Welcome Message from the Principal
Dear Parents,
Welcome to Ballynahinch Primary School, where we believe in nurturing the potential of every child and creating a community that celebrates curiosity, growth, and achievement. As Principal, it is my pleasure to introduce you to our vibrant school, where academic excellence and personal development go hand in hand.
At Ballynahinch Primary School we are committed to providing a supportive environment that encourages each pupil to thrive. Our dedicated teachers and staff work together to design enriching programs that foster intellectual curiosity, creativity, and resilience. We believe that education goes beyond the classroom, preparing our pupils not only for academic success but also to be compassionate, responsible, and engaged citizens within our local community.
Our curriculum is both challenging and nurturing, integrating traditional values with innovative teaching approaches to meet the needs of today’s learners. In addition to a strong academic foundation, we offer a diverse array of extracurricular activities, from sports and arts to STEM. These experiences empower our pupils to explore their interests, develop essential life skills, and build lasting friendships.
As you read through this digital prospectus, I hope you gain a sense of the vibrant and inclusive community that makes Ballynahinch Primary School such a special place. We are excited to partner with you in your child’s educational journey, and we look forward to welcoming you to our school family.
Warm regards,
Mr J Anderson
Principal, Ballynahinch Primary School.
Vision Statement
At Ballynahinch Primary School, we aim to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Through high-quality teaching, creative learning opportunities, and strong partnerships with families, we aim to cultivate a love for learning, develop character, and equip our pupils with the skills, confidence, and compassion to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Together, we strive to shape lifelong learners and responsible citizens who are kind, curious, and ready to make a positive difference in their local community and beyond.
About our School
Founded in 1954, Ballynahinch Primary School opened its doors on 23rd April. We are a controlled, co-educational day school, catering for pupils from 4-11 years of age.
Our pupils are at the heart of all that we do at Ballynahinch Primary School. We have a happy school. We have a staff who enjoy their work and we have pupils who enjoy coming to school each day. We have a Christian ethos that is shown through our caring and welcoming atmosphere. We welcome children of all faiths and none.
The school is under the control of the South Eastern region of the Education Authority and is situated on an extensive site off the Dromore Road. The main building is comprised of bright, spacious classrooms, with an ICT suite, Music Room and Library.
Our Primary One class has a separate room dedicated to Play Based Learning, and access to our outdoor play area. All classes have access to a large central hall that is well equipped with a variety of apparatus for physical education & for school dramatic performances. We also are blessed to have an internal garden for outdoor learning opportunities.
All our Foundation Stage teachers work closely with our Nursery Unit which caters for children from 3 years old. The Nursery includes an excellent outdoor play area, garden, bespoke Forest Schools area, and a covered sand pit.
The school buildings are very well maintained and throughout the school, displays of the children’s work help create a stimulating learning environment.
We are fortunate to be well resourced with extensive learning materials and equipment including an ICT suite, SMART boards in every classroom, iPads and a comfortable and attractive school library.
Forest Schools - facilitating learning in the outdoors
In October 2024 we opened our newly created Forest School Area. At the back of the school we are fortunate to share our boundary with Montalto Estate and within this wooded area, we have been able to create a bespoke learning area for the children to use throughout the school year. To read our story on how this has been achieved, through partnership with our PTA, click the button below
Beyond the Classroom
The Board of Governors
The Board of Governors has responsibility for all aspects of life in the school including the curriculum, staffing, admission of pupils, child protection and finance. Our Governors are representative of the local community, parents, staff and the Education Authority (EA). They work extremely hard to support the work of the school and meet regularly to discuss all aspects of provision in the school.
Our PTA
In Ballynahinch Primary School we are very fortunate to have the support of an exceptional PTA which organises a wide range of events every year, and works tirelessly to provide the school with additional resources and to build good relationships throughout our school community.
