What is a nursery school? 

A nursery school is a place of education for children in their pre-school year (the year immediately before Primary School / P1).  There is a trained teacher in each class who is registered with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland and educated to Masters level and a highly qualified nursery assistant.  We are concerned with the education and holistic development of children which is planned for, observed and assessed. We follow the Northern Ireland Curricular Guidance for Pre-School Education. 

We are not a day nursery, which is a child care provider. 

Are you part of any other school?

No, we are not part of, or linked to, any other school. We are a stand alone nursery school. We have our own Board of Governors, Principal, budget, policies and procedures. 

Does my child have to attend a particular primary school if they attend your nursery school?

No, you can choose which primary school your child attends.  This will be done through a separate admissions procedure, similar to how you applied to nursery schools.  Our children move on to many different primary schools including Holy Rosary Primary School, St. Michael's Primary School, Rosetta Primary School, St. Ita's Primary School, St. Joseph's Primary School, Forge Integrated Primary School, Stranmillis Primary School amongst others.

 

What is your staff: child ratio? 

Our staff ratio is a minimum of 1 staff member to every 13 children in accordance with the Department of Education Northern Ireland, however we usually have an extra assistant in each room, budget allowing, as well as students, volunteers, etc.

How much does Nursery Education cost?

Your child’s nursery education is fully funded by the Department of Education as part of the Pre-School Education Programme.  There is no cost to you, however we ask that you contribute £5 each week to cover healthy snack each day, resources for making dough, baking, gardening, birthdays and enrichment activities such as Make a Sound, Mr Hullabaloo, Carnival productions puppet shows, etc. 

When can my child start nursery school?

If your child is born on or between 2 July 2021 and 1 July 2022 they will be in their final pre-school year (Target Age) for the school year September 2025 to June 2026 and they can apply for a nursery school place.  

If your child is born on or between 1 April 2021 and 1 July 2021; OR if your child is born before 1 April 2021 but due to be born on or after 1 April 2021 if born at term; and you have submitted a request to defer your child from starting P1 in September 2025 you can apply for a pre-school place for September 2025 in a Nursery School.

Your child will start school in September 2025 and attend 5 days a week until June 2026 barring school holidays.