Here in the Pre-school, we want the children to develop physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. In order to do this we have developed a Pre-School curriculum that is child centered with a strong focus on the child having sufficient freedom of choice. We believe that parent’s know their child best therefore, we promote parents as partners in their child’s education. It is very important to monitor children’s development at this early age. Research has shown that the first six years of a child’s life is the most important in laying the foundations for future learning and development. With this in mind we continuously carry out observations on children’s learning and development.

Regardless of the individual philosophy of the service, all services participating in the Free Pre-School ECCE Scheme will be required to offer programmes that reflect the principles and standards of Síolta the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and in the future will be guided by Aistear The Framework for Early Learning.

All staff are fully trained and qualified. The pre-school may have students at different stages during the school year. Staff are always doing extra training and various different courses to renew their skills.

Children are eligible for the ECCE scheme if they are aged between 3 years 2 months and 4 years 7 months on 1 September of the year that they will be starting. To establish your child’s eligibility, parents will be asked for details such as the child’s name, date of birth and PPS number. Children that do not qualify for this scheme may attend if places are available (a fee will apply). By enrolling your child in our Pre-School it is expected that they

will continue their education in the Holy Cross Mercy School.

Children on the ECCE scheme (free Pre-School) will receive 3 hour sessions for 5 days a week for 38 weeks free pre-school, only for one year. These weeks are inline with the school calendar.

Optional weeks are available which are not covered under the ECCE scheme payment. The Pre-School will run Halloween, Easter and Summer camps.

Health Service Executive: Our Pre-School follows the Pre-School regulations. From time to time the Pre-School inspection team visits our Pre-School. The reports have always been very positive.