Our Aim

Our aim is to provide a quality child care service in support of social inclusion that is accessible to all sections of the community in a safe, secure and stimulating environment. This is achieved in partnership and co-operation with parents.

The Resource Centre operates an open-door policy and welcomes all parents/guardians to discuss their child’s development in the Centre.

Staff at Croí na nÓg are a highly qualified and important asset to our childcare team. All Staff have access to further training which benefits staff, children and parents. We operate a key carer system in Croí na nÓg which means that the same member of staff is responsible for the same group of children on a daily basis. This promotes trust and continuity of care as the child comes to know and trust their carer.

We value this relationship very highly where children feel safe, secure and loved. Parents are encouraged to communicate openly and regularly with their key carer as this is the most important person for them in the Centre.

We also take students from childcare courses on work experience so we would often exceed the ratio of carer to children. We hold regular staff meetings to discuss all areas which involve the children and their care programmes.

Some History..

For the parents of children living in Corrandulla the dream became a reality in March 2008. This dream was a purpose built, safe, secure and child friendly crèche for the children of Corrandulla and surrounding areas. They achieved this dream after 13 years of hard work, determination and belief that Corrandulla deserved no less than the best childcare facility, which we know as Croí na nÓg, Corrandulla Community Resource Centre.

It all began back in 1995 when a group of parents came together and set up a Parent and Toddler group in Corrandulla. At this time there was a lack of playgroup facilities available locally and some members of the group decided to explore the possibility of establishing a Pre-school service. Much research and background work followed and the parents, opening its doors in September 1997 in the Old Girls School, Corrandulla, established Corrandulla Community Playgroup.

Starting with two teachers and fourteen children it quickly became apparent that a second session was needed and this second session commenced in the afternoons, with a waiting list building. Now there was a total of four teachers and thirty-two children, gathering together five days each week.

In 2000 a Board of Management was set up by the parents to plan for the future. The primary aim of this committee was to obtain suitable premises, which would house the playgroup and allow for the provision of a full range of childcare facilities. The Board of Directors are made up entirely of parents of Children attending the Resource Centre, the only qualifications we have are a love of our children and a resolve to provide the best possible facility to care, stimulate and protect our children.

In 2004 the Board of Management rented the Community Centre to provide an After School Service, catering for children from Corrandulla National School. This service became a popular choice for many parents as the children are conveniently collected from school and given an opportunity to complete homework, enjoy games, arts and crafts etc.

Despite much effort on the part of the Board of Management, the search for suitable premises became an unenviable task. However, with the co-operation of a local builder the option of purchasing a purpose-built crèche became a possibility. Funding was granted in the form of €700,000 from Pobal, under the National Development Plan.

Work commenced and in March 2008 the staff and children first stepped inside the breath-taking facility, which is located in Gort na Carraige. Corrandulla Community Resource Centre is a non-profit Charitable Organisation managed by the volunteer Board of Directors. At present there are twelve staff employed and more than eighty children, from three months to thirteen years attending the service on a weekly basis.

The official opening of Croí na nÓg was attended by a number of dignitaries including Mr Barry Andrews, Minister for Youth and Children, who visited Corrandulla for the first time. He praised the work of the group involved and complimented all involved on their commitment and dedication to the project. He mingled among the children and staff and listened to them singing and playing as they learned in a fun-filled environment.

It was wonderful to have so many parents, children, members of the community and visiting guests join together to celebrate on the day. The dream has truly become a reality.

The nature of this being a voluntary community based group entails the need for fundraising. We are a non-profit charitable group and operate on a tight budget, this requires annual fundraising to ensure that fees are kept to a minimum and parents are asked to support such events to ensure continuation of the childcare provided. Fundraising also enables us to keep our charitable status, without which we would be unable to apply for government support in the form of Subvention. Subvention offers financial support for families in need. All information regarding Subvention is available in complete confidence from our Manager.

The Directors are asked to sit on the Board for a minimum of two years; so we are continually looking for new Directors. If you would like to contribute to a very important part of your child’s education please contact us.

Without parent’s help there would be no Resource Centre, so your help is always required and appreciated.