Drumahoe Primary School.
Proposals for a new nursery at Derry primary school have been turned town by Education Minister John O’Dowd.
The Western Education and Library Board (WELB) had put forward proposals for the establishment of a 26-place full-time nursery unit at Drumahoe Primary School,
However, Mr O’Dowd has rejected the proposals, stating there were sufficient pre-school places in the area.
Explaining the reasons for his decision, Mr O’Dowd said: “My views on the value of pre-school provision for young children are well known.
“However, each development proposal for the establishment of new provision must be carefully considered on the basis of all the information pertinent to the individual case.
“The challenge I face is not simply to create more pre-school places, rather to ensure pre-school provision reflects the need for provision in local areas.”
Mr O’Dowd concluded: “In this instance there are already sufficient pre-school places in the area and if approved the new unit would potentially displace existing good quality pre-school provision. On that basis I could not endorse this proposal.”
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