Welcome to our page for Prospective Parents and Carers
Thank you for thinking about applying to our school.
To find out more about what a ‘Day in the Life’ of Knockbreda Nursery School looks like, please watch our short video below.
We are a busy and happy school and this is just a shapshot of what we get up to, here at Knockbreda Nursery School!
Applying for a Nursery Place for 2027/2028
Choosing a nursery school is an important decision for every family. You can find lots of information about Knockbreda Nursery School throughout our website, and we warmly welcome prospective families to come and find out more about life at Knockbreda.
Come and Visit Us
We are delighted to offer two opportunities for prospective families to visit Knockbreda Nursery School.
Come along to explore our indoor and outdoor learning environments, meet our staff, find out more about nursery life and ask any questions you may have.
Open Morning
Saturday 28th November 2026
10.00am – 12.00 noon
Open Afternoon
Wednesday 13th January 2027
2.00pm – 3.00pm
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our approach to Nurturing Learning for Life.
If you are unable to attend or have any questions about admissions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
School Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9.15am – 12.45pm
Applications for 2027/2028
Applications for children seeking a pre-school place for September 2027 are made through the Education Authority admissions process.
Key Admissions Dates
9 December 2026: Admissions criteria for pre-schools are published on the EA website.
6 January 2027 at 12 noon: Stage 1 applications open through EA Connect.
20 January 2027 at 12 noon: Stage 1 applications close. Birth certificates and supporting documents must also be submitted by this deadline.
18 March 2027: Stage 1 application outcomes are issued and Stage 2 opens.
12 May 2027 at 4.00pm: Stage 2 applications close.
11 June 2027: Stage 2 application outcomes are issued.
Parents of target-age children should apply during Stage 1. For 2027/28, the Education Authority has confirmed that there will not be a separate late application timeframe for Stage 1.
Our Admissions Criteria
The admissions criteria for Knockbreda Nursery School are determined by our Board of Governors and published as part of the Education Authority admissions process.
Admissions criteria for the 2027/2028 academic year will be published on the EA website on 9 December 2026.
We encourage parents and carers to read both our admissions criteria and the EA pre-school admissions guidance carefully before completing an application.
Supporting Your Application
Applications are completed online through EA Connect.
For Stage 1, applications, birth certificates and required supporting documentation must be submitted by 12 noon on 20 January 2027.
All required verification documents should be uploaded through the online application process. Please do not bring verification documentation to the School Office.
Full-Time Nursery Provision
Knockbreda Nursery School offers full-time nursery places.
Nursery Day
8.30am – 1.00pm
Children enjoy a rich programme of play-based learning across our indoor and outdoor environments throughout the nursery day.
Hub Club
Our Hub Club provides extended after-school provision for nursery pupils from:
1.00pm – 3.00pm
Hub Club operates during term time and in line with school closures and early finishes.
Nurturing Learning for Life
At Knockbreda Nursery School, we want every child to feel happy, safe, valued and included.
Through nurturing relationships, purposeful play, outdoor discovery and rich learning experiences, we support children to develop the confidence, curiosity and resilience they need for the next steps in their learning journey.
We look forward to welcoming you to Knockbreda Nursery School.
EA digital Admissions guidance link here.
The EA digital Admissions video demonstration is available below.