Celebrating 40 years of care and education in Nenagh

This April marks a significant milestone for Nenagh’s long-established and much-loved childcare service, Rainbow. Founded 40 years ago by Cordelia Cormack and her mother, Tess, Rainbow has grown from a modest home-based pre-school into a thriving childcare network across four locations in Nenagh. This Ruby anniversary not only celebrates Rainbow’s journey but also marks the beginning of a new chapter, as Cordelia announces her retirement and hands over the reins to the next generation, her daughter, Helen.

A LEGACY OF CARE AND EDUCATION

Rainbow’s story is one of passion, dedication, and growth. Cordelia was inspired by her mother Tess, originally from the village of Drangan in South Tipperary, who later became a school principal in Brixton, London. Cordelia pursued Montessori teaching in London before returning to Ireland in 1984. Following Tess’s retirement from England, the family moved to Ballingarry, where Cordelia met her husband, Michael. In 1984 Michael commenced a financial role with Rorer in Nenagh; the couple then settled in the town, laying the foundations for what would become Rainbow Pre-School.

The first Rainbow pre-school opened in April 1985 at the Cormacks' home in Melrose Estate, starting with just two children. Demand quickly grew as working parents sought a high-quality childcare service. Rainbow quickly reached full capacity with its all-inclusive service caring for 12 children aged 3 to 5.

Tess remained a guiding force behind the scenes for the first 20 years, offering invaluable expertise and support, while Cordelia’s commitment to early childhood education saw Rainbow flourish into a trusted and respected establishment.

EXPANSION AND GROWTH

Recognising the need for a larger, purpose-built facility, the Cormacks seized an opportunity to purchase a property on Dromin Road. With the help of a capital grant from the North Tipperary Enterprise Board, they transformed the house into an all-inclusive preschool and full-day childcare centre in 2001, catering for children aged 3 months to 12 years. Over the years, the Dromin site has been enhanced, adding a standalone office, a sensory garden room, and customised outside play areas.

Rainbow continued to expand in response to the growing needs of the community. In 2016, they established a breakfast club, an Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) classroom and a homework club at St Mary’s Convent Primary School. A third location followed at Tyone, where an existing facility was renovated and expanded into a Childcare Centre, complete with a specially designed outdoor play area and a sensory garden room. Most recently, in September of last year, a fourth centre opened at Nenagh Community National School, providing another dedicated homework club.

Today, Rainbow cares for over 250 children and the 'Rainbow Team' have expanded to 40 employees across its four locations. Over the years, Rainbow has welcomed children and staff of varying nationalities, promoting respect for diversity. To meet growing childcare needs, Rainbow introduced a transport service with four vehicles dedicated to safely transporting the children between centres, schools, and outside activities.

GENERATIONS OF LEARNING AND GROWTH

Michael joined the business after retiring, and both Michael and Cordelia take great joy in seeing former Rainbow children successful in their adult life, many of whom now send their own children to Rainbow or indeed are now part of the 'Rainbow Team'. Among Rainbow’s alumni are teachers and professionals, including their daughter Louise, who teaches at Limerick’s new Community Special School in Mungret, a school dedicated to children with additional needs

Rainbow’s success over the decades has been shaped by the dedication of its long-serving employees. The Rainbow Team thrives on many long-standing members of staff and strong family connections, with mothers and sons, mothers and daughters, a sister and brother, and even sisters working together as part of the Rainbow family.

Rainbow, down through the years, has facilitated students on work placement from Mary Immaculate College, other training colleges and all local schools. Some of these students have now become permanent employees.

Now, as Cordelia steps into retirement, her daughter Helen, who has played a key role in the day-to-day operations since returning from Australia two and a half years ago, is set to lead the next phase of Rainbow’s journey. Helen has a background in Hotel Management, Childcare, Human Resources, Finance, and Payroll. She also previously coordinated FETAC Level 5 and 6 Childcare courses at Scoil Chormaic Special School in Cashel. Her wealth of experience has been instrumental in meeting the evolving demands of the childcare sector.

Helen is currently expanding her qualifications in Childcare, ensuring Rainbow remains at the forefront of early childhood education and care. She is committed to staff development and continuous training, ensuring the Rainbow team grows while maintaining the highest standard of care.

A CELEBRATION OF FOUR DECADES OF EXCELLENCE

Throughout the years, Rainbow has earned numerous accolades, including the 2002 National Enterprise Award for Best Local Service from the North Tipperary Enterprise Board. They also received an honorary testimonial from Nenagh Special School in 2000 for their exceptional work in preparing children for mainstream education, at a time when special education was not as widely prioritised as it is today.

To commemorate this remarkable Ruby achievement, an evening of celebrations will take place next month with family, friends, employees, and supporters to mark Cordelia’s well-earned retirement, and Helen’s official ownership of Rainbow.

As they reflect on four decades of nurturing young minds, Cordelia and Michael express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated employees, outside professionals, the incredible children, and the supportive parents who have been part of this journey.

They look forward to seeing Rainbow continue to flourish under Helen’s guidance, ensuring many more years of quality childcare and education in Nenagh.