Greystone Primary School, Antrim, receives a visit from NI Water Education Team on the topic of the Wonderful World of Water
Advertising Features
Helens Bay Dental
Rowan Tree Art Therapy
Hannon Coach
North Down and Ards Womens Aid
Morrison Dental Clinic
Margarets Cottage
Gransha Equestrian
Keeway Equestrian Surfaces
Olympic Lifts
Station House Hotel
Employers for Childcare
Competition Page 23
Today, we proudly honour the incredible women who make up the heart and soul of our advanced dental clinic. As we celebrate International Women's Day, we pause to reflect on the exceptional contributions, expertise, and dedication of the 19 women who help shape the exceptional care we provide every day.
These women are more than just skilled professionals—they are leaders, educators,
mentors, and trailblazers in the dental field. They inspire us with their tireless commitment to patient care, their passion for advancing dental practices, and their unwavering strength in overcoming challenges. Whether they're performing delicate procedures, providing compassionate care, or managing the daily operations of our clinic, their presence elevates the standards of excellence we strive for.
Each one of these women brings something unique to our team, from their diverse backgrounds and perspectives to their shared vision of creating a welcoming and inclusive space for both patients and colleagues alike. They remind us that healthcare is not only about expertise; it’s about empathy, connection, and a shared commitment to improving lives
On this International Women's Day, we celebrate their achievements, their perseverance, and the positive impact they have on everyone who walks through our doors
To the 19 women at our clinic—thank you for your passion, your professionalism, and your dedication. You are the backbone of our success, and we are so proud to work alongside you.
Here's to the incredible women who inspire us every day—not just today, but every day
Talking about emotions isn’t always easy—but what if you didn’t have to use words at all?
At Rowan Tree Art Therapy, creativity becomes a powerful tool for healing. Whether you're navigating anxiety, stress, trauma, or simply seeking a new way to express yourself, art therapy offers an accessible path to emotional well-being. Unlike traditional talk therapy, it provides a non-verbal, creative outlet. Learn to process feelings, develop coping strategies, and gain new insights into your emotional well-being. Get involved:
This May, Rowan Tree Art Therapy is offering a six-week creative wellness workshop in Newtownards for adults looking to improve their mental health through artistic expression Each session will explore a new theme, promoting self-exploration, emotional resilience, and personal growth in a supportive, non-judgmental environment Using a variety of art materials, participants
will ‘Recharge, Reflect, and Create’ while discovering the therapeutic benefits no artistic experience needed. ‘Discovering me’ is designed for children aged 10-16, including those who are neurodiverse. Each session will encourage selfexpression, confidence, and emotional resilience. This inclusive program provides a safe, supportive space where children can explore creativity, build social connections, and develop healthy coping tools. With numerous materials available, participants can experiment and find what works best for them, whether through colour, texture, or imaginative storytelling Spaces are limited, and early booking is recommended for a discounted rate Register now through the website to secure a place!
Email: info@rowantreearttherapy co uk
Find us on Facebook & Instagram: @RowanTreeArtTherapy
Website: www rowantreearttherapy co uk
Author Máire Zepf and pupils from Scoil an Droichid
Pupils from Scoil an Droichid, Belfast recently had the opportunity to hear firsthand from author, Máire Zepf. Máire Zepf has written 16 children’s, from picture books to a young adult verse novel She has also written Rita, the picture books series which has been adapted for television by TG4. The visit was organised by the BookTrust as part of a series of author visits to Northern Ireland schools The Year 4 and Year 5 pupils enjoyed listening to Erika reading her book “Míp” The pupils each received a copy of her book to take home and enjoy
Parents of young children are being encourages by the NHS to take advantage of services offered by their local pharmacies when they require help with minor illnesses or ailments instead of their GP
The NHS Pharmacies First campaign aims to increase public awareness of the breadth of support now offered by pharmacies on their doorstep The Pharmacies First service allows pharmacists to provide prescription medication for common conditions, including sinusitis (for those aged 12 and over), sore throat (for those aged 5 and over), earache (for those aged between 1 and 17 years) and infected insect bites (for those aged 1 year and over) without the need for a GP appointment
By expanding the services community pharmacies offer, the NHS is aiming to help free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they access care
Direct Belfast – Glasgow Express now departing from the new Belfast Grand Central Station
An award-winning service offering hassle-free travel, HANNON Coach & Sail is ideal for a city break in Glasgow and the perfect antidote to flying and airport stress! Already hugely popular with those in the know, the Belfast – Glasgow Express Coach Service is rated 5-Star on TripAdvisor
A shopper’s paradise, Glasgow is recognised as having the best retail therapy in the UK outside of London Consistently voted ‘top of the shops’, the city is Scotland’s premier shopping destination. Not just shopping, Glasgow is also famous for its fantastic nightlife, and great choice of restaurants and bars Glasgow is the perfect choice for your next city break away
With a simple flat fare of £47 which includes the cost of the ferry and your bag, our Belfast – Glasgow Express offers a really attractive, convenient and low-cost alternative to flying
The service is operated by HANNON Coach and leaves twice a day from Belfast, Grand Central Station (Stand 18) and drops visitors right in the heart of Glasgow’s ‘Style Mile’ The simple flat fare allows passengers to pick and mix dates and times of travel to suit and with no luggage charges it makes a perfect travel option for a shopping trip
There are also a great range of hotels just minutes from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station
Company director Aodh Hannon says people seem to really love the convenience of the service as we take you right into the heart of the city centre
“People love the fact that it’s so hassle-free compared to flying, no airport transfers and with no extra charge for luggage it is a massive help with keeping the cost of a break down” said Mr Hannon
The service can be booked online at www hannoncoach com up to 1 hour before departure or by phone using the very friendly telephone booking service
Call 028 9265 0700 (Mon – Fri) or visit www hannoncoach com
Fun places to visit this spring
County Down is a beautiful region in Northern Ireland that offers a wide range of activities for families From exploring historic castles to hiking in the Mourne Mountains, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few ideas for fun family activities to do in County Down:
Mourne Mountains:
The Mourne Mountains are a stunning mountain range that offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of experience. Families can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lower slopes or challenge themselves with a more strenuous hike to the summit of Slieve Donard, the highest peak in Northern Ireland.
www.ballymoneyshow.org
Castlewellan Forest Park:
This beautiful park offers a variety of activities for families, including walking and cycling trails, a lake for boating, and a play park for children The park also has a visitor centre where you can learn about the local flora and fauna.
