Approval given for statutory Irish-medium nursery unit at Gaelscoil Éanna

Education Minister, Peter Weir, has approved a Development Proposal for the establishment of a statutory Irish-medium nursery unit at Gaelscoil Éanna, Glengormley.

The proposal, as published, was to provide 26 full-time places. However, in line with the Department’s moratorium on any new or additional full-time pre-school provision, the proposal has been modified to provide 26 part-time places.

Commenting on his decision the Minister said:

“Gaelscoil Éanna is an established and sustainable Irish-medium primary school in Glengormley.  Numbers in the existing non-statutory pre-school suggest that the proposed level of provision would also be sustainable.  Taking account of all the information provided, I have concluded that the evidence supports the establishment of a statutory part-time Irish-medium nursery unit at Gaelscoil Éanna.” 

In conclusion the Minister said:

“Whilst the Department is committed to providing a pre-school place for each child in their immediate pre-school year, research has shown that there is no discernible benefit to children of a longer daily pre-school session.  In this instance I have therefore amended the proposal and have given approval for the establishment of a 26 place part-time unit.”

Notes to editors: 

1. On 18 February 2016, the Education Authority published Development Proposal 449 on behalf of the Board of Governors of Gaelscoil Éanna. The proposal was to establish a statutory Irish-medium nursery unit, with 26 full-time places at Gaelcoil Éanna with effect from 1 September 2017, or as soon as possible thereafter.
2. The statutory 2-month objection period ended on 18 April 2016.
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