Givan levels playing field in pre-school admissions for hard working families
Date published:
Today the Education Minister has announced decisive action to level the playing field for hard working families seeking admission to pre-school education.
As the Department begins a consultation on removing the Socially Disadvantaged Circumstances (SDC) criterion, the Minister has confirmed that only those receiving benefits specifically named in the outgoing Regulations will be prioritised in the pre-school admissions process next year. This will end the practice of ‘reading in’ any new benefits that may have replaced them.
Speaking in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Paul Givan said:
“Parents, pre-school education practitioners and elected representatives from across the Assembly have been clear; the current prioritisation when applying for funded pre-school education places is now outdated, unnecessary and unfair. There are enough funded places in every area of Northern Ireland to accommodate every pre-school aged child.
“The current practice is also no longer legally defensible. The action I am taking today represents significant and immediate progress towards a fairer approach to pre-school admissions in advance of the necessary legislative change."
Paul Givan concluded:
“This change is about supporting hard working families and ensuring they are no longer disadvantaged. It is about placing pre-schools on an equal footing with primary and post primary schools, empowering them to select admissions criteria that best reflect their individual settings and the communities they serve. The consultation will help inform how we take the next step and I encourage everyone to respond."
In his statement to the Assembly, the Minister also reinforced his pledge to support families with young children, through the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) as well as other Early Learning and Childcare Strategy initiatives. He confirmed his commitment to ensuring that a suitable full-time pre-school place is available for every child whose parents want one.
The public consultation on Pre-school Admissions: Socially Disadvantaged Circumstances (SDC) criterion seeks views on whether any new legislation or guidance is required. It is available now on the Department of Education website. Responses from all stakeholders and interested parties are welcome.
The consultation can be accessed at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/pre-school-admissions-consultation-socially-disadvantaged-circumstances-sdc-criterion
Further information is available in the Oral Statement at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/oral-statement-pre-school-admissions-and-socially-disadvantaged-circumstances-criterion-sdc
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