1st May 2026 don’t miss your chance to apply!

Thinking about progressing your career by starting your Early Childhood Care and Education degree?

The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) can cover up to 90% of your course fees when studying a Level 7 or Level 8 ECCE degree with Portobello Institute, starting October 3rd 2026 through blended learning (online around full-time work hours).

If you’re currently working in the early years sector with a level 6 qualification and looking to progress, this funding could make your next step possible.

🔗 Learn more about eligibility, the application process, and how to register your interest via the link in comments or reach out to us through DMs.

Thinking about starting your Early Childhood Care and Education degree?

The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) can cover up to 90% of your course fees when studying a Level 7 or Level 8 ECCE degree with Portobello Institute, starting October 2026.

Applications for the NSLF 2026 are now open. If you're working in the sector and looking to progress your qualifications, this funding could make your next step more accessible.

🔗 Learn more about eligibility, the application process, and how to register your interest via the link in comments below.

This Throwback Thursday, we’re looking back at one of the earliest advertisements placed by our founder, Delia Lyons.

Portobello Institute has been female founded from the very beginning.

In 1981, Delia Lyons placed one of the first advertisements for what would become Portobello Institute. It was built on a simple belief: that education should empower people to create opportunity and shape their own future.

As we continue celebrating International Women’s Day this week, we’re reflecting on that founding vision and the women who continue to shape our community today. 45 years later, women make up 65% of our team across academic and professional roles, supporting learners every day. We’re also proud to be led by inspiring women, including Executive Dean Denise Flood and CEO Rebekah Lyons.

From our founder to the women across our institute today, that original spirit continues to guide Portobello.

🔗Learn more about how Portobello Institute continues to support learners to shape their future, visit the link in the comments section.

“I already have many years of experience. The missing piece of my puzzle was a degree. My belief is that young children deserve to have their education and care taken seriously and have a graduate-led workforce. I hope that this is the direction that Ireland is taking and am very proud to be a part of it.”

Anne Marie Dalton from Meath is studying for her BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care and Education degree at Portobello Institute, with 15 years of experience, this is the ‘missing piece of the puzzle’ to align her experience with her qualification level.

Our blended learning approach makes it possible for students like Anne Marie to continue working full-time while studying for their degree, allowing them to build on their professional experience while gaining a recognised qualification.🎓

If you are working with children in the early years sector and hold a level 6 qualification, you could apply for your early years level 7 or level 8 degree with the support of NSLF funding and join the graduate-led workforce like Anne Marie.

Read more about Anne Marie's journey and NSLF through links in the comments!

We’re delighted to see the impactful work of our expert volunteers highlighted in The Hindu, one of India’s most widely circulated English-language news publications. 📰

Over the past week in Chennai, more than 30 special educators from 15 local institutions took part in an immersive upskilling workshop in partnership with Chennai Volunteers and delivered by our Portobello team of volunteers.

The certified inclusive education upskilling programme focused on practical problem-solving strategies that educators can bring straight into their classrooms to support learners with diverse needs.

This upskilling when shared with peers and brought into classrooms has the potential to improve inclusive education practices for thousands of children in Chennai.

Being featured in one of India’s most respected publications highlights the wonderful impact of our team's work. Huge thank you and well done to everyone involved! 👏

🔗You can read more about this volunteer work by clicking the link in our bio.

🔗Read the full article in the comments below.

Portobello Institute is now taking applications for our BA (Ord) and BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care and Education degrees starting October 3rd. 📚

These courses are eligible for funding through the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) which is expected to launch soon and we look forward to supporting you with the application process!

Join our Early Years Programme Lead, Jacinta Murphy, and Admissions Advisor, Limin Bai, for this online information evening, as they walk you through how the NSLF could help fund up to 90% of your Early Years degree and what you need to know to get started.

📅 Wednesday, 25th March
🕖 19:00 - 20:00
💻 Online via Microsoft Teams, free to attend

Whether you’re curious about eligibility, how to apply, or why Portobello Institute is the best education provider to choose - this session is for you!

🔗Register now through the link in comments and get ready to take the next step in your early years career with NSLF and Portobello Institute!

“I bring both professional experience as an SNA and personal experience as a parent of a child with special educational needs. This combination allows me to approach my role with authenticity and understanding, which helps foster participation and engagement in class.”

Michelle Thompson is a Portobello Institute graduate who is now tutoring on our BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice degree - sharing her invaluable personal, professional and academic experience with our students.

At Portobello Institute, our qualifications are designed to support practically upskilling, led by industry experts with hands-on experience, and focused on professional outcomes, giving our students the skills and confidence to make an immediate impact.

Read more about Michelle's expertise by clicking the link in the comments!

Interested in teaching in Ireland, the UK or abroad but unsure where to start?

Join us for a free online information evening with lecturer Derek Fox, who will guide you through Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the Assessment Only Route (AOR) including eligibility, application steps, registration pathways and progression opportunities.

Ask your questions live and get expert support to take the next step to teaching with confidence.

📆 Wednesday, 28th January, 18:30 - 19:30 (online via Microsoft Teams)