A NORTH Belfast nursery school has become the first in Northern Ireland to transform to integrated status.
Brefne Nursery School is also the first free-standing integrated nursery school.
Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) chief executive Roisin Marshall described it as "a big achievement".
"We offer warm congratulations to the whole school community," she said.
"They not only supported children and families through the pandemic, but also finalised their proposal for submission to the minister.
"It is great to see their hard work pay off."
Chair of the Board of Governors Elaine Crozier said it is "formal recognition of the complexion of our school community, which has seen children of all backgrounds being educated together for the past 50 years".
Principal Victoria McGimpsey said they are "extremely proud" to have made history and "believe this marks a bright and exciting future for nursery education in Northern Ireland".
"We have always encouraged children and families to come together to celebrate their differences in the hope that we are giving the children a positive beginning to their lifelong educational journey, both inside and outside of the school building.
"We cannot thank everyone enough who has supported and guided us throughout this process."
