About
We are dedicated to offering families affordable, quality care and education for young children.
Our history
Established by Cynthia McEnery in 2012, Clarecastle Community Playgroup is a non-profit organisation that offers a play-based curriculum to children attending the service.
The team of early years professionals facilitates enjoyable learning experiences based on children’s interests, inquiries, and curiosity both indoors and outdoors. Children are encouraged to make choices and move freely in their learning environment, which supports independence and confidence while exploring play resources and materials.
We Offer:
- ECCE scheme: Early Childhood Care & Education Scheme
- NCS: National Childcare Scheme
- AIM: Access and Inclusion Model
Our graduates
In each playroom, every child has a personalised learning portfolio for their year in the playgroup. The learning portfolio illustrates each child’s learning journey while in playgroup. The portfolio of their person illustrates the child’s interests, progress, and achievements throughout the year. The portfolios include children’s drawings, photographs, learning records, observations, and anything each child wants to add.
Our community
Our early years professionals also support community involvement throughout the year, e.g., visits to people’s park, playground, local primary schools, day-care centre, and places of interest for the children. We invite people from the community to visit the playgroup during the year, e.g., our School Warden “Caroline,” the Postman, the school principal, and junior infants’ teachers.
The playgroup also participates in community events such as the community garden planting, fundraising (Trick or Treat for Temple Street, Barnardo’s Christmas raffle, and the Toddle for Barnardo’s), hurling, school concerts, or anything that pops up during the year. We like to support local businesses and organisations such as the men’s shed, post office, and shops.
Health & Safety
At Clarecastle Community Playgroup, we make your child’s health and safety our top priority. Our standards are the highest in the industry, meeting or exceeding all local and national guidelines. Our center has strict guidelines for cleanliness and security and we’re proud to have Cynthia McEnery as our Health and Safety Officer.
- We are committed to ensuring the safety and care of the children upon arriving and leaving the service
- A member of staff will register each child on arrival
- Secure areas that keep children constantly within sight