As a result of this work, every pupil in the school benefits directly, and we are always able to provide for the children the very latest educational resources. The work of the PTA is invaluable and very much appreciated. The most recent example of their generosity has been the installation of the pathway through our forest, to facilitate our Forest Schools activity area.
All parents are encouraged to join the PTA and to attend the various very enjoyable events. New committee members are always made most welcome. Our thanks are always due to the very hard working committee members for all they do in the interests of the children and the school in general.
Home - School Partnership
The important, close partnership between school and home is always encouraged, and we see this as a major factor in our pupils achieving their full potential. We hope that you too will share with us in making this a successful and happy period in your child’s life.
Looking beyond our school
As a school family, we are keen to give generously to those less fortunate than ourselves, and with this in mind a Charity of the Year is chosen following consultation with our Pupil Council.
Statement of School Aims
At Ballynahinch Primary School we are committed to providing a well-rounded education that inspires, nurtures, and challenges every child. Our key aims are:
Academic Excellence: To offer a stimulating and high-quality curriculum that fosters a love for learning and enables all students to achieve their full academic potential.
Holistic Development: To support the physical, emotional, social, and moral growth of our students, helping them develop into confident, responsible, and well-rounded individuals.
Inclusive Environment: To create a welcoming and supportive school community where every child feels valued, respected, and included, regardless of background or ability.
Lifelong Learning Skills: To equip our pupils with critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing them for future challenges and fostering a passion for lifelong learning.
Values and Character: To promote positive values such as respect, kindness, resilience, and teamwork, encouraging our pupils to become responsible global citizens who contribute positively to society.
Partnership with Families: To work closely with parents and carers, fostering strong partnerships to support the development and well-being of each child.
Our Ethos
At the heart of our school is a shared commitment to nurture and shape the minds of our children and young people. We seek to weave a rich tapestry of heritage, identity, and high expectations, within an environment where every individual is encouraged to achieve their fullest potential. Through guidance, praise, and empathy, we teach our children to always be attuned to the needs of others.
We believe in the power of communication, working closely with our parents to support our learners. By investing in their wellbeing, we will enable our children to become confident in their abilities, resilient when they face setbacks, and responsible, respectful contributors to the society they will inhabit—individuals who know and show kindness in all that they do.
To view our 'pupil friendly' ethos statement, and associated Character Cards (one of which is shown above) click the link below.
Our Nursery Unit
Choosing a nursery class within a primary school setting offers numerous advantages for young children and their families, making it an ideal foundation for early education.
There are several compelling reasons why parents should choose our nursery class within Ballynahinch Primary School:
Smooth Transition to Primary School
Familiar Environment: By starting your child in our nursery class it will allow them to become familiar with the school’s environment, routines, and staff, making the transition to P1 much smoother.
Reduced Anxiety: This continuity should hopefully reduce any anxiety for both children and parents, as the surroundings, faces, and daily routines will already be known when the child progresses to the next stage.
High-Quality, Age-Appropriate Education
Dedicated Early Years Curriculum: Our nursery program aligns with the Northern Ireland Early Years Curriculum, which is carefully designed to support cognitive, emotional, and social development in young children.
Invested staff: Our staff are well-trained in early childhood education, focusing on nurturing a love for learning and building foundational skills through play-based learning. With a full time teacher and learning assistant, children in our nursery have the best possible start to their education journey.
Integrated Learning Community
Sense of Belonging: By being a part of our larger school community from an early age your child will benefit from a sense of belonging and connection with older pupils, teachers, and staff.
Role Models: By having the opportunity to observe and interact with older pupils, your child with encounter positive role models and help them develop social skills more rapidly.
Consistent Educational Philosophy and Values
Aligned Values: By being a part of our school, parents can be assured that their child’s learning experience will follow a consistent philosophy and set of values throughout their early education, reinforcing important character traits and attitudes.
