Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
774. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the consideration she has given to extending the age limit on the second year for free preschool allowances due to the Covid-19 pandemic. [12667/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has considered the proposal to extending the age limit on the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, but does not believe that to do so would be in the best interests of children.
Since September 2018, all children meeting the minimum age requirement of 2 years and 8 months are eligible for two full programme years on the ECCE programme.
The provision of a second year of ECCE required either an increase in the upper age limit or a reduction in the lower age limit. A change to the minimum age from 3 years to 2 years 8 months was chosen however, the upper age limit remained the same i.e. a child is not eligible if they will be 5 years and 6 months before the end of the ECCE programme year.
The upper age limit was set in consultation with senior officials from the Early Years Education Policy Unit in the Department of Education and Skills and ensures that children transition into primary school with their peers, and limits the age range of children beginning primary school. Limiting the diversity in age ranges in children beginning primary school education is in the best interest of children, in relation to peer interaction in junior infants, as well as other educational considerations.
My Department and the Department of Education and Skills has developed the 'Transitions' programme to provide support to parents and children who will be starting primary school this autumn, in recognition of the fact that children have not attended pre-school since March. Information on the programme can be found on both Departments' websites.
