Minister announces new Irish-medium nursery in Coalisland

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has approved the establishment of an Irish-medium nursery unit at Gaelscoil Uí Néill, Coalisland

The nursery unit, which replaces the existing funded playgroup, will provide 26 places for children in their immediate pre-school year. Research shows the importance of pre-school experience for children. Those who receive it are more sociable and independent and learn more quickly when they enter primary school than those who have not.

Ms Ruane highlighted that the decision supports the objective of providing a year of good quality pre-school education for every child whose parents wish it. She said: “I believe in giving our children the best possible start as learners. Effective pre-school education helps the development of children and improves their social and communication skills, all of which is vital to helping them achieve. This new nursery unit will help set the foundations for a successfulschool lifethrough the medium of Irish. The earlier children begin to develop skills in a second language, the more opportunities are open to them.”

Notes to editors:

1. Gaelscoil Uí Néill is a co-educational Irish Medium primary school in Coalisland, Co Tyrone
2. Naíscoil Uí Néill is currently operating as a voluntary pre-school facility. It was established in 1995 and is located alongside Gaelscoil Uí Néill, in Coalisland.
3. On 17 December 2009, the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) published Development Proposal No 240 proposing the establishment of a new single nursery unit at Gaelscoil Uí Néill to be known as Naíscoil Uí Néill, with effect from 1 September 2010, or as soon as possible thereafter.
4. Media queries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.