AQW 41470/22-27

Mr Eóin Tennyson
Alliance Party
Upper Bann

Tabled Date: 26/02/2026
Answered On Date: 04/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail his Department’s (i) policy; and (ii) minimum standards, for the required square footage, or meterage, of outdoor play space for (a) nursery pupils; and (b) primary school pupils.

Answer:

The Department’s Building Handbook sets out the recommended accommodation provision and outdoor play space for all schools, including nursery schools and primary schools, based on enrolment numbers. The site areas provided in the Handbook are the preferred minimum. However, it is recognised that attaining the minimum is not always possible, particularly within the confines of an urban setting or when redeveloping an existing site. In such circumstances, the Department will give due consideration to the minimum acceptable area on a case-by-case basis.

The Building Handbook can be found at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/building-handbook