Toybox, funded by the Department of Education, is an early childhood programme aimed at improving the long-term outcomes for Traveller children and their families. The programme uses a home visiting approach with a focus on play to support children transition into education and advocacy strategies to support young Traveller children (birth to 4 years) and their families have access to high quality early education, formal schooling and family support.
Since Covid-19, Toybox have adapted their service to further develop the emotional health of the children in the programme. Having conducted a parent survey regarding Covid-19, feedback highlighted the impact of the pandemic on the child and family’s wellbeing. Some of the issues faced by the children were due to: