The 2,500 extra pre-school places in Northern Ireland this year by constituency

The extra 2,500 extra full-time pre-school places in Northern Ireland this year have been revealed by constituency. The Education Minister provided the details in response to a written question.

In December 2024, Education Minister Paul Givan announced that 77 pre-school settings throughout Northern Ireland would begin the transition moving from part-time to full-time hours from September 2025. The announcement came after the Minister committed to offering all children aged 3-4 and their families 22.5 hours of pre-school education per week.

Figures at the end of last year showed 60% of children receive 12.5 hours per week and 40% receive 22.5 hours. The standardisation of pre-school settings formed part of a £25 million package of measures to support children, parents, and providers with early learning and childcare.

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Last week, SDLP MLA Sinéad McLaughlin submitted a written question to the Education Minister asking for a breakdown of the new 2,500 full-time pre-school places for this year. The Minister confirmed on Friday, January 24, he intended to bring the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy to the Executive by Autumn 2025.

Ms McLaughlin said this "support for hard-pressed families cannot come soon enough." The strategy aims to address affordability, sustainability, and quality in childcare provision.

The Foyle MLA said: "This announcement is an important step in the right direction. Parents and providers have been waiting far too long for a proper plan to deliver affordable, accessible, and high-quality early education childcare in Northern Ireland.

“It is essential that the strategy is accompanied by an adequate and ambitious funding plan. Families are already under immense financial pressure, and providers are struggling to stay afloat. Without proper funding to meet the needs of parents and providers, the strategy risks falling short of its objectives.

“We must see decisive action from the Executive to ensure that this strategy delivers for all parents and providers across the sector, including registered childminders. Northern Ireland’s childcare system remains one of the most expensive in Europe, and it’s high time we recognise childcare as a fundamental part of our economic infrastructure. Investment in this sector is not just about today – it’s about giving our children the futures they deserve and unlocking the economic potential of our workforce.”

The 2,500 full-time pre-school places in NI by constituency

The number of funded pre-school education places in local areas is set annually by the Education Authority, based on demand and is subject to change from year to year. A summary of the number of additional full-time places by constituency, based on the 2024-25 patterns of demand, is set out below:

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