Great care for Nenagh’s children

Nenagh Childcare Centre celebrated 20 years of caring for the children of Nenagh on Friday, September 13.

Twenty-four years ago a group of people from different services came together to make a plan for a new, purpose-built childcare facility in Nenagh. Their vision was for a community based, affordable and inclusive childcare facility for all and with capital funding of €1.3 million, the centre opened its doors on September 6, 2004.

Nenagh Childcare Centre has gone from strength to strength; there have been some hard times - the covid years were particularly challenging and the financial hardship that has followed in the Early Years Sector as a whole is ongoing. The vision for the future continues with plans to expand the centre, building on two new rooms using sustainable building materials.

In 2015 the centre became the lead sponsor for the Community Employment Childcare scheme in 12 different facilities throughout Tipperary, encouraging the long-term unemployed back into training and employment. Many of the educators and educators in other early years facilities in the area, started in the centre and have gone on to make a career in Early Years. The CE scheme is a valuable opportunity to gain both experience and qualifications. Dawn Jones and Sineád Connolly are available to talk to anyone interested in participating in the scheme on 067 41508.

Many people attended the party, board members old and new, along with parents, children, friends, educators and their families. The children were treated to entertainment from Wicked Bicky, who was great fun and kept them engaged with magic, puppets and lots of laughter.

Nenagh Childcare Centre continues to provide a quality service, in the heart of the community, putting children first always.