ECCE Scheme – The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
Grovelands have always campaigned to help make childcare more affordable and accessible for parents. Now every child can get up to 2 free pre-school years before they start primary school.
Children can start ECCE in September 2026 if they are 3 years old by December 31st 2026. Then they can continue until they transfer to primary school (provided that they are not older than 5 years and 6 months at the end of the pre-school year).
Eligibility for ECCE
| Birth date between | ECCE start date | ECCE end date |
| 1st January 2021 – 31st December 2021 | 1st September 2024 + 1st September 2025 | June 2026 |
| 1st January 2022 – 31st December 2022 | 1st September 2025 + 1st September 2026 | June 2027 |
| 1st January 2023 – 31st December 2023 | 1st September 2026 + 1st September 2027 | June 2028 |
| 1st January 2024 – 31st December 2024 | 1st September 2027 + 1st September 2028 | June 2029 |
Online booking has now opened for our 2026/27 ECCE year. The option is also now available again to book directly in the centre. If you wish to do this an appointment must be made in advance. This can be done by emailing or phoning the centre you wish to attend. Contact details are available here
The number of places available for 2026 are already filling fast. Book today to avoid disappointment.
Please note if you book online it is now for the September 2026 ECCE year. All deposits are NON REFUNDABLE should you cancel your booking before your child is successfully registered in September 2026
Online enrolments have now ceased for 2025 starts. Should you require an immediate start please contact the centre directly to enquire about availability.
Choose your location and book your ECCE place online
Book online today
Terms & Conditions:
Please note ECCE deposit is non-refundable if your booking is cancelled or your child does not attend within the first week of the ECCE start date. Bookings are only valid once all information on the booking form has been completed in full and returned to Grovelands Childcare.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
From September 2018, children can start ECCE if they are 2 years and 8 months old by August 31st. Then they can continue until they transfer to primary school (provided that they are not older than 5 years and 6 months at the end of the pre-school year).
THE BENEFITS:
Sessional Services – For the ECCE “sessional” service, the normal pattern for the free pre-school year is 3 hours a day, over 38 weeks. If your child attends for more than that, you will just be charged for the extra time.
Full Day Care Services – If your child attends full-time, the subsidy received for the ECCE, which covers 3 hours a day for 38 weeks will be deducted from your full day care fee. Once the 38 weeks of the ECCE term are over the fee will revert to the centre full day care fee.
