Ruane announces additional nursery provision in Dungannon

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has approved the establishment of an additional nursery class at St Patrick’s Primary School, Dungannon.

St Patrick’s Primary School currently provides 52 nursery places and the new class will provide an additional 26 places for children in their immediate pre-school year.  The new provision will help cater for the increasing demand for pre-school places in the Dungannon area.  

Commenting on the decision, the Minister said: “I believe in giving children the best possible start to their education. Research shows that a quality pre-school experience helps develop crucial social and communication skills in children, better preparing them for primary school.

“With this announcement, even more children in Dungannon will have the opportunity to benefit from the pre-school education that is their first step on the road as learners and citizens.”

Notes to editors:

1. St Patrick’s Primary School is a maintained, co-educational primary school located in Dungannon. St Patrick’s has had a double nursery unit, known as Drumshee Nursery Unit since the late 1990s.
2. On 17 December 2009, the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) published Development Proposal No 238 proposing the establishment of an additional nursery unit at St Patrick’s Primary School with effect from 1 September 2010, or as soon as possible thereafter.
3. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.