In a significant development for early childhood education, Education Minister Paul Givan has announced that an additional 2,500 children across 105 pre-school settings in Northern Ireland will receive full-time pre-school education starting in September 2025. This initiative aims to enhance the learning experience for young children and provide crucial support for parents.
During a recent visit to Jolly Pirates Pre-School, Minister Givan revealed the plans for expanding pre-school education. The selected 105 settings, which span all council areas and include various types of pre-school management, will transition from part-time to full-time operations, delivering 22.5 hours of educational provision each week.
Minister Givan stated, “I had previously indicated my intention to transition 100 pre-school settings to deliver 22.5 hours pre-school per week from September 2025. Having considered the requests made by pre-school settings and the feedback from the public consultation, I have now approved 105 settings to transition from September 2025.”
This expansion will provide children with more opportunities to engage in a play-based learning environment, fostering their development through increased interaction with pre-school staff. The longer hours not only enhance educational experiences but also ensure that eligible children have access to funded school meals, promoting better nutrition during formative years.
Moreover, the extended hours are designed to assist parents in managing their childcare needs. With longer sessions available, families can benefit from a more structured and reliable childcare solution. This aligns with the government’s ongoing commitment to support families and improve early learning outcomes.
Pre-school settings selected for this transition do not need to take any immediate action, as the Department of Education and the Education Authority will continue to engage with these institutions. Their role will be to provide guidance during the transition and identify further settings that may be considered for similar changes in future years.
The full list of the 105 pre-school settings approved for full-time pre-school education is accessible on the Department of Education’s official website under the section for Minister’s Decisions on Pre-School Settings Requesting Transition from September 2025.
This initiative is part of a broader £25 million package aimed at bolstering early learning and childcare provisions in Northern Ireland for the 2024/25 academic year. This funding is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting children, parents, and providers, ensuring that young learners receive a solid foundation in their educational journey.
As Northern Ireland continues to prioritise early childhood education, this expansion reflects the government’s dedication to improving the quality and accessibility of pre-school services. The decision is poised to benefit thousands of families, fostering a more supportive and enriched environment for the next generation of learners.
