Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) - frequently asked questions

When can my child start their funded ELC hours?

When your child is eligible for funded ELC from, depends on their date of birth:

• 1st March – 11th August = August term after their 3rd birthday.
• 12th August – 28th February = Monday after their 3rd birthday (where 3rd birthday is a Monday, this will be the Monday after). 

Some children are eligible earlier. View the funded two year old ELC placement criteria.

What funded ELC hours is my child entitled to?

Up to a maximum of 1140 hours between 1st August & 31st July (the academic year). Please note that some patterns chosen could run out of hours sooner then the end of the year, if your child’s pattern doesn’t fall over a proportionate amount of the ELC settings closure dates. You can check with your ELC setting if you will be affected. Children using 6 hours per day term time should not be.

Do I have to use all the funded hours?

No, the hours are an entitlement not a requirement, so you can choose to take all or some of the hours available to you.

Is transport provided for ELC?

ELC provision has no entitlement to transport, unless in exceptional circumstances. Further information is available via the Early Years useful documents section.

How do I request an additional year of ELC?

You need to request this by making an online application to P1 during P1 registration week. This takes place mid November.

I am on the waiting list for another ELC setting, what will happen?

You can contact the ELC setting at any time to find out where you are on the waiting list. The ELC setting will contact you throughout the year if any spaces become available. During December, anyone on a local authority ELC waiting list will be contacted if there will be a space available from the following August.

Can I change the ELC hours I use from week to week?

No, a consistent number of ELC hours must be used each week at set times & days of attendance. You will decide this by selecting the ELC model that your child will attend as well as the session times, before they begin their ELC placement. You can at any point request to permanently change this (i.e. change days/increase hours) by giving 4 weeks notice. Where settings offer more than one ELC model, you may be able to permanently change model during the year by giving 4 weeks notice, except from in Term 3.