The Lagan Valley MLA has said: “The number of funded places allocated to pre-schools is set by a group within the EA. Many providers, especially non-statutory providers, have raised serious concerns about the allocations they have received this year.

“Following admissions emails being sent out by mistake last week, many families have been in touch, with myself and colleagues, frustrated at not being able to attend a preferred, local pre-school, despite such providers saying they could accommodate more children if their allocation was increased.

“Without definitive action, this could mean children having to travel further for places, or some parents choosing to pay for places. Parents and providers are losing confidence in the EA’s current approach, and they deserve to have their concerns listened to.

“The Education Department and EA have misread the strength of feeling from both parents and providers around this, and it’s welcome that the EA has agreed to undertake a review of how providers are allocated places. Whilst awaiting the outcome, I will continue advocating for both parents and providers on this crucial issue.”