AQW 42524/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the rationale behind the proposed closure of services at Holy Cross Play and Learn Group.
Asked by Nuala McAllister MLA on 13 March 2026
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 13 March 2026
- Answer due by
- 31 March 2026
- Answered
- 19 March 20266 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Education
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for managing the Pre-School Education Programme (PSEP) and for ensuring that sufficient funded pre-school provision is available to meet demand in all areas.
To remain in the PSEP settings must achieve a minimum threshold of eight applications in the admissions process. In Stage One of the process Play and Learn Playgroup received a total of six applications and therefore in line with policy was considered for withdrawal from the PSEP by the Education Authority Pre-School Education Group (EA PEG).
The decision was subsequently taken by the EA PEG to withdraw Play and Learn Playgroup from the PSEP for the 2026/27 academic year due to receiving insufficient applications and there being sufficient alternative pre-school provision in the area.
The withdrawal of the playgroup is for one year only and the setting will be invited to participate in the pre-school admissions process for the 2027/28 academic year.