Gaelic pre-school education

Some parents wish their children to have the opportunity of experiencing pre-school education in the Gaelic language. The below information answers parents' questions about that:

The Gaelic medium nursery class

Q. Where is the Gaelic nursery in Edinburgh?

A. The Gaelic medium nursery is in Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge, Edinburgh. There are also some Parent and Toddler groups (Parant is Paisde) and Playgroups (Croileagan) in various areas of the city.

Pre-school education in Gaelic

Q. What will my child do in Gaelic medium nursery/playgroup?

A. Your child will have the same learning experiences as children in other Council nurseries and will follow the same Curriculum Framework. He or she will have the same opportunities to develop skills and knowledge and meet and mix with other children. An understanding of Gaelic language is developed through play, conversation and songs.

Q. Are the nursery staff qualified?

A. All our nurseries are staffed by teachers and nursery nurses. Staff in the Gaelic nursery are fluent Gaelic speakers.

Starting Gaelic medium nursery class

Q. When do I enrol my child for nursery?

A. As soon as your child has reached the age of two you can put his/her name on the waiting list. When your child is three a place will be offered if it is available.

The benefits of Gaelic medium nursery education

Q. Will my child be confused by using two languages?

A. Evidence suggests that the earlier a child learns another language the easier it is for them to become fluent and being able to speak more than one language is helpful.

Families using Gaelic medium nursery

Q. Do I need to be a Gaelic speaker for my child to go to a Gaelic medium nursery?

A. No. You don't need to be a Gaelic speaker. Most of the children in Gaelic medium education throughout Scotland come from homes where the parent(s) do not speak Gaelic. Starting primary school

Q. Will my child be able to go to Gaelic primary school?

A. As Tollcross Primary School is the only provider of Gaelic medium Education in Edinburgh, your child would be able to go on to Gaelic medium primary education there regardless of which catchment area you live in, if you so wish.

For further information please contact the Childcare Information Service on 0800 032 0323, or visit the website at www.childcarelink.gov.uk.