Tollymore Forest Park: Another great option for families is Tollymore Forest Park, which is known for its beautiful
scenery and its role as a filming location for the popular TV series "Game of Thrones" The park offers a variety of walking trails, a river walk, and a picnic area.
Strangford Lough:
This large sea lough is a great place for families to enjoy a variety of water activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boarding Families can also take a boat tour of the lough to see the seals and other wildlife that live there.
Exploris Aquarium:
This popular aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and seals. Families can learn about the different species that live in the Irish Sea and participate in interactive exhibits.
Down County Museum:
This museum tells the story of County Down from prehistoric times to the present day. Families can learn about the history of the region and see artifacts from different periods
Saint Patrick Centre:
This centre tells the story of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland Families can learn about his life and his impact on Irish culture.
No matter what your family enjoys, you are sure to find plenty of fun activities to do in County Down. With its beautiful scenery, rich history, and variety of attractions, County Down is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your loved ones.
19th July 2025
Leading end of life charity, Marie Curie, has announced that two baby meerkats born at Belfast Zoo have been named ‘Daffo’ and ‘Dil’ in honour of their biggest annual fundraiser, the Great Daffodil Appeal. The Great Daffodil Appeal encourages everyone to wear Marie Curie’s iconic daffodil pins and donate to the end of life charity throughout the month of March, to help them bring expert end of life care to more people.
Marie Curie is also celebrating 60 years of delivering care in Northern Ireland, this year
Marie Curie runs an 18-bed hospice in Belfast, as well as providing a hospice care at home service to every county in Northern Ireland In 2023/2024, more than 4,660 people in NI were cared for by their hospice care at home service. In addition, the charity also operates a free support line and webchat, bereavement services and companion services for people living with a terminal illness as well as for their loved ones.
Angela Duffy, Healthcare Assistant at Marie Curie Northern Ireland, said: “People tend to know Marie Curie for our hospice, but lots of people aren’t aware that we also provide care at home, which is where most people want to be at the end of their lives It’s a great privilege for me to provide specialist care to someone in what can often be their final months, weeks, or days of life. Sadly, we know that not enough people in Northern Ireland are receiving this care, despite the majority of us needing it. We hope that the Great Daffodil Appeal, and this wonderful partnership with Belfast Zoo, will help to raise much needed awareness of this issue”
Ruairi Donaghy, Senior Zookeeper at Belfast Zoo, said: “Daffo and Dil’s mum and dad, Sergi and Luna, arrived from Wild Ireland in October, and
surprised us with the birth of two pups a few weeks later! We were delighted when Marie Curie contacted us and proposed the partnership, as it was perfect timing, since we had to name the two new pups. It’s such a lovely way to generate awareness of both the important work of Marie Curie along with highlighting the essential conservation work of Belfast Zoo Meerkats are a firm favourite of our zoo visitors, due to their playful and inquisitive nature. Kids love them!”
Collections for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal are taking place throughout March. To donate and support the appeal, visit mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil.
NDAWA participates to ‘Accelerate Action for Gender Equality’ on International Women’s Day.
North Down & Ards Women’s Aid (NDAWA) supports women, children and young people who are affected by domestic and sexual abuse. We are a passionate team and totally committed to making a positive difference to the lives of women, children, and young people in the North Down & Ards area. This year for International Women’s Day (IWD) on Saturday 8th March, the theme was 'Accelerate Action for Gender Equality.'
CEO, Emalyn Turkington wants to thank her team for the amazing work they do every day and the action they take listening and advocating for the women, children and young people they work with. We are an all women organisation, and our strong ethos ‘for women, with women, by women’ is reflected daily in our roles. We exist to accelerate action, challenge attitudes, structures and systems which perpetuate domestic abuse. We seek through our work to enable women, children, and young people to live free from violence and abuse. I could not do my role as CEO without the incredible Team, Board Members and Volunteers that I work with. The team at NDAWA inspire action through support, compassion, respect, providing a listening ear, showing empathy, being non-judgemental, and empowering women, children, and young people to find their voice and reach their full potential – thank you!
NDAWA would also not be able to complete our work without the support of the partner agencies we work with and our local community. One of the biggest ways to help NDAWA 'Accelerate Action for Gender Equality' is to Support the Supporters, thank you to all our supporters!
If you are affected by domestic and sexual abuse or want to find out more information about North Down & Ards Women’s Aid, please contact the Bangor office on 028 9127 3196.
The Principal Dentist and practice owner is Dr Richard Morrison who has a passion for all things dentistry - implant and cosmetic dentistry in particular!
Dr Morrison says: “You can really change someone's life through their smile Seeing their reaction after showing them their finished result in the mirror is priceless The change you see in a patient, giving them their smile and confidence, it is not just an aesthetic change but also gives a psychological change which is so rewarding!”
Morrison Dental Clinic is primarily a Denplan practice The practice ethos is that prevention is better than cure, and that seeing the hygienist every six months or more is the best starting point to maintain a healthy dentition for life As a Denplan practice, the practice plan includes twice yearly check-ups and hygiene appointments, any x-rays required, and also gives discount off routine treatment Preventative care, such as routine exams, cleaning, x-rays and oral hygiene instruction can help catch problems early and avoid the need for costly treatment later on
Significant investment has already been made to ensure that the practice remains at the forefront of technology to improve the patient experience This includes an intra-oral scanner, which uses 3D photo imaging to scan the mouth, avoiding the need for taking moulds of your teeth Treatment can then be planned digitally and with greater accuracy than ever, achieve perfectly fitting labwork such as crowns, veneers, bleaching trays etc. Another addition is a recently-installed CBCT scanner, used when there is a need for more information than what traditional 2D x-rays can offer, such as 3D visualisation of jaw bone for optimal planning for implant placement.
Dr Morrison is a member of the Irish Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry and the Association of Dental Implantology, and is always reading articles and attending courses to stay up to date with the latest advancements!
He says: “I believe that we are at an exciting time in dentistry, with more and more technological advances which can improve what is possible for our patients I feel as a dentist in the modern age we must continually learn and improve our practices otherwise we will be left behind!”
The growing team (so far!) consists of five dentists, five nurses, dental hygienist Claire, receptionist Shauna, Yuko (Richard’s wife) who does a lot of the work behind the scenes!
