West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Education Minister announces new Irish-medium nursery unit at Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh

Published: 2 March, 2010

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has approved the establishment of an Irish-medium nursery unit at Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh, Belfast.

The nursery unit, which replaces an existing funded playgroup, will provide 26 full-time places. In approving the proposal, Ms Ruane highlighted that the nursery unit will be particularly beneficial as Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh is located in an area of high social need.

She also highlighted that the decision supports the objective of providing a year of good quality pre-school education for every child whose parents wish it.

Ms Ruane 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 are vital to helping them achieve.

"This new nursery unit will help set foundations for a successful school life through the medium of Irish. It is located in an area of high social need and is part of a very successful Irish-medium school. The earlier children begin to develop skills in a second language, the more opportunities are open to them".