Lagan Valley MLA backs Brownlee Primary School expansion plan
Lagan Valley MLA, Michelle Guy has said the proposed site expansion of Brownlee Primary School would be of huge benefit to children.
Brownlee Primary School have proposed that if funding was provided, they could utilise 1 Wallace Avenue, which is currently empty and fenced off.
Speaking after a recent visit to the school to speak with principal Paul Montgomery about the expansion plans, Ms Guy said: "I have been so impressed by the staff and leadership of Brownlee Primary School.
"They currently operate on a site with restricted space but if supported with the adequate funding for this project, the school could not only have space to better meet the needs of their children but they also have innovative plans to support children from surrounding schools.
"If given the go-ahead this renovated building could accommodate a new space for the nursery aged children."
Ms Guy continued: "The school also have a vision for early intervention support. By working in partnership with speech and language therapists, health visitors and others, they want to offer a model of early intervention that could support children with Special Educational Needs in their school and other schools in the area.
"Given the crisis in special educational needs provision and support, I believe this is an example of where support could be delivered differently.
"I will be doing all I can to support the school with these plans and will work on a cross-party basis to make them happen."
Brownlee Primary School, which is situated along Wallace Avenue, was originally built in 1913, with a two-storey extension added in 1960. The accommodation comprises seven classrooms, ICT suite, Assembly/Physical Education hall, which also serves as a dining room, library, Music Room, pupils support areas an outdoor play garden, staff accommodation and offices.
The school aims to provide a rich and varied experience for all children, in order to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, intellectual and physical development of each child in a pleasant, caring and happy environment.
Brownlee Primary School is one of the longest established and most respected primary schools in the Lisburn area and it is set to continue to provide quality education for the children of the city for many generations to come.