The Minister paid an early visit to St Patrick’s Primary School, Castlewellan, which operates a breakfast club from 8.00 am as part of the Extended Schools programme.
The Minister said: “The Extended Schools programme is currently operating in almost 500 schools right across the North. Schools voluntarily participate offering a range of activities, because they see the benefits it brings, not only to their pupils and school, but to the local community.
”My Department funds the Extended Schools programme and recognises the important work schools do in developing activities their children will get involved in. The idea of a breakfast club is excellent, because it eases pressures at home and encourages the children to arrive at school early for a healthy start to the day.
”Here in Castlewellan, the school also offers a Healthy Cooking programme after school for pupils and a first aid course for parents. St Patrick’s has shown that schools can be a vital part of their local community.”
Notes to Editors:
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