Pre-school Education
South
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme provides early childhood care and education for children of pre-school age. Children can start ECCE when they are 2 years and 8 months of age and continue until they transfer to primary school (provided that they are not older than 5 years and 6 months at the end of the pre-school year). The Department for Education provides an eligibility calendar showing when your child can participate in the ECCE programme (pdf).
The State pays participating playschools and daycare services a set amount per child to offer the ECCE service. The service is for a set number of hours over a set period of weeks. (See more at citizens information)
ECCE is not affected by the introduction of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). You may get financial support from the NCS towards the cost of childcare for the hours spent outside of pre-school. You can read more on ncs.gov.ie.
Many children enrol in pre-school prior to the age of five, with private Montessori schooling gaining in popularity in recent years. There are also a number of special schools for children of Travellers, inner city children and children with special needs. The Access and Includion Model (AIM) website provides information for Parents and Frequently Asked Questions on supports available for children with a disability participating in pre-school education.
The Early Start programme is a one-year preventative intervention scheme offered in selected schools in designated disadvantaged areas in Ireland. Further information is available on www.citizensinformation.ie – Early Start Programme
See also
- Citizens Information – www.citizensinformation.ie – Pre-school education and childcare
- Childminding Ireland – www.childminding.ie
North
Funded pre-school education in Northern Ireland is available in statutory nursery settings and in those voluntary playgroups and private day nurseries participating in the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme. Pre-school places are allocated to children on the basis of a school’s (or playgroup’s) admissions criteria, combined with the parents’ stated order of preference for the setting they wish their child to attend. However, both statutory and voluntary sector providers are required to give priority in their admissions criteria to children from socially disadvantaged circumstances – who, research shows, benefit most from pre-school education – and to the oldest 4-year olds (those with July and August birthdays).
Pre-school education is a non-compulsory phase of education which is designed for children who are in the year immediately before they enter Primary 1. Most pre-school places are available on a part-time basis (at least 2 ½ hours per day) however some nursery schools and classes may offer full-time places (around 4 hours, with lunch available). Please visit – Education Authority – Pre-School Education Programme
See also
Last updated: January 2022
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