The Education Authority manages admissions for Pre school Nursery in Northern Ireland. Please log onto the EA website for more information on the process and how to apply online.
https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/admissions.
The EA will continue to update information throughout December 2020 on the pre-school admissions procedure and the admissions criteria for schools / providers, therefore please continue to check on line.
Places for September 2021:
Target/right Age applicants: If your child was born between 2nd July 2017 and 1st July 2018, he/she will be due to start Nursery School in September 2021. The portal for online applications will go live on January 7th at 12 noon until the 29th January at 12 noon. It is very important to apply punctually while the portal is open, as 'punctual' applications are considered before ‘late’ ones.There is NO first-come, first-served during this time - all applications received by 29th January at noon are considered punctual so it isn't necessary to submit an application on the first day system goes live.The application system often becomes overloaded on the first day and you may spend an extensive period of time waiting in a queue.
Underage children: If your child was born between 2nd July 2018 and 1st July 2019, you can apply for an ‘underage’ place. Again please ensure you apply on time other wise your application will be treated as late.
When you are completing your application please ensure you make at least 5 choices as you may not always receive your first, second or third preference.Once you have submitted your application ,you will receive a second email from the Education Authority. This e-mail will contain a secure link where you can securely upload your child's birth certificate and any other documents e.g. Benefit Verification if you have ticked 'Social Disadvantage' on the application.Please ensure you tick this box if you are in receipt of income support or universal credit. It is very important that these documents are uploaded online as this information will be used in the selection process. If verifying documentation is not uploaded the Board of Governors will not be able to use this evidence to support your application during the selection process.
If your circumstances change, such as address, preferences, entitlements and you need to make any changes on your application, you can make the necessary changes online up until noon on 29th January via the portal. Don't forget you must resubmit your application again to ensure it is back in the system.
If you need to make any changes(eg:preferences) after the 29th January you will need to seek advice and guidance from the admissions team help desk in the Education Authority, this may only be possible in Exceptional Circumstances.
A virtual open presentation can be found in parents tab.
https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/admissions/applying-for-a-school-place
