StartBright Early Learning Centres - Evaluation Report

Posted on 28 May 2026


This report shares the process, findings and recommendations from a 12-month evaluation carried out by DCU ECRC in partnership with the StartBright community. The evaluation explored the StartBright Way and looked at what makes StartBright a strong example of best practice in Early Learning and Care.

The report is based on workshops, discussions and interviews with staff, team members and stakeholders, along with supporting documents provided by StartBright.

It is intended to support both the StartBright community and external decision-makers, including policy makers, by offering insights into what makes StartBright unique and what is needed to support sustainable community-based early childhood services in Ireland. The report also includes practical recommendations to guide future discussion, planning and improvement.

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