THERE was relief and happiness at Newtownbutler Playgroup as they were told this week that they would receive the funding they required to keep one of their programmes running for another year.

The Railway Kids programme was due to go ahead at the start of April, but just one day before the start date, the playgroup received notification from the Pathway Fund that they had not been successful in getting funding, leaving three members of staff without a job and more than 20 children with nowhere to go.

It was a huge blow for the cross-community playgroup, which had been running the Railway Kids programme for five years. However, on Monday, the playgroup got word they would be receiving the funding, with an extra £900,000 allocated to the Pathway Fund by Education Minister, Peter Weir.

The playgroup had met with First Minister Arlene Foster last Friday and put their case to her about why the programme should continue in the playgroup.

On Monday, a phone call from the DUP leader’s office informed them of the availability of further funding.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, playgroup leader, Michelle McGrory, could not hide her delight that the funding was available.

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She said: “We are just delighted we got it back. We had our meeting with Arlene Foster on Friday and we went down and put our case to her and she said she would do anything she could.

“Then on Monday, we received a call from her office to say that we were getting our funding back again, so we got what we applied for.

“We weren’t expecting it to come around so quick. We thought it would be September before we got it back, but it’s brilliant, and we are delighted to get it back.”

Michelle paid tribute to the community of Newtownbutler as they rallied behind the playgroup in their fight for the funding, and also to the First Minister for her help as well.

“The Newtown community was very good. The parents had got on to Mrs. Foster and I gave her the letters written in [our support from them]. It wasn’t just one thing, it was a combination of everything. That whole support helped turn it round.”

The playgroup is planning to have all the children eligible for the programme back in on Monday, and the funding approval also allows parents who want to apply for the nursery for September to submit their applications.

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Michelle feels that funding for programmes like this should be statutory, and she will also be looking for feedback on the playgroup’s failed application. But for now, the focus is on getting the children back in to the playgroup.

First Minister Arlene Foster welcomed the extra £900,000 funding allocated to the Pathway Fund. She said: “On Friday last, I met with the leaders of Newtownbutler Playgroup and heard their concerns surrounding the lack of funding from the Pathway Fund. This funding was vital for the survival of this important facility in the area.

“Since [receiving] news of the shortfall in funding for this playgroup facility, I have been working with the Education Minister. Peter Weir.

“He was determined to ensure that no child would be disadvantaged, and I am delighted that he is now in a position to provide an extra £900,000 in the budget for this fund for facilities across Northern Ireland. This will ensure funding, going forward, for the year in Newtownbutler.

“In rural areas, groups such as Newtownbutler Playgroup are at the heart of a community and, indeed, are important for our children in their development.

“This [funding approval] is welcome news after what has been an anxious time for staff and parents,” added Mrs. Foster.