O’Dowd opens £145,000 additional needs facility at Hazelwood Integrated Primary School

Education Minister John O’Dowd has officially opened a new additional needs support facility at Hazelwood Integrated Primary School.

Speaking during the visit today, the Minister said:

“I welcome the opportunity to be here today to officially open the new £145,000 extension which enables the school to provide a new dedicated learning support service. The new accommodation will greatly benefit the children of the school by complimenting the learning that already goes on in the classroom and contributing to the overall development of the children using the facility.”

The £145,000 investment is in addition to over £600,000 capital investment in the school for the refurbishment of the school meals kitchen and the water system.

Continuing the Minister said:

“I always enjoy visiting schools and meeting with both the staff and pupils within that school. It is particularly enjoyable when I am visiting to open new facilities that could positively impact on the school pupils for generations to come.”

Principal Patricia Murtagh said:

“We are very happy to welcome Mr John O Dowd to open our Additional Needs Facility today. We are proud of our inclusive ethos at Hazelwood Integrated Primary and at every level we endeavour to nurture and develop each child to their full potential irrespective of need – this facility allows us to do this effectively. The flexibility of the space we have at our disposal is wonderful allowing one to one sessions as well as a small group teaching, a counselling space and a calming zone. This is a super resource indeed which will be well used.” 

Concluding, the Minister thanked Principal Murtagh for the invitation. He said:

“Hazelwood Integrated Primary School has been providing education to the children of Newtownabbey for approximately 30 years. This new facility can only enhance the education already being provided.

 “I thank Principal Murtagh, the Board, the teachers and most importantly the pupils for inviting me here today. I wish you all well for the future.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education.  This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school.  Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect - Education Works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.
2. See photos from the Department of Education in our Flickr collection.
3. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.

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