Former Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor Brian Tierney
The recommendation for the Department of Education to establish more nurture groups was included in the Fair Start Report and Action Plan.
Among the sixteen being established are two groups in John’s Primary School and St. Patrick’s Primary School in Derry.
Nurture groups support children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties which are impacting their learning.
Said Cllr Tierney: “Nurture groups were a key recommendation in the Fair Start Report and Action Plan and I’m glad we are finally starting to see some progress from Minister McIlveen and her department in implementing its recommendations after much dither and delay.
“Sixteen schools across the North will benefit from these new nurture units taking the total to 46 and I hope to see further announcements to benefit more schools in the near future.
“Addressing educational underachievement is one of the biggest challenges we currently face and the fair start report sets out a clear pathway for us to address the issues that stop thousands of children from making the most of their education and reaching their full potential.
“The support these units provide will make a huge difference to children with complex needs and their classmates and we know that early intervention can make a huge difference to addressing a child’s problems before it has a significant impact on their future.
“I will continue to press Minister McIlveen and her department until we see all the recommendations of the fair start report in place.
“Every child is entitled to the help and support they need to succeed and these units will make a real difference.
“I will keep raising this until schools across the North have the facilities they need to provide their pupils with the best possible experience.”
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