The ECD programme aimed to provide a once-off payment to support ECD Centres back on their feet after Covid lockdown, in a context in which the closure of ECD facilities  threatened to set back coverage in this crucial area. Most ECD provision is however informal, but the inclusion of  informal ECD providers in the support package proved extemely challenging, in terms of compliance requirements, despite extensive support from civil society. While the programme did not reach the extent of coverage intended, valuable lessons have been learned that are helping to inform more effective outreach in future. The PES has also supported social workers and the National Development Agency (NDA) is supported to run a community service programme.