Skip the NI Direct Bar
Skip navigation

Ruane announces decisions on proposals for nursery provision

Wednesday, 8 August 2007

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has turned down proposals to establish nursery provision at maintained primary schools in Lambeg, Bangor and Holywood.

The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools had proposed the establishment of nursery units at St Colman’s Primary School, Lambeg, St Comgall’s Primary School, Bangor and St Patrick'sPrimary School, Holywood.

Commenting on her decisions, the Minister said: “I have given careful consideration to the proposals brought forward. However, in each of these cases, there are existing providers that would potentially be adversely affected by an increase in statutory provision. In turning these proposals down, I am satisfied that the provision that already exists in these areas is sufficient to provide places for those children of statutory nursery school age whose parents desire it.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. Proposal to establish a nursery unit at St Colman’s Primary School, Lambeg: At the request of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), the South-Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) published Development Proposal No 186 on 17 October 2006, to the effect that a single nursery unit with 26 full-time places should open at the school with effect from 1 September 2008 or as soon as possible thereafter.
  2. Proposal to replace a reception class with a nursery unit at St Comgall’s Primary School, Bangor: At the request of CCMS, the SEELB published Development Proposal No 187 on 17 October 2006, to the effect that a single unit nursery with 26 full-time places should be established at St Comgall’s Primary School, Bangor to replace the existing reception class with effect from 1 September 2008 or as soon as possible thereafter.
  3. Proposal to establish a nursery unit at St Patrick’s Primary School, Holywood: At the request of CCMS, the SEELB published Development Proposal No 187 on 17 October 2006, to the effect that a single unit nursery with 26 full-time places should be established at St Patrick’s Primary School, Holywood to replace the existing reception class with effect from 1 September 2008 or as soon as possible thereafter.
  4. Media queries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701.
  5. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.