Delight as new nursery unit to open at Killyleagh school

Delight as new nursery unit to open at Killyleagh school

1 March 2017

A NEW nursery school will open in Killyleagh in September.

Education Minister Peter Weir has confirmed approval for the 26-place nursery unit at Killyleagh Integrated Primary School.

School principal, Jason Milligan, has welcomed news that the development proposal has been rubber-stamped following months of lobbying.

The part-time nursery school will replace the existing play school and will be run by the school’s Board of Governors, with the curriculum delivered by a teacher and classroom assistant.

He said the school was first recommended by the Education Training Inspectorate after concerns were raised about the long-term viability of local pre-school provision.

Mr Milligan, who has been local principle for four years, said he had begun to explore the possibility of a statutory nursery unit when overseeing the recent transformation of Killyleagh Primary School to integrated status.

He said he was delighted with the news and is hopeful new accommodation may follow.

Mr Weir said he was also delighted to announce the establishment of the new nursery unit.

“This comes after much local lobbying and campaigning of both the school and elected representatives,” he said.

“It is a tremendous boost not simply for the school but the whole area, meeting a much needed demand. 

“It will relieve pressure elsewhere and ensure local pre school provision for local children, ensuring that local families can look forward to the best educational future on their own doorstep.”

Killyleagh councillor William Walker was among those to lobby for the local nursery.

“I am pleased for Killyleagh Primary School that we have 26 nursery places,” he said.

“I believe transforming to integrated status secured the school’s future and this is further security. This is another vote of confidence for education in Killyleagh.

“Our next move is to see the school upgraded as the current building has been there since the war.”