‘Support calls for Glascar nursery’

The SELB have published a proposal for a Nursery Unit to be established at Bronte Primary School, and Mr McCallister is calling for public support.

“I would encourage all parents in the area to write to the Department of Education expressing their support for nursery provision at Bronte PS stating their reasons,” he said.

“A positive response from the local community would certainly further the case when the proposal goes to the Minister of Education following the consultation.”

Mr McCallister added, “As a local parent myself, I can see the huge need for pre-school provision in the area. If a nursery was established at Bronte Primary School this would be extremely convenient for many rural families whose nearest nursery school is either Rathfriland, Loughbrickland, Banbridge or Newry.

“At a time when fuel costs have peaked to an all-time high, the time has never been better to provide local facilities within reach to rural communities.

“I believe that a nursery unit at Bronte Primary would also make a smoother transition from pre-school to primary school and give the children continuity.

“I firmly believe that such a unit would be a fantastic addition to the school and give our children the best possible start in life.”

Mr McCallister said he was hopeful that if local parents put their weight behind this, then the school could be in the same position as Drumadonnell PS which recently received news that their nursery had been given the go-ahead.

“I would like as many as possible to write to the following address, Area Planning and Policy Team, Department of Education, Rathgael House, Balloo Road, Bangor, BT19 7PR.”

The published proposal is that the Unit is established “with effect from September 2012, or as soon as possible thereafter.”

However, it is highly unlikely that the Unit will be established this September, as the consultation itself will last for two months before proceeding to the Department of Education for approval.