Dublin childcare providers celebrated at Early Childhood Ireland National Awards

Four Dublin childcare providers are among the winners of Early Childhood Ireland’s annual National Awards which recognise and applaud the excellent practice of educators in early learning and care settings.

Early Childhood Ireland supports 3,800 childcare members nationwide, who – in turn – support over 100,000 children and their families.

Pictured left to right are Manager Valerie Gaynor, teacher David King, and teacher Sinead Kelly of Creative Kids Walkinstown

A story by Creative Kids & Co. in Walkinstown, called ‘Woody’s Maps’ was awarded the Learning Story of the Year award sponsored by Allianz. This interactive story promotes a collaborative approach between the educator and parents in supporting the child’s development.

Beverley Dixon of Learning for Life, Lucan.

A story by Learning for Life in Lucan, called ‘Dealing with Democracy’ was awarded the Emergent Curriculum in Action Learning Story of the Year sponsored by Allianz. This story takes the children through the process of how decisions are made in a democratic society.

Pre-School teacher Audrey Fagan of CRC School, Clontarf

A story by CRC School in Clontarf, called ‘More than words’ was awarded the Best Learning Story from ‘Newcomer’ sponsored by Allianz. This story wins this award as as it promotes the importance of kindness and empathy which is key to each child’s social learning.

Rebecca Kelly of Manor Kilbride Montessori School

Partnership with Families Innovation Award sponsored by Child Paths was awarded to Manor Kilbride Montessori School in Brittas, Co Dublin for enriching children’s learning through parental partnership, teamwork, and community spirit.

Seven other Dublin childcare providers were also recognised in the awards shortlist.

• Beverton Preschool in Donabate, Dublin was shortlisted for the Learning Story of the Year (Written to individual child) award and the Emergent Curriculum in Action Learning Story of the Year (Written about a group of children).
• Our Lady’s Nursery in Sillogue Gardens, Dublin 11 was shortlisted for the Best Learning Story from ‘Newcomer’ setting award.
• Roots & Wings in Donabate, Co. Dublin was shortlisted for the Inspired Practice Award.
• The Cottage Kid’s Preschool in Lusk, Co. Dublin was shortlisted for the Inspired Practice Award.
• Little Gumboots in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin was shortlisted for the Partnership with Families Innovation Award.
• Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Services- Jigsaw, Dublin 17 was shortlisted for the First 5 Award for Transitions for Children.
• Nicky Munro from The Learning Tree, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 was shortlisted for the Pedagogical Leader Award.

Commenting this week Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, said:

“The Early Childhood Ireland National Awards showcase the excellent practice in early learning and care settings.

“This year has been a particularly challenging one for the early years sector due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the high quality of the awardees demonstrates the ingenuity and tenacity which is embedded across our sector.

“I would like to congratulate the Creative Kids & Co., Learning for Life, CRC School and Manor Kilbride Montessori School and thank them for their innovative approach and contribution to the continued development of the early years sector.

“Their work helps to inspire many in our sector by delivering new and creative practices to support the education and care of children.

“I would also like to thank our sponsors for supporting this year’s National Awards.”

 Teresa Heeney added: “The National Awards clearly demonstrate the resourcefulness and commitment of those who work within the early years sector and reinforces the need to fully professionalise the sector to ensure our early years educators are properly recognised and valued. I hope the government moves positively in this direction in the very near future.”

For more information visit: https://www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/