National lottery cash boost for two Armagh playgroups

Facilities at two Armagh playgroups will be transformed thanks to grants totalling £112,000 announced today by the Big Lottery Fund.

Little Acorns in Derrynoose and the O’ Fiaich Playgroup in Callanbridge have been awarded grants under the Building Quality Childcare programme, which is investing £6 million into supporting the capital costs of projects across Northern Ireland which meet the needs of pre-school children. The awards have been developed in conjunction with Childcare Partnerships to enable children to access good quality childcare provision.

Breidge Gadd, Big Lottery Fund Board Member in Northern Ireland, said: “These grants are paving the way for the creation of new childcare places by investing in much needed buildings and play facilities. The Building Quality Childcare programme is enabling communities to make a real difference to the lives of parents and children across Northern Ireland.”

The O’Fiaich Playgroup has been awarded £27,000 to modernise its existing premises in Callanbridge Park, providing the 16 children who use the facility with a new sensory room and improved outdoor play area.

Little Acorns Playgroup is based in Derrynoose Community Centre. Its £85,000 grant will pay for a new building in the grounds of the community centre, allowing the playgroup to increase the number of places it offers from 14 to 26.

(MB/SP)