The Minister visited the playgroup’s new premises located within the grounds of Belmont Primary School, Belfast which opened in April 2009 and currently offers 24 places to children in their final pre-school year.
The Minister said: “I welcome the opportunity to join you at the opening ceremony of the group’s new premises. The provision of the new premises is an excellent example of joint working between the Belmont Pre-School Playgroup, the Eastern Childcare Partnership, the Belfast Education and Library Board and the Big Lottery Fund.
“I am committed to ensuring that all children have the same opportunity as the children here today and will benefit from a high quality pre-school experience. Research tells us that children who have a high quality pre-school experience, such as that offered by Belmont Pre-School Playgroup, are better prepared for primary school and learn more quickly. I value the hard work done by all the leaders and their assistants in the voluntary pre-school sector in providing an important service to our children.”
The playgroup had previously been operating temporarily from Heyn Hall of St Mark’s Church, Sydenham Avenue, Belfast. The playgroup has received funding from the Big Lottery Fund’s People’s Millions and the Department of Education, delivered through the Eastern Childcare Partnership and Pre-school Education Expansion Programme.
Notes to Editors:
- The construction work, which commenced in February 2009, was undertaken by the McAvoy Group and was completed on 3 April 2009. Belmont Pre-School Playgroup opened in their new accommodation on 20 April 2009.
- Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 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.
