Annaclone school thanks its supporters

STAFF at one local primary school may have just started this academic year but they're already on the countdown to next September when they will eagerly welcome their first ever nursery pupils.

St Colman’s PS in Annaclone had lobbied for nursery places in recent times but it wasn’t until June this year that Education Minister Caitriona Ruane confirmed the establishment of a nursery at the school.

Now principal Kevin Donaghy has expressed his thanks to all those who supported the school since they first applied for the 26-place nursery unit.

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“We are glad that the Minister realises the importance of pre-school education, especially as the Chief Inspector highlighted its importance in his last Annual Inspection report and also the lack of pre-school places in the Annaclone/Banbridge area.”

In May this year, the Leader highlighted the scramble for pre-school places across the district - revealing a sector within local education on the brink of crisis.

While the Department of Education said it aims to provide a place for each child in the year before they enter P1, it emerged that the demand for places had reached twice the demand of previous years.

While Annaclone’s success has been welcomed, other schools in the district including Drumadonnell Primary, which had also sought nursery provision, are still lobbying for places.

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A statement from Annaclone expressed their gratitude to the various bodies who helped during the application process.

“We would like to thank all those who have supported our application - Banbridge Council, the SELB, CCMS, and parents and the local community,” the school said in a statement.

Application forms for the nursery places will be available from the school in January 2011. Anyone interested in putting their child’s name on the list can contact the school secretary on 40671363 and forms will be posted out to them as soon as they become available.