Menu
11/04/2025
Alliance Calls For Action On Pre-School Place Allocations
Alliance Education spokesperson Michelle Guy MLA has called for the Education Minister and his department to take seriously the widespread discontent expressed by parents and pre-school providers regarding the allocation of funded places this year.
The Lagan Valley MLA highlighted concerns raised by many providers, particularly non-statutory ones, about the allocation process, which is determined by a group within the Education Authority (EA). She said out that many providers have expressed frustration at the limited number of places they've received, despite having the capacity to accommodate more children.
She said: "Following the mishandling of admissions emails last week, many families have contacted me and my colleagues, frustrated at being unable to secure a place at their preferred local pre-school. In some cases, providers have indicated they could take on more children if their allocations were increased."
She warned that, without action, children may be forced to travel longer distances for available places, or parents might have to pay for spots at private providers. She added that parents and providers are rapidly losing confidence in the Education Authority’s approach.
She concluded: "The Education Department and EA have misread the strength of feeling from both parents and providers around this, and it’s welcome that the EA has agreed to review how places are allocated. While we await the outcome of this review, I will continue advocating for both parents and providers on this crucial issue."
The Lagan Valley MLA highlighted concerns raised by many providers, particularly non-statutory ones, about the allocation process, which is determined by a group within the Education Authority (EA). She said out that many providers have expressed frustration at the limited number of places they've received, despite having the capacity to accommodate more children.
She warned that, without action, children may be forced to travel longer distances for available places, or parents might have to pay for spots at private providers. She added that parents and providers are rapidly losing confidence in the Education Authority’s approach.
She concluded: "The Education Department and EA have misread the strength of feeling from both parents and providers around this, and it’s welcome that the EA has agreed to review how places are allocated. While we await the outcome of this review, I will continue advocating for both parents and providers on this crucial issue."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 June 2013
22,500 Children Offered Pre-School Place
Over 22,500 children have secured a funded pre-school place for September 2013. The news, announced today by the Department of Education, means 99.9% of target-aged children whose parents engaged with the admissions process have been offered a place.
22,500 Children Offered Pre-School Place
Over 22,500 children have secured a funded pre-school place for September 2013. The news, announced today by the Department of Education, means 99.9% of target-aged children whose parents engaged with the admissions process have been offered a place.
04 December 2024
Increased Funding For Non-Statutory Pre-School Providers
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a significant increase in funding for part-time non-statutory pre-school education providers. This move aims to alleviate financial pressures faced by these providers due to rising costs, including increased wages and utility bills.
Increased Funding For Non-Statutory Pre-School Providers
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a significant increase in funding for part-time non-statutory pre-school education providers. This move aims to alleviate financial pressures faced by these providers due to rising costs, including increased wages and utility bills.
14 October 2024
New Pre-school Toolkit For Diversity Launched
A new online toolkit to help pre-school providers support newcomer children and their families living in Northern Ireland, has been launched by Education Minister Paul Givan. The toolkit has been developed by the Education Authority's Intercultural Education Service in partnership with pre-school settings.
New Pre-school Toolkit For Diversity Launched
A new online toolkit to help pre-school providers support newcomer children and their families living in Northern Ireland, has been launched by Education Minister Paul Givan. The toolkit has been developed by the Education Authority's Intercultural Education Service in partnership with pre-school settings.
18 June 2021
99% Of P7 Children Get 1st Preference School
99% of all current Primary 7 children have achieved a place in their first preference school, according to the 2021 post primary transfer process.
99% Of P7 Children Get 1st Preference School
99% of all current Primary 7 children have achieved a place in their first preference school, according to the 2021 post primary transfer process.
01 June 2015
Majority Of Children Placed In Pre-School Of Their Choice
The majority of children, whose parents applied for a pre-school slot during the schools' admission process, have been allocated a place. The Department of Justice said over 23,400 or 99.
Majority Of Children Placed In Pre-School Of Their Choice
The majority of children, whose parents applied for a pre-school slot during the schools' admission process, have been allocated a place. The Department of Justice said over 23,400 or 99.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
