Education Minister Paul Givan has defended a decision to alter eligibility for priority pre-school places, a move that has drawn criticism from some assembly members and an academic.
The policy change means children with a parent on benefits will no longer be eligible for priority pre-school admission. Givan stated the aim was to avoid a blanket approach and ensure that parents who are working and struggling financially are not disadvantaged.
Opposition members voiced concerns during a Stormont chamber session. Sinn Féin's Danny Baker reportedly described Givan as "a disgrace" over the move. SDLP's Cara Hunter questioned the removal of what she called the "only statutory protection for children living in absolute poverty." Alliance's Nick Mathison suggested the policy could further disadvantage children at the highest risk of educational disparity.
Dr. Ciara Fitzpatrick, a lecturer at Ulster University, explained that the previous system, Social Deprivation Criteria (SDC), had been used to create an early education selection process that provided a "foot up on the ladder" for "our most vulnerable children." Research indicates that children from working-class backgrounds may start school with fewer communication, school-readiness, and social skills compared to their more affluent peers, making early education crucial for them, Fitzpatrick noted.
Fitzpatrick also raised questions about how the change would impact the number of hours children receive in pre-school. Currently, pre-school hours vary across Northern Ireland, with some children receiving 12.5 hours and others 22.5 hours. She stated that less affluent children were prioritized for 22.5 hours to ensure they weren't at a disadvantage entering primary school.
Givan reported that the proportion of pupils receiving 22.5 hours of pre-school had increased significantly during his tenure, from 40% two years ago to 65% currently. He added that the executive is committed to standardizing full-time pre-school hours, pending the Department of Finance making the necessary funds available.
Fitzpatrick commented that while she understood the frustrations of working-class parents, these issues should not be directed at young children. She described the policy change as a "crude measure that is going to impact our most vulnerable children."
The Education Authority has stated that arrangements to implement the change will begin immediately. Givan asserted that the decision would "level the playing field" for pre-school admissions.