Decision on nursery units for Oakwood and Cranmore Integrated Primary Schools

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has turned down two development proposals for the establishment of statutory nursery units to replace existing voluntary playgroups at Oakwood and Cranmore Integrated Primary Schools.

Explaining the reasons for her decision the Minister commented: "My views on the value of pre-school provision for young children are well-known. However, each development proposal for the establishment of new provision must be carefully considered on the basis of all the information pertinent to the individual case and against the backdrop of statutory and policy requirements.

“In both of these cases, there are already existing established and successful playgroups that are offering quality provision for pre-school age children. The Early Years policy is not to displace good quality pre-school provision already in existence, with provision in an alternative setting. On that basis I did not feel that I could approve these two proposals.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The South-Eastern Education and Library Board published Development Proposal No 211 on Thursday 9 June 2009, to the effect that the Board of Governors of Oakwood Integrated Primary School proposes that a Grant Maintained Integrated Nursery Unit be established at the school, with effect from 1 September 2009 or as soon as possible thereafter. The nursery unit would replace the existing 24 place voluntary playgroup and would provide 26 part-time places. The Department’s two month objection period ended on 10 August 2009.

2. On 11 June 2009, the Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB) published Development Proposal No 192, which proposes the establishment of a grant maintained integrated nursery unit at Cranmore Integrated Primary School, Belfast, with effect from 1 September 2009 or as soon as possible thereafter. The nursery unit would replace the existing 24 place voluntary playgroup and would provide 26 part-time places. The statutory 2-month consultation period ended on 11 August 2009.

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