Morrison Dental Clinic is conveniently located at 95 Saintfield Road (not far from Forestside), and offers free parking available on site! For your appointment Tel: 028 9070 3215
Finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift can be tricky, but b.box has you covered with practical, stylish, and time-saving essentials that every mum will love. Founded by two mums on a mission to make parenting easier, b box creates innovative products designed to simplify everyday life without compromising on style or function This year, why not treat mum to something she’ll actually use (and love)? Here are three brilliant gift ideas that are as thoughtful as they are practical
Mums are always on the go, and staying hydrated often takes a backseat. The b.box 1L insulated flip top bottle is the perfect solution With double-walled, stainless steel insulation, it keeps drinks cold for up to 46 hours yes, really! The easy fliptop lid and carry handle make it a breeze to take anywhere, whether it's the school run, gym, or a rare moment of relaxation Plus, the wide opening means she can throw in ice cubes for an extra chill factor A stylish, practical reminder for mum to put herself first (at least when it comes to hydration).
Every mum deserves a hot meal, even on the busiest days! The b box insulated food jar keeps food warm for up to 5 hours or chilled for up to 7, making it a game-changer for mums juggling work, errands, and everything in between. Whether she’s craving homemade soup, pasta, or a fresh fruit salad, this jar keeps meals just right. It's a must-have for mums who need convenience without compromising on a good design with an easy-grip carry handle and a built-in spork (because lost cutlery is a thing)
Perfect for the handbag, car, or office desk, the b.box snackbox is every mum’s secret weapon for tackling hunger on the move With two sealed compartments, it’s ideal for keeping snacks fresh think crunchy nuts, fresh fruit, or a little treat for an afternoon pick-me-up. The easy-to-open, leak-proof design means no spills, just hassle-free snacking wherever she goes Because let’s be honest, mums need fuel too!
This Mother’s Day, ditch the predictable gifts and give mum something she’ll truly appreciate products designed to make her day easier, one sip, bite, or snack at a time
Easter is just around the corner and It’s an EGGscellent time to celebrate this special holiday.
Don’t miss the enchanting Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt this Easter (April 12-27), returning for a second year due to popular demand. Embark on a captivating journey as you explore the gardens of Hillsborough Castle lookout for the elusive Lindt GOLD Bunnies peeking out from an extravaganza of colourful blooms. Hidden amongst the charming Lindt GOLD BUNNY statues are letters that hold the key to a secret question. Solve the puzzle and your quest will be rewarded with a delicious Lindt GOLD BUNNY 10g chocolate* treat!
After all that exploring, take a well-earned break in the café, where you can relax and refuel with a drink, indulgent cake or nutritious lunch. On Easter Monday (21 April), and Easter Tuesday (22 April), you can also make a kite together, then watch it soar in the gardens. *Non-chocolate alternatives available on request.
Afternoon Tea at Margaret’s Cottage – an extraordinary feast.
Guests who have enjoyed the delicious homemade treats at Margaret’s Cottage in Ardglass have often said that their mouthwatering vintage afternoon teas compare very favourably to those laid on by the best hotels in the land.
However, what Ciara at Margaret’s Cottage is most proud of, is offering your afternoon tea as a personalised, intimate experience that is just for you and yours
All kinds of friends and family groups have joined together in Margaret’s Cottage, over the years, for dainty hand-cut finger sandwiches and freshly prepared cakes, served with antique silver cutlery, fine bone china and, of course, starched Irish linen napkins
At Margaret’s Cottage, afternoon tea can be served every day of the week, with guests enjoying the private upstairs drawing room for their own party of between two and ten guests. Everything is baked and freshly prepared for you and Ciara can cater for different diets, whether you are glutenfree, keto or dairy free
Booking is essential
You can call Ciara to book your afternoon tea in their elegant drawing room, discuss any dietary restrictions and confirm what time you would like to arrive. Most guests like to arrive between 2pm & 3 30pm.
Why not let Ciara know if you’re having a special occasion and how she can make it even more special for you.
Afternoon tea is currently £22 per person
At Margaret’s Cottage, they believe you should still have your cake and eat it
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This is just one interesting fact pupils of Greystone Primary School, Antrim,learnt when NI Water’s education team came to visit to teach them all about the Water Cycle
NI Water’s educational programme, ‘H2O and the Wonderful World of Water’, taught the children about the value of water and how important it is for us all to look after it.
During the visit, the children were introduced to H20, a water drop figure and mascot for the programme. They learnt how rainwater is cleaned and sewage is treated keeping the country healthy. They took part in a ‘Bag it and Bin it’ activity to demonstrate what can and can’t be put down the toilet The children were also introduced to NI Water’s chosen charity –WaterAid, who work to help those who have no access to safe water or sanitation
NI Water’s Outreach and Learning Officer Anna Killen said: ‘‘NI Water places great importance on educating young people in the vital role water plays in our lives. H2O is a fun way for children to learn about the water cycle, why water is essential for good health and how they can help to conserve this precious resource
“NI Water are guardians of the infrastructure; the networks and assets, but every one of us uses the service. Only together, as a company and a community, can we continue to protect our most valuable and precious asset – water.
