Is playschool free in Ireland?

Yes, under the ECCE scheme, free playschool/preschool services can be availed of by children within a certain age range. Get in touch with our team for more information on the ECCE scheme.

What does the ECCE scheme cover?

The ECCE scheme is a grant given to offer free preschool services to kids who qualify. This grant entitles a child to 3 hours of preschool, five days a week, 38 weeks of the year.

What age should a child start preschool at?

It’s generally recommended that children begin preschool aged 2.5-4. Here at Kids Kottage, we provide Westmeath pre-school services as well as full day-care services and after-school care services.

Get in touch with the team today to discuss our Westmeath Childcare and Pre-School Services Today

044 9310828 044 9310828 info@kidskottage.ie

Schemes : The eligibility for ECCE

Birth Date between ECCE Start Date ECCE End Date

1-1-2017 to 31-12-2017 1-9-2020 & 1-9-2021 June 2022

1-1-2018 to 31-12-2018 1-9-2021 & 1-9-2022 June 2023

1-1-2019 to 31-12-2019 1-9-2022 & 1-9-2023 June 2024

1-1-2020 to 31-12-2020 1-9-2023 & 1-9-2024 June 2025

From September 2018 children can start ECCE programme if they are 2 years and 8 months old by August 31st. They can continue until they transition to primary school (provided they are not older than 5 years and 6 months at the end of the preschool year)

For children attending Sessional services Preschool is 3 hours per day for 38 weeks (9:00am to 12:00pm or 1.30 to 4:40pm) If your child attends for more hours you will be charged for the extra time.

For children attending Full Day Care Services the ECCE subsidy applies for 3 hours per day and 38 weeks of the year will be deducted from full day care fees. Out of ECCE term time fees will revert to full day care fees.

National Childcare Scheme

The NCS (National childcare Scheme establishes an equitable and progressive system of universal and income related subsidies for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years. This scheme replaces all previous targeted childcare programmes with a single scheme to support parents meet the cost of quality childcare.

The scheme is for children up to 15 years who are attending any participating Tusla registered Childcare Service or Childminder. Under the National Childcare Scheme there are two available subsidies.

Universal Subsidies are available to all families with children under 3 years old. This subsidy is not means tested.
Income Assessed Subsidies. This subsidy is means tested and will be calculated based on your individual circumstances. Your subsidy will be calculated taking account of your family income, your childs age and educational stage and the number of children in your family.

Legacy Schemes:

There are a number of Legacy Schemes still in operation and depending on your personal circumstances you maybe able to participate in them. Get in touch and we will be happy to help you work out whether you qualify for any of them.

TEC – Training and Employment Childcare.
CETS – Childcare Education and Training Support Programme.
Community Childcare Subvention Private.

Here at Kids Kottage, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality children’s care services in Westmeath at great prices. Get in touch for more on the schemes that can help

044 9310828 044 9310828

Schemes FAQ

Is playschool free in Ireland?

Yes, under the ECCE scheme, free playschool/preschool services can be availed of by children within a certain age range. Get in touch with our team for more information on the ECCE scheme.
What does the ECCE scheme cover?

The ECCE scheme is a grant given to offer free preschool services to kids who qualify. This grant entitles a child to 3 hours of preschool, five days a week, 38 weeks of the year.
What age should a child start preschool at?

It’s generally recommended that children begin preschool aged 2.5-4. Here at Kids Kottage, we provide Westmeath pre-school services as well as full day-care services and after-school care services.