Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998

Introductory

Application and interpretation of this Chapter

22.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), this Chapter applies in relation to the admission of children to pre-school education at grant-aided schools.

(2) This Chapter applies in relation to the admission of a child to pre-school education at a grant-aided school taking effect, or proposed admission which would take effect, in the school year ending on 31st July 2000 and in any subsequent school year.

(3) This Chapter does not apply in relation to—

(a) special schools;

(b) schools established in hospitals; or

(c) the admission to pre-school education at grant-aided schools of children in respect of whom statements are maintained under Article 16 of the [1996 NI 1.] Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.

(4) In this Chapter—

(a) any reference to a school is a reference to a grant-aided school at which pre-school education is provided;

(b) any reference to full-time pre-school education is a reference to pre-school education normally provided for at least 4 hours and 30 minutes on each school day, and any reference to part-time pre-school education is a reference to pre-school education normally provided for less than that amount of time but for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes on each school day;

(c) any reference to full-time pupils registered at a school is a reference to pupils registered at a school who are receiving full-time pre-school education, and any reference to part— time pupils registered at a school is a reference to pupils registered at a school who are receiving part-time pre-school education;

(d) any reference to an appeal tribunal is a reference to an appeal tribunal constituted in accordance with regulations under Article 15(8) of the [1997 NI 5.] Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997;

(e) any reference to a school year is a reference to a year ending on 31st July.

(5) The Department may by order amend paragraph (4)(b).

(6) Directions and approvals of the Department under this Chapter shall be given in writing.

Arrangements for admission to pre-school education at grant-aided schools

23.—(1) Every board shall make arrangements for the parent of a child resident in the area of the board to apply for admission of the child to pre-school education at a school if he wishes to do so.

(2) Such arrangements shall include provision—

(a) for applications to be made by the parent directly to the Board of Governors of the school concerned; and

(b) where the school provides both full-time and part-time pre-school education, for separate applications to be made for admission to full-time and part-time pre-school education.

(3) Subject to Article 32(4) (children resident outside Northern Ireland), this Chapter applies in relation to an application for admission of a child to pre-school education at a school whether or not the child is resident in the area of the board in which that school is situated.

(4) It shall be the duty of the Board of Governors of a school to make arrangements for the admission of children—

(a) to full-time pre-school education at the school, in accordance with Articles 24 to 27, 32 and 33; and

(b) to part-time pre-school education at the school, in accordance with Articles 28 to 31, 32 and 33.