Education Minister approves additional nursery provision

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has approved the provision of additional nursery provision in Dungannon and in Kinallen, Banbridge.

The Minister approved two development proposals; to allow for the establishment of a new nursery unit with 26 places at Fair Hill Primary School, Kinallen, and to allow nursery provision at Windmill Integrated Primary School, Dungannon, to transfer to full time status.

Research shows that children who have a high-quality pre-school experience are better prepared for primary school, are more sociable and independent and learn more quickly than those who have not.

The Minister highlighted that the decisions were made in order to fulfil the objective of providing a year of good quality pre-school education for every child whose parents wish it. She commented: “I believe in giving our children the best possible start to their education. Quality pre-school education can help the development of children and improve their social and communication skills. Children who attend Fair Hill Primary School will now have the opportunity to benefit from the pre-school education that is their first step on the road as learners and citizens. In Dungannon, the transfer to full-time status will impact positively on the young children and their families."

Notes to Editors:

1. Fair Hill PS is a controlled, co-educational primary school located in the small village of Kinallen, 4 miles from Dromore and 2 miles from Dromara in the north-eastern corner or the Banbridge District Council area (Gransha Ward). The school was formed in 1997, as a result of the amalgamation of Carnew, Gransha and Kinallen PSs.
2. On 26 February 2009, the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) published Development Proposal No 231 proposing the establishment of a new single nursery unit at Fair Hill Primary School, with effect from 1 September 2009, or as soon as possible thereafter.
3. Windmill IPS, is located on the Old Eglish Road in the outskirts of Dungannon. The school was founded in September 1988 and was housed in mobile classrooms. In April 2006, the school transferred to a new school building. The 2008/9 enrolment is 207 in Years 1 to 7 and 26 part/time nursery places.
4. On 29 January 2009, the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) published Development Proposal No. 233, which proposes to transfer nursery provision at Windmill Integrated Primary School (IPS) from part-time to full-time status, with effect from 1 September 2009, or as soon as possible thereafter.
5. The school is located in Ballysaggart ward, which using the NI Multiple Deprivation Measure 2005 is in the top 20% of the most deprived areas in NI.
6. Media queries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.