Deferred Entry-Additional year of ELC

 On 2 October 2019, the Minister for Children and Young People committed to bring forward legislation to extend the automatic funding of an additional year of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) in a deferred year to children born after the school commencement date in August to the end of February.

This means that all children who turn 5 after the school commencement date in August to the end of February 2025 and defer entry to primary school will be automatically entitled to an additional year of funded ELC from August 2025. Parents must complete an online 2024-25 application form to ensure a place in ELC provision if they choose for their child not to go to school.

If parents do not apply, every effort will be made to give the child a place in the ELC setting of their choice, but this cannot be guaranteed. Anyone who is considering an additional funded year of ELC for their child need to apply in this first phase (8 January 2024 - 7 April 2024). If decision will be made to attend P1 in August, ELC placement can later be declined.