Consultation on the Draft Northern Ireland Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy

• By March 2026, approve an additional 4,700 full-time (22.5 hours per week) funded pre-school education places with a free school meal for eligible children, meaning that half of all funded preschool education places in all areas across Northern Ireland will be provided on a full-time (22.5 hours per week) basis by September 2026.

• Implement a revised funding model for non-statutory pre-school education provision that includes paid release time for planning, administration, training and Early Years Specialist support, fullstaffing costs and overheads.

Actions that will be prioritised next subject to available resources  (April 2026 to March 2030)

• In September 2026, consult on legislative changes to remove the current statutory admissions criteria prioritising children from socially disadvantaged circumstances when applying for funded pre-school education places.

• By September 2029, approve 75% funded pre-school places across Northern Ireland on a full-time (22.5 hours per week) basis.

Actions that may take longer to implement  (April 2030 to March 2034)

• Continue to progress Pre-School standardisation, with the aim to provide a funded full-time pre-school education place for all target aged children whose parents want it.

• Make legislative changes, subject to consultation, to amend the age range for funded statutory pre-school provision, removing the current requirement to enroll children in their penultimate preschool year