WATCH: £4 million to be invested in 'nurture units' across NI schools

by Q Radio News

The Education Minister has announced up to £4 million is being invested in new and existing nurture groups across Northern Ireland. 

'Nurture Units' support children dealing with social, emotional or behaviour difficulties. 

Through the latest funding, 15 new nurture groups will be established in primary schools this school year, 2020/2021. 

A further existing 31 funded groups will also continue to be funded by the Department of Education and a new 'Nurture Approach in Education Programme' will be made available to all education settings without a nurture group facility to avail of training and support. 

A Nurture Advisory Service will be established within the Education Authority. 

The principal of Millburn Primary School in Coleraine has welcomed the commitment of up to £4m to be invested in ‘nurture groups’ across Northern Ireland. 

Sharon Lamont says it’s ‘phenomenal’ news for pupils pic.twitter.com/AzeoXevzQk

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 18, 2020

Making the announcement, Education Minister Peter Weir said,  “Today’s announcement is a significant investment in new and existing nurture provision within our schools.  

"Nurturing is a key element in supporting our children and young people to make the best start in life and help to improve their educational outcomes. 

“These units directly support children who are already having to face significant challenges in their young lives and these can be social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.

"Before Covid-19 struck I stated that this was a priority area for me and I am glad that I now can make this significant announcement and further investment.

“I want to thank all of the staff involved in nurture within our education settings for their support to date and I look forward to working with them in the coming months to deliver this important programme.”

The Department is now working with the Education Authority to progress the establishment of new nurture units within the current school year. 

Simultaneous to this planning, the Department is working through the business case process and, subject to approval, funding will be allocated to the Education Authority and relevant schools in due course.