The Minister has approved a development proposal for a 26-place part-time statutory nursery unit at Our Lady’s and St Mochua’s Primary School in Derrynoose, Armagh. The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools announced the decision.

The unit will open with its first intake in September 2026. It provides continuity of education from nursery through to primary year 7 at the school. Children will gain access to specialist staff and statutory special educational needs services.

The new provision replaces services previously offered by Little Acorns Playgroup. That playgroup's management committee plans to end operations and backs the school's statutory nursery.

No pre-school providers currently have places available within five miles of Derrynoose. Most children from Little Acorns have moved directly to Our Lady’s and St Mochua’s Primary School each year.

The approval came after consultations with parents, staff, governors and the local community. Eamonn Broderick, chief executive of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, welcomed the move as adding to nursery options in the area through collaboration with school leaders and residents. Gary Farrell, the school principal, noted benefits for family engagement and siblings attending together from pre-school age.