Access to Facilities and Resources
Enhanced Facilities: By Nursery being integrated within our school, your child will benefit from access to a variety of facilities not typically available elsewhere, such as sports facilities, libraries, music rooms, and even outdoor spaces, such as our bespoke Forest Schools Areas.
Learning Materials: Resources like learning technology, specialised equipment, and age-appropriate learning materials are readily available within our setting, and used frequently by our children.
Stronger Home-School Partnership
Consistent Communication: By being a part of our school, parents can benefit from regular updates on their child's progress and be involved in school-wide events and activities, creating a strong sense of partnership in their child's education.
Long-Term Relationships: By building a relationship with the school community from the nursery stage, this will allow for lasting connections that support your child’s learning journey throughout their time us at Ballynahinch Primary School.
Cost and Convenience for Families
Affordable Options: At Ballynahinch Primary School, we are pleased to offer affordable childcare from 1.20pm until 4pm which can be a practical benefit for families who are either collecting older children within the school, or indeed to fit within work patterns.
By choosing our nursery class, parents can feel confident that their children are receiving a high-quality, consistent, and nurturing education in a familiar and well-supported environment. This choice will help your child start on a path to success, not only within their primary school years, but throughout their educational journey.
Starting in Primary 1 at Ballynahinch Primary School
Starting school is such a special time, and we understand the significance of choosing the right environment for your child’s growth, happiness, and development. We believe that our school is the ideal place for children to thrive, especially as they embark on their learning journey in Primary 1.
A Warm and Welcoming Environment
First and foremost, we are dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported. Transitioning into Primary 1 is a big step, and our experienced, caring staff are here to ease that transition. We work closely with families to ensure that each child feels comfortable and excited about coming to school every day.
Tailored Learning Approach
Every child is unique, and in Primary 1, our approach is to nurture individual strengths and support areas for growth. Our teachers take the time to get to know each child’s personality, interests, and learning style, so we can meet each child where they are and help them progress confidently. By adapting our lessons and activities to suit diverse needs, we empower children to build skills at their own pace while celebrating their achievements.
Building a Love for Learning
In Primary 1, one of our main goals is to spark a love for learning. Through hands-on activities, creative exploration, and play-based learning, we encourage curiosity and joy in discovering new things. Our curriculum is carefully designed to make learning fun and engaging, helping children develop critical foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving while also fostering a sense of wonder and imagination.
Developing Social and Emotional Skills
We place a strong emphasis on social and emotional learning. In our school, children learn the importance of kindness, respect, cooperation, and resilience. Through group work, playtime, and structured activities, children practice communication, sharing, and empathy, all of which are essential skills for their future. Our teachers are here to guide children as they learn to navigate friendships, handle challenges, and build self-confidence.
Inspiring Creativity and Independence
We believe in nurturing each child’s creativity and independence. In Primary 1, children are encouraged to think independently, make choices, and express themselves through art, storytelling, music, and other creative outlets. This fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work, building the confidence they need to tackle new challenges as they grow.
Strong Partnership with Families
We recognise that parents and caregivers are our partners in each child’s educational journey. We keep open lines of communication, share regular updates, and offer many opportunities for families to be involved in the classroom experience. By working together, we can provide a consistent, supportive foundation for your child, both at school and at home.
Preparation for the Future
We are committed to helping each child build a strong foundation that will set them up for success in the years ahead. By developing essential skills, fostering a positive attitude toward learning, and building self-confidence, we are preparing them not just for Primary 1, but for a lifetime of learning and growth.
We want you to know that in our school, your child will be seen, heard, and valued. They’ll be encouraged to explore, make friends, and discover the joys of learning. We’re here to support your child every step of the way, and we truly believe they’ll thrive here.
Thank you for considering our school. We look forward to welcoming your family into our community.
Ballynahinch Primary School - Happy to Learn
Telephone: 02897 563 171 | Email: info@ballynahinchps.ballynahinch.ni.sch.uk
Croob Park, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8BB