A programme aimed at supporting young children is at risk of closure if addition funding is not received.

The group had benefited from the Pathway Fund, which is set to close in June across Northern Ireland, with the closure to impact upon thousands of children.

The fund aims to improve the development of children who are at risk of not reaching their full potential within the school system, and can also be used to enhance the sustainability of the Early Years sector.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter about the devastating news facing Newtownbutler Playgroup – Railway Kids, Paula Drumm, administrator, and Michelle McGrory, playgroup leader, said: “This news has left three staff and 24 families reeling as the Pathway Fund has enabled us to [support] 24 children, aged two to three years old, over the past six years.”

Explaining the importance of the Pathway Fund, they said: “The fund has been essential in sustaining this local Early Years education and learning service in our community, and the loss of funding places their future in jeopardy.

“The Pathway Fund has enabled us to enhance our service and outcomes for children with additional needs.”

Audrey Rainey, Director of Services for Early Years, a non-profit organisation for young children that is getting behind the fight to save the Pathway Fund, said: “A decision to cease funding will have a devastating impact on 187 projects across Northern Ireland, and impact more than 10,000 children, families and have a wider impact on the local community.

“We welcome the opportunity to engage through our #SaveThePathwayFund campaign with Newtownbutler Cross Community Playgroup, who will be hosting a meeting on May 11 to provide the opportunity for Early Years providers across Fermanagh and South Tyrone to come together and have their voice heard.

“Local political representatives have been invited to hear the direct impact that the cessation of the Pathway Fund will have within their local area.

“We would call upon the Department of Education to review this decision carefully as the cessation of these services will be devastating for the most vulnerable in our communities.”

In addition, a petition at www.early-years.org has been set up to show support for Newtownbutler Playgroup – Railway Kids, and all children across the North who benefit from the Pathway Fund.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: “The Department has now received its budget allocation for 2023-24 from the Northern Ireland Office, and is working through the detail.

“The allocation is extremely challenging, and may require significant reductions across a wide range of areas to remain within budget.

“To sustain important Early Years services over the next three months, including Newtownbutler Cross Community Playgroup, the Department has made an interim allocation of funding of £1.05m in respect of the Pathway Fund for the period April 1 to June 30.

“The Department will confirm the final Pathway Fund allocation following consideration of the education budget.”