Education Minister Paul Givan opened the new Rainbow Sure Start centre in Belleek, County Fermanagh, on Wednesday. Twelve-day-old Gabriella Dolan cut the ribbon with him. The centre serves 120 registered families with early learning, play, and support programmes, including a new Developmental Programme.

Givan stated that Sure Start ensures every child receives a strong start in life. He noted positive feedback from parents on its community impact. He linked quality early years provision to better educational outcomes and praised staff for preparing children for pre-school and primary school.

Yvonne Tracey, Rainbow Sure Start Manager for Belleek, said the centre provides parenting programmes, antenatal sessions, play, and wellbeing activities. She noted no local nurseries or playgroups exist, so families previously travelled to Ballyshannon, Pettigo, Enniskillen, or Kesh. The centre partners with nearby schools on transition programmes. Erne Gaels GAC supplied the land and aids maintenance.

Tracey added that activities follow children's interests and use low-cost or recycled materials. She described supporting families from antenatal stages to age four as rewarding.

Michaela Dolan, mother of Gabriella and Daisy, said the centre aids play and language development. Daisy attends two hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Programmes include baby yoga and reflexology, now accessible locally.

Givan continued his Fermanagh visit at St. Davog’s Primary School, where principal Geraldine Keown greeted him. He took part in World Maths Day activities and spoke with P7 pupils about their charity plans.

He visited Belleek Primary School, questioned by older pupils under acting principal Elaine McMorris. He toured Willowbridge School and Devenish College, joined there by Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine.

At Enniskillen Nursery School, Givan opened Mr McGregor’s Garden polytunnel, planting a fig tree. Pupils Theo Finlay and Abigail Potter planted strawberries. The school received £4.5 million from the Pre-School Inclusion Fund for special educational needs support, adding staff including a part-time teacher.