Naíscoil

Naíscoil an tSeanchaí IME Preschool for all

Naíscoil hours: (Drop off from 8:50) 9:00 - 1:30 with option of hot EA school meal available. (Pre-pre pupils 9:00 -11:00am).

Gaelscoil hours: (Drop off form 8:30) R1/2 pupils: 9:00 - 1:50. R3-7 pupils 9:00 - 2:50.

Fáilte go Naíscoil an tSeanchaí, the statutory nursery unit of Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí. Founded in 2005, originally located in Killowen Drive before moving to our lovely setting on Queen's Avenue, we offer high-quality preschool education for children from 3 years of age.

Naíscoil an tSeanchaí ("Knee-skull an Chan-a-hee") is open to all, children of every race, of all religions or none, everyone is welcome. Our teachers Múinteoir Bríd and múinteoir Fionnuala along with assistants Teresa and Aoife create a nurturing environment that allows children to play, socialise and grow together. High-quality learning is facilitated by our passionate staff providing a broad range of activities to promote progression, all while immersed in the Irish language, covering every element of the preschool curriculum, and including a keen emphasis on outdoor play. The advantages of bilingualism from an early age are internationally recognised thanks to a broad body of research:

Better self-confidence
Increased Cultural awareness
Enhanced Problem-Solving
Improved levels of abstract thought
Greater levels of empathy
Reduced risk of dementia later in life.

94% of our pupils come from homes where parents have little or no Irish yet the children thrive linguistically, socially and educationally. They have opted to give their children the gift of bilingualism. If you are interested in finding out more about an Irish-Medium Education for your child, more information can be found by contacting the principal, Malachaí Ó hAgáin via the school office directly, or from Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta. https://www.comhairle.org/english/contact/parents/

From September 2025 our Naíscoil has joined the PSP (Pre-school standardisation) where we now offer fully funded hours: 9:00am - 1:30pm and the option of a hot school meal is available.

We also have children from the growing Irish language community in Mid-Ulster, a thriving and open community, with lots of opportunities to use Irish outside of school provided by Glór Mhachaire Fíolta. https://www.glormf.com/

For children due to start Pre-school in September 2026 we will hold an open day on Saturday the 15^th November, 10:00 – 11:00am at the Naíscoil (and 11:30-12:30 at the Gaelscoil). Apply for a Preschool place via EA Connect ,opens 7^th and closes 21^st January 2026. Search Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí PS NU on EA Connect. Contac the school office if you need help or have any questions. Fáilte go saol trí Ghaeilge!

Bus Route for Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí:

School Run:

Antrim - Toome - Bellaghy - Castledawson - Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí.

Home Run: R1/2 leaves at 1:50. R3-7 leaves at 2:50. (R1/2 have an option of a daily club iarscoile 2-3 and can then get the bus at 2:50).

Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí - Castledawson - Bellaghy - Toome - Antrim.

Naíscoil

My name is Caitlin McVey and I’m in fifth year at the Rainey. I love speaking Irish and I’ve been to the Gaeltacht every year since I left Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí and I love going to it, it’s the highlight of my summer. I’ve recently become a well- being and language ambassador. I’m currently studying for GCSEs in Maths, English, Further Maths, English Literature, French, Business Studies and Triple Award Science. I’m hoping to study Biology, Chemistry and Irish at A-level.

I was able to complete my GCSE in Irish in my first year in secondary school, achieving an A*. I love being bilingual because it means I can see the world in two different ways, and it has opened many doors for me. Going to a Gaelscoil for primary school really made me who I am today, as I don’t know who I’d be without the experience.

Is mise Sienna Rahman agus tá mé i mbliain a naoi ag Coláiste Naomh Pius, Machaire Fíolta. Bhí mo thaithí i nGaelscoil an tSeanchaí iontach ar fad. D'fhoghlaim mé go leor faoi chultúr na hÉireann agus bhí na múinteoirí an-chairdiúil agus cuidiúil i gcónaí. Thaitin an Ghaeilge liom ó rang a haon agus is breá liom é go fóill! Cé acu ag canadh nó ag imirt cluichí le mo rang, bhí atmaisféar teaghlaigh ann i gcónaí, mhothaigh mé go raibh mé mar chuid de rud speisialta. Ní dhéanfaidh mé dearmad ar na cuimhní speisialta sin choíche.

My name is Sienna Rahman and I am in Year 9 at St. Pius X College, Magherafelt. My time at Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí was absolutely brilliant. I learned a lot about Irish culture and the teachers were always very friendly and helpful. I have loved Irish since primary one and I still love it to this day! Whether we were singing or playing games with my class, there was always a real family atmosphere, I always felt like I was part of something special. I will never forget those special memories.