Advocates for closure-threatened St Malachy’s Primary School, Kilclief, say 'Farming families deserve to be heard'
A rural primary school is appealing for the Department of Education not to close their school, saying ‘many of our pupils are the sons and daughters of farmers, farm workers, and agri‑families who rise early, work hard, and learn the values of responsibility, care, and resilience from the land around them’.
In a letter sent to Farming Life, those advocatoing for St. Malachy’s Primary School in Kilclief, say ‘St. Malachy’s is not just a school — it is the perfect environment for our SEN children and for any child who needs calm, space, and predictability to thrive’.
The letter adds that ‘in a world where classrooms are getting louder, schools are getting bigger, and children’s mental health is under more pressure than ever, our rural school offers something increasingly rare’.
They say St Malachy’s Primary School is a ‘quiet, safe, low‑stimulus environment with extensive outdoor grounds where children can breathe, regulate, and learn at their own pace’.
The letter adds: ‘For children with sensory needs, anxiety, ASD traits, or mobility challenges, this setting is not a luxury — it is essential.
‘Our pupils can step outside into fresh air, open space, and nature rather than concrete yards or busy roads.
‘They can regulate through movement, outdoor play, and hands‑on learning rather than being overwhelmed by noise, crowds, or technology’.
It adds that ‘Closing St. Malachy’s would remove a vital lifeline for rural SEN children who cannot cope with the hustle, bustle, and sensory overload of larger schools’.
‘It would force longer journeys on our children, some of whom already start their mornings early on family farms,’ it adds.
‘It would place additional strain on parents who need to leave for work and possibly travel miles to another school.
‘Our school is uniquely placed to offer future SEN provision, including SPIM or Nurture support, precisely because of its quiet countryside location and its extensive, secure grounds.
‘This is the kind of environment that professionals across the UK are calling for — more outdoor play, more nature‑based learning, more space for children to regulate and grow. Yet instead of being valued, our school is being threatened.
‘In this day and age, when children’s mental health is deteriorating and screen time is rising, rural schools like ours should be protected, not closed.
‘Outdoor play is not an “extra” here — it is part of daily life.
‘Our children run, climb, build, explore, and learn in ways that no tablet or app could ever replace’.
A group will be ‘travelling to Stormont on Tuesday 30th June at 12pm (handover 12.15pm) to hand over our petition because rural voices deserve to be heard’.
‘Farming families deserve to be heard,’ adds the letter.
‘SEN children deserve to be heard. And the next generation — the young people who will one day care for our countryside — deserve a school that understands them.
‘We would be grateful for your support in highlighting the importance of safeguarding rural education, SEN provision, and the wellbeing of children growing up in Northern Ireland’s countryside.
‘We have UNISON, multiple elected representatives and Board of Governors in attendance with us on the day’.
Kind regards,
Sarah Kelly
On behalf of the families of St. Malachy’s PS, Kilclief