In the beginning...
Ballymore Community Childcare was established in 2000 as a playgroup. It was based in Scoil Eoin Noafa National School Ballymore. The playgroup then moved premises to a room at the Community Centre in Ballymore to facilitate its continuing growth. During this time there was 2 qualified Staff working for the service.
In 2008 the Board secured funding to develop a purpose-built childcare facility on a site provided by Westmeath County Council in the Market Hill area of Ballymore. In March 2010 we opened our new building providing sessional, part-time and afterschool services
Ballymore Community Childcare today...
Currently we have fourteen highly qualified staff members, including 3 Trainee Childcare Educators on the CE Scheme, an Office Administrator, driver and caretaker. We cater for over 80 children from Ballymore and the surrounding communities
We have been fully compliant with Tusla since opening.
Our Services
Our preschool service at present provides the ECCE programme to families who have children attending the following 9 primary schools – Ballymore, Boher, Killare, Loughnavalley, Miltown, Moyvore, Drumraney, Ard na Grath and Tang National Schools.
Playgroup
Playgroup operates from 9am to 12pm daily Monday to Friday and caters for children aged 2 years 6 months to 3 years 6 months. Each child is given the opportunity to develop his/her skills through a play-based curriculum and playgroup provides a nice transition from home to pre-school.
Pre-School
Pre-school (ECCE year) operates from 9am to 12.15 Monday to Friday and from September 2018 will cater for 2yrs 8 mts to 5 yrs 8 mts. The children continue to learn and develop through a curriculum that reflects the principles and standards of Síolta and follows the guidelines set out in Aistear.
After School
After school homework club offers a homework club from 2 – 3.00 pm and 2/3 – 6 pm. We provide a hot meal and supervised homework. The children will also have the opportunity to do extra activities including outdoor exercise. Collection from and drop off to Ballymore and Drumraney National Schools is available.