“We are delighted with the positive feedback we have received from schools who have participated in NI Water’s educational programme It’s a fantastic way for us to deliver what matters for the local community and educate future generations of water users”
Why not get water fit and try our new online water audit at https://www.getwaterfit.co.uk to see just how water wise you are and receive free water saving items such as 4 minute shower timers, leaky loo strips and toothy timers for the little one
ousing Minister Gordon Lyons has announced that £153m of Financial Transactions Capital funding is to be provided to CoOwnership to help 4,000 households buy their own home over the next four years 1,200 of these will be new build
The Minister has also announced an increase in the CoOwnership property value limit from £195,000 to £210,000, effective from 1 April 2025
This new £153m funding injection is the latest measure taken by the Minister as he seeks to address the challenges in our housing system, including increasing supply across all tenures
Minister Lyons said: “As I outlined in the Housing Supply Strategy, I am committed to helping more people and families get their foot on the property ladder Co-Ownership is a key part of this, with over 10,500 homes in Northern Ireland currently supported by the scheme
“I am delighted that this £153m programme will ensure that CoOwnership can continue to provide an affordable route into home ownership for those who would otherwise be unable to purchase their own home, enabling 4,000 households to realise this dream over the next four years
“We need to find new and innovative ways to deliver the additional homes we need This funding will leverage £543m of investment from private and mortgage finance
“This is a significant investment both in overall housing supply and the wider strategic and economic benefits of supporting home ownership But the real impact here is on the individuals and families who will pick up their keys and unlock the door to their new and affordable home"
Raising the Co-Ownership limit from £195,000 to £210,000 will provide prospective Co-Ownership customers with access to a wider range of properties across Northern Ireland The property value limit is the cap on the value of a property that
can be purchased through Co-Ownership, and applies to their Co-Own, Rent to Own and CoOwn for over 55’s products
The Minister added: “As I announce this new funding plan, I want to provide Co-Ownership with the opportunity to deliver the homes we need, and in particular create opportunities in the new build market
“The property value limit will increase to £210,000 from 1 April and this will ensure CoOwnership products keep pace with house prices, meaning more people can find a home to suit their needs
“The announcement should also provide further confidence to the construction sector as it continues to develop new housing, providing a much-needed increase to overall supply.” On this significant announcement, Mark Graham, Chief Executive of Co-Ownership said: “The approved Programme for Government acknowledges that good housing is essential to our health and wellbeing. It positions shared ownership as a solution to help people access affordable, sustainable, and quality housing that meets their needs. Today’s announcement further strengthens the Department’s commitment to Co-Ownership, with our organisation set to deliver at least 847 homes for people this year, and up to 4,000 over the coming four years
“Ensuring our model responds to rising property prices is crucial to the success of shared ownership in Northern Ireland, however, the supply of homes remains an issue. This needs to be a priority if we are to build vibrant and sustainable communities that serve people in the long-term. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Department, and collaborating with wider sectoral stakeholders, to help as many people as we can in Northern Ireland to own their own home”
Anyone interested in finding out more about Co-Ownership and the products it offers should visit the website: www co-ownership org
Recycle Now and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is launching a new campaign to encourage homes in the district to use their food caddies to dispose of food waste
In Northern Ireland, most homes have a food waste recycling collection and 77% of the public regularly recycle their food waste. Latest estimates show that a third (30%) of our average rubbish bins are still made up of food, most of which could have been eaten (23%).
The best thing we can do with our food is eat it, but for inedible items, make your caddy your go-to bin. Even small amounts, like vegetable stalks, banana peels, nut shells, fruit stones, onion skins, eggshells, chicken bones and coffee grounds can be recycled.
A household of four in the district could save £80 per month or £1,000 a year just by using all the food they buy! The best thing to do with your food is eat it. Items such as bananas, chicken, bread and potatoes are amongst the most wasted items By throwing these away we are not only wasting money we are also damaging the planet. Think about cooking up some quick-fire easy recipes using these most wasted items. How about making a banana smoothie or a chicken fajitas? There’s lots more inspiration for making the most of the food you buy over at Love Food Hate Waste www lovefoodhatewaste com
Ben O’Connor, Lochlann Hegarty, Christopher Cunningham and Brent Magouran of Lecale Trinity College, Downpatrick
For inedible items, make your food waste caddy your go-to bin. Even small amounts, like vegetable stalks, banana peels, onion skins, eggshells, chicken bones and coffee grounds, can be recycled. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “The importance of this campaign is getting as many people as possible within Newry, Mourne and Down to first use the food they buy and then utilise their food caddy and stop putting food waste in the general rubbish bin. The resources that go into producing our food - the water; the transportation and the energy to chill foods from farm to factory and into our kitchens are also wasted when we throw food away. We need to raise awareness of the cost to households and the environment of needlessly putting food in the rubbish bin. By using all the food we buy and recycling the inedible parts, you can save money and create compost for garden use” And if you’re not sure what to place in your Brown bin/kitchen caddy or any of your bins please visit www.newrymournedown.org/bin-collections-and-recycling”
Food waste in the district is collected together with your garden waste in the same outdoor bin. From there, it gets broken down and processed into compost and soil conditioner. The Council takes your waste to a transfer station from your kerbside. All compostable material is bulked up and sent in larger lorries to an in-vessel composting facility to produce compost and soil conditioner
3 top tips for recycling food waste in the Newry, Mourne and Down area:
1 Make sure you recycle these items: vegetable stalks, fruit peels, onion skins, eggshells, bones, tea bags and coffee grounds
2. The best way to keep your caddy fresh is to use a compostable liner and empty it regularly. Half of regular food waste recyclers empty their caddies every or most days. Most food waste recyclers in NI use a liner (89%).
3 If you need a caddy, liners or more information on what to put in your caddy, visit www.newrymournedown.org/brown-bin
The Natural Hazards Partnership has upgraded its wildfire warning to Amber for Wednesday to Sunday
NI Water is therefore reissuing its appeal to the public to be aware of the potential dangers of littering, using disposable BBQs and burning waste.
Wildfires pose a risk to human life, wildlife, property and the environment, and also to drinking water catchment areas.
NI Water Catchment Liaison Officer Rebecca Allen said: “Fine dry weather is forecast for the rest of this week and the Natural Hazards Partnership are saying a stronger breeze on Friday will bring an increased risk for potential wildfires to spread.
“If you see someone deliberately setting fires, report it to the PSNI immediately as it is a criminal offence”
Rebecca’s top tips to enjoy the outdoors responsibly to reduce the risk of wildfires:
Do not light fires in and around forests or open land
Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances;
If you see a fire, gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire
Telephone the NI Fire and Rescue Service on 999 and report the fire and its location
Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions
If you see someone deliberately setting fires, report it to the PSNI immediately as it is a criminal offence
Some friendly advice when enjoying your time in the countryside:
Leave no trace; please take your rubbish with you
Never fly-tip waste material
Extinguish cigarettes and other flammable materials properly
Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows
Avoid using open fires
Gransha Equestrian Centre, nestled in the picturesque countryside between Bangor, Newtownards, and Donaghadee, is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 40 years of providing top-tier equestrian experiences. Over the decades, Gransha has become a cornerstone of the local riding community, fostering a love of horses and horsemanship in riders of all ages and abilities
Established by Adrienne Stuart, Gransha Equestrian Centre has grown from its beginnings as a home yard into a thriving British Horse Society approved riding school and livery yard. Spanning approximately 42 acres of beautiful land, the centre offers extensive facilities. With 2 large indoor arenas, the Topspec all weather arena, suited to full size Dressage competitions which also links into the Derby all weather arena which includes banks, water obstacles and a drop down lane section. All the riding surfaces over the past 15 years have been developed and only ever used Keeway Standard Arena Fibre Latest additions to facilities include an on-site Gallery café and investment in the livery facilities
The centre provides:
Riding Lessons: Catering to everyone from beginners to advanced riders
Livery Services: Providing excellent care for privately owned horses
Events and Competitions: Hosting a variety of disciplines, including dressage, crosscountry, showjumping, showing and working hunter
Training Clinics: Featuring specialist instructors to enhance rider skills at every level!
Gransha Equestrian Centre's commitment to excellence is evident in its well-maintained facilities and dedicated staff. The centre's diverse program ensures that there's something for everyone, whether you're a casual rider or a serious competitor
In recent times, Gransha Equestrian Centre has continued to be a very active centre, hosting events that bring the equestrian and wider community together and a full calendar of events is planned for this season!
Gransha Equestrian Centre owner is the dynamic Adrienne Stuart. An
accomplished equestrian athlete in her own right Adrienne’s talents and interests have been passed on to daughters Kirsty & Courtney who both compete at national and international level
Adrienne’s 50 years experience in the Showing and Working Hunter world together with her flair and experience in course design and building make her the obvious person to help with young horses and any age of rider wishing to win rosettes or simply enjoy time spent on their horse in a non competitive fashion Adrienne has designed & built working hunter courses for shows as prestigious as Balmoral and regularly provides opportunities for schooling and competition over her courses at Gransha Equestrian Centre to liveries and visitors
Adrienne is also passionate about supporting local community and charity interests Last year Adrienne, together with agricultural show commentator Raymond Bready raised an amazing total of over £30,000 for Air Ambulance NI completing a skydive and organising events including the ‘Pedal the peninsula cycle’ the Gransha Equestrian Summer Show, Donaghadee Beach Relay Race and charity raffles!
As Gransha Equestrian Centre marks its 40th anniversary, it looks forward to many more years of providing exceptional equestrian experiences
With its strong foundation and unwavering dedication to the sport, Gransha is sure to remain a beloved destination for horse lovers for generations to come
To find out more information, including lesson timetables, and upcoming events, please visit the Gransha Equestrian Centre website www.granshaequestrian.com
Keeway Equestrian has carved a niche within the equestrian world providing high-quality arena surfaces as well as innovative equine bedding and horse fencing solutions Following a long career in Civil Engineering and a lifetime in an Equestrian driven family Tim McKee took a leap of faith in the Equestrian world! Keeway Equestrian has provided all surfacing for Gransha Equestrian Centre since 2019 and Tim has also been developing knowledge and offering a range of products to fit the Irish Equestrian Market. Now under the new management of Tim’s nephew Toby Fynn – the envelope continues to be pushed sourcing and offering innovative solutions for the equestrian!
Keeway Equestrian focuses entirely on the needs of horse and rider, prioritising safety and performance. At the heart of their offerings are their specialised arena surfaces, designed to provide optimal footing for a variety of equestrian disciplines. Whether it's an indoor or outdoor arena, Keeway Equestrian offers arena fibres engineered to ensure consistent performance regardless of weather conditions, minimizing the risk of injury and maximizing horse comfort Beyond arena surfaces, Keeway Equestrian demonstrates a strong commitment to safety and sustainability. Their Equisafe fencing solutions provide secure and reliable boundaries, while their Ecoflax bedding offers a sustainable and healthy environment for horses. This dedication to comprehensive equestrian solutions extends to other essential yard equipment, such as horse wash
bays, demonstrating their understanding of the diverse needs of equestrian facilities. Keeway Equestrian works closely with a range of equestrian establishments across Ireland, including riding schools, livery yards, and stud farms Their collaborative approach and dedication to providing top-tier products and services have solidified their reputation as a trusted partner within the equestrian community Keeway Equestrian's product line reflects their commitment to quality and innovation. Their arena fibre solutions cater to the diverse needs of riders and horses, while their Ecoflax bedding provides a sustainable and comfortable alternative Furthermore, their Equisafe fencing prioritises the safety of horses and riders alike. To explore their full range of products and services, you can visit their website, which offers detailed information and contact details www keewayequestriansurfaces com
This week, Airtastic Bangor is set to usher in a new era for multiactivity entertainment centres with the opening of its new and improved centre after significant refurbishment to add new activities
Airtastic, Northern Ireland’s leading entertainment brand are proud to share the centre has been transformed into a multi activity venue for all ages, complete with 12 Lanes of high tech Ten Pin Bowling, a massive Play to Win prizes Amusements Arcade, a futuristic new Laser Tag arena, and a larger Soft Play Centre, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy
For Bangor and the greater Ards and North Down area, the reopening of Airtastic Bangor not only creates new long-term job opportunities and strengthens the local economy – it supports the continued growth and attraction of Bangor for the local community and visitors.
Airtastic Bangor will be a place where families, friends, youth groups, sports clubs and businesses can come together for unforgettable fun fuelled experiences
Thomas Fegan, Business Operations Director at Airtastic commented, “After months of preparation, we’re delighted to reopen our Bangor centre this week. We’re extremely grateful to all those involved in the redevelopment of the centre, helping to ensure the end-product is a purpose-built entertainment centre for those in search of activities suitable for all ages and abilities. We look forward to opening our doors to valued customers, old and new.”
Like all other Airtastic venues across Northern Ireland and Ireland, the revamped Bangor location will offer a wider range of activities under one roof, ensuring guests can enjoy a full day of entertainment, whether it’s knocking down pins on the bowling lanes, battling it out in laser tag, or collecting tickets in the arcade for exciting prizes
For updates on the redevelopment, job opportunities, and the grand opening, follow @AirtasticNI on social media or visit airtastic.co.uk.
About Airtastic Airtastic is a leading entertainment centre brand with 6 multi activity locations across Northern Ireland and Ireland. Each Airtastic centre offers a variety of fun-filled activities, including Bowling, Inflata or Trampoline Parks, Soft Play, Amusement Arcade, Laser Tag, Mini-Golf, Ultimate Challenges, and restaurants, providing entertainment for families, friends, schools, and businesses alike.
Who would like to WIN the EASTER SELECTION BOX
To enter email competitions@edamedia.co.uk stating your name, address including post code before the 14th April 2025
NEW for 2025 Cadbury Easter Selection Box with Cadbury
Mini Eggs, Cadbury Dairy Milk
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Education Minister, Paul Givan, announced recently that the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) will continue into 2025/26.
The NICSS subsidy cap, which is the maximum amount that can be claimed per child, has also been increased to reflect the anticipated rise in childcare fees from April 2025 while the administrative payment paid to providers delivering the scheme has also been raised.
Paul Givan said: “Since the scheme launched in September, it has helped ease the financial burden on thousands of parents throughout Northern Ireland providing over £6 5million in savings for working families.
This is £6 5million additional money
Paul Girvan comments- “I am pleased to announce that that the NICSS will continue into 2025/26. Since the scheme launch, it has provided over £6 5million in savings for working families.”
Northern Ireland parents have in their pockets as a direct result of the scheme. When combined with TaxFree Childcare, it is estimated that these working families will have saved over £14million since September 2024 I am therefore pleased to announce that the NICSS will continue into 2025/26. I am also increasing the subsidy cap by 10% from 1 April 2025 to ensure that the vast majority of parents continue to receive the full subsidy available”
The NICSS was first introduced in September 2024 and provides a 15% subsidy on childcare costs to support working parents with children who have not yet started primary school. It is delivered by registered childcare providers participating in the Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) scheme, including daycares, playgroups, childminders,
The Minister continued: “We are also increasing the administrative payment to providers who facilitate the scheme in recognition of their increased operating costs and to ensure these costs are not passed on to parents The NICSS continues to provide valuable support to working families and I will consider what more can be done when my budget for next year is confirmed I would encourage any parents or providers who have not yet signed up to register and take advantage of the scheme.”
Further details on the revised cap and provider payments will be communicated directly to registered providers by the scheme’s administrator the Early Years Organisation in the coming days
Olympic Lifts is celebrating 40 years providing passenger lifts and Stairlifts
Olympic Lifts supply, install, test and maintain Passenger Lifts, Access Lifts, Goods Lifts and Stairlifts along with escalators & Moving walkways We have installed almost 20,000 projects throughout the UK & Ireland over the last 40 years. Based in Lisburn, our premises offer a recently renovated showroom with several Home Elevators
on display The location offers ease of access to customers just off the M1 and, importantly, allows us to maintain and respond to calls quickly and efficiently throughout Ireland In the event of an unforeseen fault; vehicle tracking gives us the ability to allocate the closest technician to your area
Our wide range of Stannah stairlifts have been designed to blend seamlessly with your interior and reveal our refreshingly modern approach to design Whether you live in a classic or contemporary home, or if you have a straight or curved staircase, we will help find the right stairlift for you
Our range includes curved, outdoor and straight stairlifts The curved stairlift is designed specifically to cope with winding or complicated staircases It even negotiates curved bends on either side of the staircase, intermediate landings and corridors with ease Our revolutionary outdoor stairlift is perfect if you live splitLevel to the street, have a cliff-set seaside
home or need access to a lower garden, garage or cellar
We have also recently launched our new machine room traction drive access passenger lift Suitable for domestic and commercial properties our new Hybrid Lift has numerous sizes and finish options to suit any home or business Olympic Lifts’ aspirations are driven by continual development of our people, continuous investment in systems and procedures along with an unremitting desire to advance our product offering These important measures benefit our existing and new customers by improving the purchasing experience, generating improved efficiencies and costs savings which we pass on to our clients and allow Olympic Lifts to offer the most up to date products and services available, all of the highest quality
For more information contact: 02892 622331or visit our website at www olympiclifts co uk
You’re only one small step from giant educational experiences
When it comes to hands-on learning with activities that enable young people to think creatively and solve problems without compromising on endless fun, Northern Ireland is one of the best classrooms.
A recent poll of 5,000 families sees parents increasingly seek meaningful educational experiences for their children during holidays, short-trips and days out Northern Ireland is bursting with giant experiences to ignite the imagination of young minds in fun and entertaining ways.
Interested in history and the natural world? Try stargazing at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, or view an early edition of one of the world’s greatest fantasy adventure books, Gulliver’s Travel’s at Armagh Robinson Library.
Experience the place where the Titanic was built and launched or step onboard a real-life warship at HMS Caroline, while a myriad of museums and monuments tell the story of Northern Ireland’s extraordinary history with a unique flair, entrancing visitors young and old.
Ahead of the half-term break, Discover Northern Ireland has put together top activity suggestions to inspire young minds with endless fun and some learning by stealth.
W5 is the ultimate family day out with eight exhibition zones and over 250 interactive exhibits covering everything from climate change and nature to optical illusions, built engineering, medical science and much more with limitless fun. From February 8-16 experience Multiverse Mayhem, a theatre show that features big bangs and crazy chemical
concoctions, where you can meet the scientists who are travelling through the multiverse. They have landed at W5 and are here to see if the fundamental scientific theories in this world match those in other dimensions. With only 30 minutes before they are sucked back into the vortex, they must conduct as many out-of-thisworld experiments as possible
National Museums NI
National Museums NI looks after four distinct museums in Northern Ireland which serve as custodians to 1.4 million objects in collections spanning art, history and natural sciences Belfast’s Ulster Museum is home to a range of multidisciplinary natural sciences, art and history collections while the Ulster Folk Museum at Cultra, in County Down, houses heritage buildings and objects allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a bygone way of life. Also at Cultra, The Ulster Transport Museum takes you on a journey with a comprehensive collection of vehicles from trams and railcars to an iconic DeLorean, the model made famous in the Back to the Future movies. In Omagh, County Tyrone, the Ulster American Folk Park tells the story of emigration to America over two centuries, with 30 buildings and exhibits for the kids to explore, and – you can even board a fullsize emigrant ship. With 30 buildings and exhibits for you to explore - and loads for the kids to do - the Ulster American Folk Park is a unique experience
Armagh Planetarium & Observatory, County Armagh
There are a number of special astronomical events happening this year and Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) is ‘The Place for Space’. Watch an amazing Full Dome
Theatre show and explore the Universe. Touch Northern Ireland's largest meteorite, create your own solar system, or black hole, and visit the Astropark children’s trail with augmented reality and sculptures. With daily shows aimed at everyone from pre-schoolers to adults, there’s always something out of this world going on at AOP.
Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary, Portaferry, County Down
Enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world. An underwater glass tunnel lets you experience friendly sharks, a dwarf crocodile, a waddle of penguins at Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre in Portaferry. The Tropical Ocean zone hosts over 100 species of colourful coral reefs. There is a soft play area, café and afterwards why not take the short car journey or ferry crossing over to Strangford and explore the National Trust’s Castle Ward or Audley’s Castle
Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Unexplored until little over a century ago, the Marble Arch Caves feature stalactites, cavernous passages, underground pools and streams which have been formed and reformed as the water slowly dissolved the limestone bedrock over countless millennia. First opened to the public 40 years ago, explore the extensive caves on foot, or by boat with one of the popular guided tours and you’ll uncover a mindboggling number of fascinating facts about geology, geography and archaeology in a cave system dating back over a million years
Whitehead Railway Museum, Whitehead, Coun Antrim
This fascinating five-gallery museum pr an exciting opportunity to rub shoulders with the giants of steam. You can step onto the footplate of a heritage steam engine and learn how it works, walk through several hist carriages and observe from a viewing g restoration work takes place on locomotiv coaches. The children’s play area enables younger visitors to fire their imaginations b dressing up in Edwardian-style clothes eye out on special events for a special ride in one of these fantastic steam engines.
Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, County Londonderry
Treat the writers and poets in your life to a day they will never forget as they explore the Seamus Heaney HomePlace and discover how the Nobel Laureate’s formative years served as a source of inspiration throughout his career Found between Heaney’s two childhood homes at Mossbawn and The Wood, let Heaney’s distinctive voice guide you through the exhibitions and enjoy the atmospheric video projections and touchscreen displays that sit alongside precious items donated by the Heaney family that transport you to important moments in his life
Hill of the O’Neill & Ranfurly House, Dungannon, County Tyrone
Explore a special place at the very heart of Ulster and home to one of our most important heritage sites. It was from this very hilltop that The O’Neill dynasty ruled for more than 300 years. On a clear day, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the glass observation tower on top of the hill. On your way back down, learn all about the Flight of the Earls and the Plantation of Ulster in the permanent multimedia exhibition at Ranfurly House. This Victorian listed building is also home to an array of art classes including crocheting, felt making and sewing.
To plan your next fun-filled learning experience in Northern Ireland visit:
discovernorthernireland.com/familyfun
As Easter approaches and homes start to fill with assortments of chocolate eggs, national retailer, Jollyes has red-flagged the sweets and treats which are potentially harmful for our beloved pets – and its advice worth following all year round
Jollyes, with 18 stores across Northern Ireland, has issued a list from their in-house pet safety expert, Annabel Battersby, of food and other substances that should be avoided by pets
Annabel said: “There are hidden dangers for pets lurking around every corner of the home and garden
“If you think your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, contact your vet Write down what you think your pet has eaten, when and how much Collect any packaging available and explain to your vet their symptoms”
This campaign is being supported by Peter Herold, Founder and Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Cornerstone Surgery in east Belfast. Peter said: “At Cornerstone we know how easy it can be for a curious cat or peckish pooch to sniff out and sample something they shouldn’t
“This initiative by Jollyes is a great way for pet owners to have the information close to hand as so many are unaware of just how many common foodstuffs can be dangerous or even lethal
“We have a helpful guide on our website that people can use to check if they are unsure but a significant majority of the emergency calls and visits we get are as a result of an animal ingesting something outside their regular diet
“It is important for all pet owners to be knowledgeable and vigilant about the carefully considered and scientifically accurate list that Jollyes has put together, particularly in the run up to Easter”
So, what everyday foods flash the danger sign and should pet owners steer clear of, to avoid unnecessary vet visits?
Jollyes’ pet safety expert Annabel Battersby gives her top dozen items pet owners should avoid:
1
Alcohol - pets, especially dogs, often enjoy the taste of alcohol, especially if it has cream, egg, or lots of sugar in it However, they should never drink it as their livers will struggle to remove the alcohol from their blood
2 Dough and raw baking mixes – these contain live yeast that can continue to expand after eating, causing bloating This often requires urgent surgery to protect the stomach
3 Mouldy food – Any food with mould is a no-no for pets – they contain toxins that can damage your pet’s organs and nervous system Best to keep them away from bins, bird tables and other areas mould may accumulate Bird tables should be cleaned regularly to protect your local wild birds from the same risks
4 Macadamia nuts - they’re not known to be poisonous to dogs, but even a small amount can make a dog ill Avoid
5 Xylitol - a common ingredient in sugar-free foods, sugar replacements, and chewing gum Xylitol can cause your pet’s blood sugar to drop suddenly so quick veterinary treatment is required
6 Baked goods – bread and biscuits, and any other foods high in carbohydrates should not be fed to rabbits
7 Chocolate – Easter’s approaching so hide those chocolate eggs chocolate contains theobromine, which is poisonous to a lot of animals
This is more concentrated in darker chocolates Many pets, especially dogs, enjoy chocolate which poses an additional risk at this time of year and at Christmas when chocolate comes in larger amounts of packaging – that too can create a blockage in their digestive system if eaten
8 Stone fruits – Stone fruits like avocados, are almost always not suitable for our pets to eat
9 Onions - Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives are all part of the allium family and can all be poisonous, especially when raw Though some are present in supplements, e g garlic capsules, ensure feeding guidelines are followed correctly and they are bought from a reputable source
10 Grapes, raisins, currants, and sultanas – these are all highly poisonous to dogs It’s important if you think your pet has eaten anything containing these ingredients to call your vet as soon as possible
11 Garden dangers - Any plants that grow from bulbs, like daffodils and tulips - the bulbs themselves are very poisonous so best not planted in parts of the garden your pet is likely to dig in to avoid getting them under their nails Other plants to avoid include ragwort, foxglove, yew, rhubarb, clematis, rhododendron All parts of lilies are poisonous to pets, especially cats
12 Potatoes and tomatoes - any members of the nightshade family, including potatoes and tomatoes Cooked potatoes are fine for many pets, but not raw potatoes or the leaves of the plant Many pets enjoy raw or cooked tomatoes, but the leaves and stems shouldn’t be chewed or eaten
Superbly located in the heart of the thriving town of Letterkenny so you only have to open the doors at the Station House Hotel and you are right where all the action is. From the endless number of family friendly activities to shopping centres, charming boutiques, the vibrant nightlife scene, relaxing restaurants, .the theatre and more, and with easy access to all major routes and natural attractions, Letterkenny has so much to offer over the winter season.
The hotel is built on the grounds of where the old Station House once stood when the
Railway system in co. Donegal was in operation from
1901 to the 1940’s. It was bought by the Gallagher family in 1953, four years after the last train passed the old building. It became their home up until 2004 at which point it was demolished and developed into a wonderful hotel boasting 81 spacious bedrooms
Choose from a range of their guestrooms for your accommodation, whether you are travelling as a couple, with family members or friends they have a number of room types for you to choose from including family, interconnecting, twin, triple, double, accessible and executive. All of which are vibrant and fresh and a contemporary approach to the décor and designed with your comfort in mind and feature plasma TVs with Chromecast allowing you to connect your phone or device directly to the screen so you can stream your favourite TV shows and films during your stay and relax, unwind and feel right at home at the Station house Hotel
The Station House is also home to the Depot Bar and Restaurant, a true “locals local”, and one of Letterkenny’s best and most popular bars and restaurants. It provides the perfect excuse for a pause and to pamper your palate, offering a wide range of sumptuous dining options. Since opening in 2006 their focus has been to provide good quality food using the finest of fresh seasonal local produce to create dishes that just ooze with flavor.
Grab yourself a great hotel deal with this incredible value Golden Years offer
Absence and suspensions are two thirds higher (67 per cent) than pre-pandemic
The report highlights a 10-point plan to tackle the attendance crisis, including £850 million investment and new laws to track school moves. Discover how these changes aim to create an inclusive education system and address the ongoing challenges post-pandemic.
Five years on from schools going into lockdown, the report brings together more than 100 teachers, leaders, students, parent groups and charities to pinpoint the root causes of lost learning, and to find solutions.
New analysis for the report finds that children lost 6.8 million days of learning in the autumn term before the Covid pandemic (2019/20) due to suspensions and absences, but this rose sharply to 11.5 million days in the same period in 2023/24 - an increase of 67 per cent. Each year, more children lose out on more days of school: there was a rise of 10 per cent between the autumn terms of 2022/23 and 2023/24 alone. The most vulnerable and disadvantaged children are impacted the most.
For every child that is permanently excluded, 10 other children experience an “invisible” move that isn’t recorded in national data, or overseen by local authorities or trusts. This includes “managed moves” which are informal agreements between schools - as well as the illegal practice of off-rolling. One third of children who experience one of these hidden moves goes to an “unknown destination” - meaning the Department for Education has no idea where or whether they are still being schooled. The report finds that the challenges of attendance, exclusion and the current special
educational needs crisis are deeply related – and are all increasing. Exclusions are up by over a third in a single year, home education has increased by over 20 per cent between 2022/23 and 2023/24, and there has been a 140 percent increase in the highest level of special educational needs support plans since 2015.
The 10-point plan to end the crisis of lost learning includes: Investing £850 million for inclusion over five years, which the report says would support half a million children, reduce their lost learning and improve outcomes – saving as much as it costs
Introducing legislation to monitor whenever a child is moved out of their school, to make sure we know where –and whether - our most vulnerable children are being educated
Changing schools' admission policies so that school intakes better reflects their local community to offer children from disadvantaged backgrounds the best chance of success in education
Exclusive new modelling for the report reveals that £850 million of funding for mainstream school inclusion would provide half a million children with quicker support - and pay for itself by 2030 by reducing the need for 35,000 costly Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP).
The report also sets out a definition of inclusion – which the Public Accounts Committee called for back in January – that, accompanied by funding and accountability changes, could transform outcomes for a generation of children.
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced arrangements for new Key Stage assessments, for the three-year period from the 2025-26 academic year
The new system-level sample assessments will evaluate the literacy and numeracy knowledge and skills of pupils at the end of Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 and will be introduced and delivered by the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA). The assessments will provide insights into learning outcomes across the education system and will play a vital role in shaping educational policies and interventions. The assessments will be taken by a sample of pupils and will be used to identify national trends in performance
Paul Givan said: “Literacy and numeracy are the essential foundation of all education Northern Ireland is currently without any measures of how our system is performing in both these areas at primary school and Key Stage 3. This is not acceptable and makes us an outlier internationally in being without basic performance data
“This new approach is designed to provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of how well our pupils are developing essential knowledge and skills in reading, writing and mathematics and will provide an authoritative picture on our national educational performance The findings from the assessments will support curriculum development and teacher professional learning”
System-level sample assessments are used across many high-performing education systems, including Canada, USA, Finland, Japan and Singapore
The Minister continued: “These new arrangements have been developed in consultation with CCEA and key stakeholders, including school leaders
“My Department and CCEA will work closely with schools and stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of the new arrangements Further details, including timelines and guidance for schools will be provided in the coming months”
CCEA Chief Executive, Gerry Campbell said: “In response to the Department of Education's requirement to introduce interim arrangements to assess system-wide performance in literacy and numeracy, CCEA will create and administer the new written assessments, effective from the 2025-2026 academic year. “This approach aims to minimise the workload on schools and provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of how well pupils are developing essential skills in reading, writing and mathematics”
A representative sample of schools will participate in the assessments annually and outcomes will not be published at school or pupil level.
Many parents of children with additional needs are unaware that they may be entitled to financial support –here’s an overview of the support that may be available to families:
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Children under 16 with a disability or additional needs may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance (DLA), while those over 16 can receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The amount received will depend on the condition and how it affects the child
Depending on household circumstances, entitlement to DLA or PIP can also help with entitlement to other benefits such as Universal Credit and Carers Allowance.
As soon as possible after receiving a positive DLA or PIP decision you should contact whoever pays your current benefits to tell them you’re now getting DLA or PIP, as this could result in you getting higher payments of other benefits such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit
You’ll also be exempt from the ‘benefit cap’ which limits the amount of benefit payment a household can receive, and also may be eligible for help towards your household rates if you have made any adaptations to your home to meet the needs of the person with the disability
If you do not currently receive any benefits
The awarding of a disability benefit is a significant change in circumstances The entitlement to DLA or PIP may mean that households with a higher income, and who would not otherwise be eligible, can qualify for support
You should contact an independent benefits advisor who can check if this change means that your household could now be entitled to any other benefits, such as Universal Credit
Parents and others who care for someone in receipt of DLA or PIP could be eligible to receive Carer’s Allowance, which is paid weekly at a rate of £81 90 Eligibility depends on the circumstances of both the carer and the person being cared for
If the carer is in receipt of Universal Credit and is in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, or would be in receipt of Carers Allowance if it weren’t for their income being too high, they may be eligible for an additional Carer Element of Universal Credit of £198.31 per month.
For a couple with one partner working and the other not working but in receipt of Carers Allowance, and/or the Caring Element of Universal Credit, they can meet the criteria for financial support with their registered childcare costs which otherwise require both members of a couple to be working
Further information
For personalised advice on what support your family may be entitled to, contact the Family Benefits Advice Service on 028 9267 8200 or email hello@employersforchildcare org
