‘Delight’ at new nurture unit

Mr William Hanna, principal, Mrs Kirsty Andrews, unit co-ordinator and Mrs Elaine Williamson, acting principal at Tullygally Primary School. INLM26-129gc

Mrs Elaine Williamson said it was “brilliant news” for the school and all the children.

Tullygally is the only school in the Craigavon area selected with just one other chosen in the Southern Education and Library Board area, St Malachy’s in Newry.

Mrs Williamson explained that the new units would provide an early intervention for pupils who need a little more attention and care.

She said there would be two adults for eight children so the children would have more time to learn numeracy, literacy and social skills.

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, said: “Nurture units provide short term, focussed interventions to children who face barriers to learning.

“Trained staff in these units will select the children who will benefit most from the support and will develop individual learning plans agreed with teachers and parents.”

Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, said: “Intervening early in a child’s life can measurably enhance their life chances.

“The establishment of these additional nurture units allows us to play a key role in improving the lives and educational attainment of our most vulnerable children.”