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The criterion known as SDC, which was introduced in 1998, plays a crucial role in granting priority access to pre-school placements for families facing economic hardship. Specifically, this policy gives precedence to children whose parents receive certain benefits, including Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Universal Credit. However, Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance have since been phased out, replaced primarily by Universal Credit.
During a recent assembly session, Givan highlighted that the circumstances surrounding pre-school admissions have changed significantly since the SDC framework was first established. He explained that due to welfare reforms, officials have interpreted the legislation to include newer benefits like Universal Credit, which he described as being “significantly wider” than those benefits originally named in the legislation. Givan also pointed out that the current method of applying the SDC criterion lacks legal standing under present law. Under new plans taking effect from September 2027, only the benefits explicitly listed in the original legislation—Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance—will be considered for priority pre-school placements. Since these benefits are being phased out, Givan anticipates very few applications will meet the SDC criteria next year. On BBC Radio Ulster’s Nolan Show, he argued that restricting qualifying benefits will “level the playing field in preschool admissions for hard working families,” emphasizing that these families, though working-class and struggling, have been disadvantaged under the current system.
The proposal was met with criticism from some assembly members. Sinn Féin’s Danny Baker notably called Givan “a disgrace” during the assembly debate. The SDLP’s Cara Hunter questioned the removal of what she termed the “only statutory protection” for children experiencing absolute poverty. Similarly, Alliance’s Nick Mathison voiced concerns that the move could further disadvantage children already at high risk of educational setbacks. Givan responded by clarifying that the intention is not to apply a blanket policy and stressed that those working hard to make ends meet should not be penalized. Additionally, Dr. Ciara Fitzpatrick from Ulster University stated that the SDC has helped establish an early education system offering vulnerable children a valuable advantage. She pointed out that children from working-class backgrounds tend to enter education more prepared than those from socially disadvantaged households and warned that the proposed changes would widen this gap. Fitzpatrick stressed the importance of early education, particularly for children who may lack communication, school-readiness, and social skills, and she raised questions about how the number of pre-school hours awarded might be affected by the new rules. Currently, pre-school hours vary across Northern Ireland, with some children receiving 12.5 hours weekly and others up to 22.5, the latter prioritizing less affluent children to ensure they start primary school on an equal footing. The education minister noted that the percentage of children receiving 22.5 hours has grown from 40% to 65% during his tenure and said that while there’s a commitment to standardized full-time pre-school hours, financial support from the Department of Finance is necessary to implement it fully. Speaking again on The Nolan Show, Fitzpatrick acknowledged the frustrations of working-class parents but emphasized that “that’s not on the back of these three and four-year-old children,” calling the proposed change a “crude measure” that will primarily affect the most vulnerable.
In the community, reactions have been mixed. At a mother-and-toddler group in north Belfast, some parents expressed support for the changes, highlighting benefits for working families. Carolyn, a full-time worker with both a six-year-old and a three-year-old, shared with BBC News NI that she spends up to £600 monthly on childcare. She said the new approach felt more positive because it recognized that working parents should not be penalized. She explained her child missed out on a pre-school place because she was working, suggesting that equal footing in admissions would benefit families like hers. On the other hand, Ashton, a mother of twin two-year-olds who works part-time and receives benefits, expressed disappointment after her application for early placement was unsuccessful. She argued for equal treatment regardless of whether families are on benefits or in employment, stressing that no group should be treated differently
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