Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022
55. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department will review the refusal of ECCE for a child (details supplied) considering the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15099/22]
View answerECCE provides universal, free pre-school to children in the eligible age range of 2 years and 8 months to 5 years and 6 months. ECCE is not mandatory but is a very popular scheme, with 95% of children in the eligible age cohort attending ECCE services.
The upper age limit of 5 years and 6 months for ECCE was set in consultation with the Department of Education and ensures that children transition into primary school with their peers. In certain circumstances an over age exemption can be given to enable children with additional needs to remain in ECCE past this age limit.
In making determinations on applications for over age exemptions, my Department is guided by a review of the over-age exemption process which was carried out in 2018 by the National Disability Authority (NDA) for this Department and the Department of Education.
In their published report, the NDA concluded that it is in the best interest of children with additional needs to transition to primary school with their age cohort, rather than being held back with children of a younger age. The report also sought to ensure that schools offer all the assistance necessary to meet the child's needs, with the assistance of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
With regard to the child referred to in the question, he did not meet the criteria for an over-age exemption and had already started in primary school when his parents applied for one. When his parents contacted my Department they were referred to the NCSE to enable them to get supports needed for their child to continue in primary school. I understand that the parents chose to withdraw their child from primary school with the intention of re-enrolling him in the 2022/23. The NCSE will be able to provide supports to help the parents and child to prepare for a return to school.
