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Claire Evans, the principal of St Teresa’s Nursery School in west Belfast, has expressed concerns that the Stormont Executive’s draft childcare strategy may be neglecting the vital role that nursery education plays. Writing directly to Education Minister Paul Givan, Evans warned that the plan appears to prioritize expanding general childcare facilities rather than safeguarding the quality and distinct nature of nursery education. In her role as chair of the west Belfast area learning nursery cluster group, which encompasses 24 nursery schools, she emphasized the broader community impact beyond just individual institutions.
Evans highlighted that the strategy risks overlooking the “quality teacher-led provision” that statutory nursery schools deliver. She argued that nursery education should not simply be categorized under childcare but recognized as a crucial educational stage that prepares children for primary school. In her correspondence, she welcomed the minister’s assurance that statutory nursery schools are not viewed as childcare by the Department of Education, stating, “He has stated that the department does not view statutory nursery schools as being childcare. We really welcome that.” The principal underscored the importance of nursery schools ensuring children are equipped and ready for P1 (Primary 1), particularly in areas like west Belfast where there are higher numbers of children with special educational needs owing partly to the legacy of the Troubles.
The childcare strategy under discussion outlines that the average cost of full-time childcare is £57 per day or just under £15,000 annually before any subsidies. It also emphasizes making childcare more affordable and accessible, ensuring childcare staff receive at least the real living wage (£13.45 per hour outside London), and providing a minimum of 22.5 hours of pre-school education weekly for children in the year before starting primary school. Consultation on the draft strategy is still open, but Evans voiced apprehensions about expanding nursery places without a clear plan, especially given predicted declines in birth rates over the next five years. “My concern, and others, is if we expand places will we be able to fill nursery provision?” she questioned, stressing the need for an “informed and strategic approach” to expanding places while maintaining high-quality nursery education.
Parents of children attending nursery schools also value the educational support provided. Leaine Rodgers, whose four-year-old daughter Zara attends St Teresa’s Nursery School, shared how crucial the nursery environment has been for her daughter, who was born prematurely at 26 weeks and has special educational needs. Rodgers noted that nursery school helped Zara thrive socially, behaviorally, and developmentally, offering structure and support tailored to her needs. “They have structure for Zara, they have visuals for Zara, they have a routine. She loves it… once she’s here she’s happy,” Rodgers said, illustrating the unique and vital role nursery schools play beyond childcare alone
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