Minister announces new Irish-medium nursery units in Derry and Armagh

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has approved the establishment of Irish-medium nursery units at Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir, Derry and Christian Brothers’ Primary School, Armagh.

The nursery units, which replace existing funded playgroups, will each 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. These new nursery units will help set the foundations for a successful school life through 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. On 26 February 2009, the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) published Development Proposal No. 232, which proposes that an Irish-medium nursery unit be established at Christian Brothers’ Primary School, Armagh, with effect from 1 September 2009 or as soon as possible thereafter. The statutory two-month consultation period ended on 26 April 2009.
2. Christian Brothers’ Primary School is located at Greenpark, Keady Road on the outskirts of the City of Armagh. The school has a self-contained Irish-medium unit, a Key Stage 1 Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Unit, a Key Stage 2 Learning Support Centre and also caters for traveller children.
3. On 4 March 2009, the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) published Development Proposal No 208 proposing a new statutory Irish-medium nursery unit be established on the site of Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir, from 1 September 2009 or as soon as possible thereafter. The statutory two-month consultation period ended on 6 May 2009.
4. Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir is located in Lecky Road, Brandywell, Derry. The 2008/9 enrolment is 128.
5. In both cases, the nursery units will replace the existing voluntary playgroups, which have PEAG funded places.
6. 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.