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Minister declines an increase in nursery provision at Brefne Nursery School, Belfast

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has declined a proposal to increase the provision at Brefne Nursery School from 26 to 36 full-time places.
~ Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Commenting on his decision, Mr O’Dowd said, “Pre-school places in statutory nursery schools and units are only currently available in settings of 26 places with a staff to child ratio of 1:13. This proposal would have resulted in a major change in current Departmental policy which in turn could have raised the expectations of other pre-school providers”.

“ Further, there are currently nine voluntary pre-school providers operating in the two mile radius around Brefne Nursery School. The voluntary pre-school providers have the flexibility to respond to changes in demand and there is additional capacity within these settings for further funded places to be allocated if necessary”.  

“This proposal has the potential to increase the number of underage children admitted to statutory nursery places and may impact adversely on the viability of voluntary pre-school providers in the area.”

Mr O’Dowd also added, “Every development proposal for a statutory nursery provision creates extra pressure on the front line schools’ budget programme. However, I am legally bound to make a decision on any development proposal presented to my Department. In doing so I consider each proposal on the basis of all the information pertinent to the individual case. In view of all of the above, I could not endorse this proposal.”

Notes to editors:

  1. Brefne is a controlled nursery school located in the North Belfast area.
  2. On 7 July 2011, the Belfast Education and Library Board published Development Proposal No 201 proposing to increase the nursery unit from 26 to 36 full-time places with effect from 1 September 2011, or as soon as possible thereafter.
  3. The Programme for Government issued last week commits to ‘Ensure that at least one year of pre-school education is available to every family that wants it’
  4. Watch video from the Department of Education on our:YouTube channel.
  5. Media queries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 02891279701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned."