Early Years graduation at West Bann Development

This programme is a Department of Education initiative which promotes the child’s development and helps to prepare them for pre-school.

Jude Elder, the Early Years Co-ordinator at West Bann, welcomed the group to the graduation in English and Polish (Jestes bardzo mile widziane).

Jude informed the group that she had responsibility for managing all aspects of the childcare facility, including an immensely talented team of childcare staff.

Speaking of the “very special graduation ceremony”, she added: “It is a wonderful celebration of your children’s success, achievement and development over the past year while they were attending Little Explorers.

“This time last year the Little Explorers Two Year Old programme was a simple vision and dream for the children and the wider community here.

“With a phenomenal amount of hard work, dedication and drive it became a reality in September 2009. West Bann Development, in conjunction with the Coleraine SureStart Partnership, established the first ever Two Year Old Programme in the West Bann area.

On September 21, 2009, we welcomed through our doors, eleven unique and beautiful children: Molly, Kyle, Reece, Caoimhe, Alex, Rhiannon, Declan, Juliuz, Nikodem, Eric and Madison.

“Each of your children is immensely talented and gifted, real characters with a sense of fun and enthusiasm. It has been a tremendous privilege and honour to have been caring and educating your children for the past year and I believe that I speak on behalf of all my colleagues when I say that you too should be extraordinarily proud of the little people you have raised and of the remarkable job you as parents have done in raising them.”

Julie added: “I would like to extend my gratitude to all my colleagues and the Directors of West Bann Development who work tirelessly to keep our dreams and visions alive. I would also like to thank Coleraine SureStart Partnership and in particular gratitude is extended to Gillian Montgomery, Heather Riley, and Lorraine Abernethy for their incredible advice and support.

“Finally, I would like to pay a special tribute to Amy, Mandy and Clare, without whom this programme would not have been possible. You approach your work with such dedication, enthusiasm, passion and good humour. You too should be extremely proud of the work that you consistently do. I certainly am.

“Your children were part of our first ever Two Year Old Programme in West Bann Development and they will always have a special place in out hearts. We wish them and you every success in the future.”