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Changes to the Free Pre-School Year…the detail explained


There’s great news for parents of pre-school children with the announcement of the extension of the free pre-school year in the budget yesterday.

From September 2016, every child will be eligible at the age of three until they start primary school which has greatly increased access; and pre-school aged children will be able to enrol in the ECCE scheme at the start of each term in September, January and April which makes it much more flexible for parents.

This will be really positive for young children as they will have a longer time in pre-school and will be ready to start school. Currently children are entitled to 38 weeks of free early education but under the new arrangements, many children could benefit from up to 23 additional weeks depending on when their birthday falls.

The ECCE pre-school scheme will also be funded at a higher level of €2,450 per annum which works out as €204 per month (it is currently €2,375 per annum).

The examples below may assist you with in ascertaining when your child will be eligible:

If born within these dates below: Your child can join the ECCE scheme at the entry point below:
July 2012 to August 2013 September 2016
September 2013 to December   2013 January 2017
January 2014 to March 2014 April 2017
April 2014 to August 2014 September 2017
September 2014 to December 2014 January 2018
January 2015 to March 2015 April 2018


We’ll be able to help you with all the ECCE details once your child turns three. For more information, call us on (01) 2450935


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