Empowering Inclusive Practice Through Continuing Professional Learning: Interim Evaluation Report Highlights Positive Impact of LINC+ CPD Programme

New report explores how sustained professional learning and Communities of Practice are supporting Inclusion Coordinators to lead inclusive pedagogy and practice

Pictured (left to right): Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland; Liz Kerrins, Director of Research at Early Childhood Ireland; Claire Butterly, National Coordinator of the LINC Programme; Dr. Linda Kelly, Researcher at Early Childhood Ireland; and Lorraine Diggins, Former LINC+ CPD Tutor. 

The LINC Programme celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday, 24 April with the launch of the Interim Evaluation of the Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years Continuing Professional Development (LINC+ CPD) Programme 2021–2023. The virtual event brought together sector leaders, educators and programme participants to reflect on the evaluation’s key findings and celebrate the impact of LINC+ CPD on inclusive practice in Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings across Ireland.

The LINC+ CPD Programme, launched in 2021, provides continuing professional development for graduates of the Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme. It supports Inclusion Coordinators (INCOs) in strengthening inclusive pedagogy and leadership through self-paced learning and participation in Communities of Practice.

The interim evaluation highlights the experiences of participants during the period of 2021-2023, demonstrating how sustained, targeted professional learning can foster inclusive culture and strengthen leadership across diverse early years settings.

Professor Emer Ring, Dean of Early Childhood and Teacher Education at Mary Immaculate College, welcomed the publication:
“The findings of the evaluation clearly demonstrate the pivotal importance of a targeted and responsive professional learning infrastructure to support early childhood teachers in cultivating inclusive culture, pedagogy and practice. The LINC+ CPD Programme has made a significant contribution to supporting high-quality inclusive ELC provision in Ireland. I would like to thank all of the outstanding colleagues on the LINC+ team and INCOs whose commitment to excellence has made these achievements possible.”

Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, emphasised the sector-wide benefits of the programme:
“It is hugely encouraging to see how the LINC+ CPD Programme strengthens professional practice across Early Years and School Age Care. The evidence is clear that access to high-quality, fully funded CPD is a cornerstone of professional practice. This programme plays a vital role in delivering quality experiences for all children by supporting LINC graduates in developing inclusive environments and exploring best practices from both national and international contexts.”

Niamh Fortune, Head of the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University, reflected on the programme’s impact:
“This report highlights the dedication and hard work of the entire LINC team. The LINC+ CPD Programme has had a transformative impact on the early years sector. No doubt, its participants will be empowered with the knowledge and confidence to lead inclusion in the early years.”

Claire Butterly, National Coordinator of the LINC Programme, acknowledged the importance of participant input:
“We are delighted to launch the Interim Evaluation of the LINC+ CPD Programme. The evaluation highlights key insights from participants who engaged with the programme between 2021 and 2023. Their feedback has played a vital role in strengthening the LINC+ CPD Programme, and we’re proud to see this reflected in the sustained engagement with both the CPD packages and our Communities of Practice. A heartfelt thank you to all our participants for your dedication to the programme and your commitment to leading inclusive culture, practice, and pedagogy in your settings, helping to make each child’s experience more welcoming, equitable and accessible.”

Developed as a progression pathway for graduates of the Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme, the LINC+ CPD Programme builds on the foundations of inclusive leadership established through the nationally accredited Level 6 award. Since 2016, the LINC Programme has supported early years educators to take on the role of Inclusion Coordinator (INCO) within their settings, fostering inclusive practice across the sector. Introduced in 2021, the LINC+ CPD Programme offers ongoing, accessible professional learning through online modules and Communities of Practice. It continues to empower INCOs to lead with confidence, foster collaboration and create more welcoming and equitable learning environments for all children.

Liz Kerrins, Director of Research at Early Childhood Ireland, noted the innovative approach taken by the programme:
“The interim evaluation demonstrates how impactful and meaningful the LINC+ Programme is, providing graduates with a unique opportunity to deepen their inclusive practice, knowledge and values through innovative continuous learning processes, including peer learning in Communities of Practice.”

Dr. Linda Kelly, Researcher at Early Childhood Ireland, shared insights from the evaluation process:
“It is wonderful to launch the Interim Evaluation of the LINC+ CPD Programme and to share its positive findings, which are a testament to the dedication of LINC graduates to inclusive practice and ongoing professional learning. It was a privilege to explore participants’ ‘LINC journeys’ through the research process, which illustrate how the programme has been a powerful agent of change.”

The Interim Evaluation of the LINC+ CPD Programme 2021–2023 is available to view online: Read the report

For more information on the LINC Programme, visit www.lincprogramme.ie

Helena Thompson
Marketing, Communications & Recruitment Officer, LINC Programme
T: +353 86 152 5625
E: Helena.Thompson@mic.ul.ie

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