For the 2015/2016 year children must be aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months on September 1st 2015 to qualify for free pre-school. The table below sets out when a child must have been born to be eligible. From September 2016, the scheme will be extended to allow access to children from the age of 3 years up to the time they commence Primary School. The department has set 3 entry points during each year:

September, for children who turn 3 years on or before the 31st August January, for children who turn 3 years on or before the 31st December April, for children who turn 3 years on or before the 31st March