Naíscoil na mBeann is a safe, secure and stimulating environment in which your child will have an opportunity to develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.  The main aim of Naíscoil na mBeann is to provide early years education where children learn in a fun and informal way through a well-balanced variety of activities in a bilingual setting - it is always amazing how quickly children become bilingual!

Naíscoil na mBeann operates from Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 12.00pm and children are accepted from age 3.  We also operate an afternoon pre-preschool session for children aged 3+ every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:15pm-3:15pm. This allows younger children the opportunity to attend a formal bilingual learning environment 1 year prior to reaching compulsory school age. This afternoon session operates at a cost of £5 per day. The Naíscoil has been included in the PEAGS (Pre-school Education Expansion Programme) since 2009/10.  Through our daily sessions the children’s needs are met using a variety of play methods.  Learning through play is fundamental at our Naíscoil and each activity is part of a carefully constructed programme in line with the Education Authority for Northern Ireland ‘Pre-school Curricular Guidance’. 

As Cailín Cunningham, Leader of Naíscoil na mBeann in Kilkeel enthuses,

“The early years are the perfect time to start with second language learning.  The children’s brains are like sponges and they love learning through play, song and rhyme, in a natural, open way.”

As well as emphasising the benefits for the children, Cailín explains that the parents and wider community are a central part of the school community and that Irish-medium education enables parents and teachers to work closely together to meet every child’s individual needs.

“Bilingual Education is two way learning: the parents often find they are learning from the child, and this leads to a rich learning opportunity, not just for the children but for the wider community who get to master a beautiful language in a natural, fun way.”