Education Minister opens Rainbow Sure Start’s new premises in Belleek
Date published:
Education Minister Paul Givan has officially opened a new Rainbow Sure Start premises in Belleek, County Fermanagh.
The facility will introduce new Sure Start services to the area, including a dedicated Developmental Programme, providing focused early learning support for children in the rural community.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Paul Givan said: "The Sure Start programme was built on a vision: that every child, no matter their background, deserves the best possible start in life. The work taking place here in Belleek is a clear and inspiring example of that vision in action.
"I have heard first-hand from parents and carers today about the positive difference Sure Start services are making to families across the Rainbow Sure Start area in Fermanagh, and it is encouraging to see the real impact this programme is having on the local community.
"Quality early years learning and development are strongly linked to improved outcomes later in a child's education. Building on the very first learning at home it provides a solid basis for every child's continuing learning journey.”
Sure Start programmes are specifically designed to reflect and respond to the needs of local communities. This new facility will contribute to supporting local parents and carers in their role as first educators and improving educational outcomes for children in the Belleek and Boa area.
The Minister continued: "Today's opening also gave me the opportunity to recognise the vital work of Sure Start staff in nurturing children's development and preparing them for their transition into pre-school and primary education. I commend their dedication and professionalism in supporting young children and families within their community."
Notes to editors:
1.Established in 2007, Rainbow Sure Start serves some of the most disadvantaged communities across Fermanagh and Tyrone, operating in Belleek and Boa, Castlederg, Drumquin, Clare, Glenderg and Newtownstewart.
2.The Lead and Accountable Body for Rainbow Sure Start is Early Years — the Organisation for Young Children (EYO).
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