To ask the Minister of Education to detail the rationale for his decision to reject an application by Bridge Integrated Primary School, Banbridge, to establish a nursery unit.

I have thoroughly reviewed and considered Development Proposal (DP) 714 for Bridge Integrated Primary School (IPS), along with all the related documents and information provided. I have also taken into account DP 732, which proposes the transformation of Downshire Nursery School into a Controlled Integrated School. These two schools are located very close to each other, and many children who attend Downshire Nursery School go on to Bridge IPS or other nearby schools. Although these proposals are separate, they both focus on the development and expansion of integrated pre-school education in the Banbridge area.

The data analysis indicates that there is already adequate provision of pre-school education in the area, making it unnecessary to add more, especially considering the risk of displacing existing quality pre-school providers if this proposal were approved.

There are significant costs associated with this proposal, and with population projections showing a decline in the number of pre-school-aged children in both the short and long term, approving this would not be a responsible use of the limited funds available for education. I am also conscious of the statutory obligation under Article 44 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 and the principles of Managing Public Money, which require the effective and efficient use of public resources.

I recognise that this is the third proposal submitted by the school for a nursery unit and understand the disappointment this decision may cause. However, the approval of the transformation of Downshire Nursery School to Controlled Integrated Status, with 52 full-time places, will sufficiently meet the demand from parents who prefer integrated pre-school education in the area.

The full and detailed report on which I based my decision on DP 714 for Bridge IPS is published on my Department’s website and may be accessed at Development Proposal Decisions 2025 | Department of Education