Orangefield and Bethlehem creating new connections through PEACEPLUS ASPIRE

For the leaders at Orangefield Nursery Unit and Bethlehem Nursery School, PEACEPLUS ASPIRE offers a valuable opportunity for their children to make deeper connections and friendships with children they may not otherwise meet.

Both settings are in East Belfast and have never taken part in Shared Education before.  They are among the new preschool partnerships participating in PEACEPLUS ASPIRE - an exciting shared education initiative which has moved into its second year.

New Experiences

“In the Early Years, children are so curious, excited and full of wonder”

Jacqueline Mallon, principal of Bethlehem said one of the reasons they became involved in the project is to promote their children’s wider social development – a key part of the settings vision for their children.  She explained that the shared sessions will help the children build confidence and resilience in new situations.

She said, “it is about exploring those new connections, those big emotions and big feelings because new people coming into their environment is going to create big feelings for them.” 

Aimee Pinnons, nursery coordinator of Orangefield, agreed saying “I know they will be really excited to visit Bethlehem and they will be going home and telling their grandparents and their brothers and sisters all about what they did.” 

Building children’s confidence has already proven to be one of the key achievements from the project’s first year. As a result of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE, a majority of all preschools reported their children being much more confident meeting new people, while most settings said their children were much more confident going to new places. 

Long-term legacy

Both settings are also exploring the long‑term benefits of the project, with a focus on weaving Shared Education into the fabric of their wider school. Jacqueline explained that she is hopeful that Shared Education can be embedded within their school ethos and vision – highlighting the positive impact it will bring their school as a whole.  This was echoed by Aimee, explaining that she hopes the success of the project will enable Shared Education to be extended into their primary school.

With young children leading the way through curiosity and connection, these settings are shaping a lasting vision where Shared Education becomes a cornerstone of learning and development, and extends beyond school and preschool setting gates.