Mayo County Childcare Committee

n e w t te r s e l

Is s u

farewell to catherine & nancy

e 2 7 • e p te m b e S

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Sadly two staff members of the HSE Early Years Services team have recently retired. Catherine Lavin, a Public Health Nurse, was the Pre-School Services Officer for the past eleven years and is well known to all the pre-school services in the county where she carried out inspections.

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Nancy, a former teacher, was the Early Years Development Worker in west and south Mayo and will be missed by everyone she worked with. Both Nancy and Catherine were given a great send off and we wish them well in their retirement. We hear they’re both having a great time……

it h nt wo rk e r w ht) I n spe ct o r e m p lo ve e D d d e n, a v in (rig N a n cy M cFa (le ft) a n d Cath e ri n e L re ce ntly reti red.

E th Se rv ice s HS wh o h a ve bo Ea rly Y ea rs y Y ea rs Se rv ice s HS E wit h Ea rl

contents Chairperson’s Foreword ............................................. 02 Childminding News ..................................................... 02 Mary Heavey says Farewell...................................... 02 NCIP & ECCE Update .................................................. 03 Louisburgh Community Childcare Services ....... 04 I Can’t Wait Until I Grow Up ....................................... 05 Highscope Roadshow................................................. 06 Saibhriú agus Caomhnú Teanga i Naíonraí Mhaigh Eo .................................................... 06 Siolta & Aistear Update ............................................ 07 Yummy Recipes............................................................. 07 Upcoming Training & Events - Autumn 2011 .... 08 MPLC Licence................................................................. 08 1

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Childminding news

foreword

last from retiring chairperson mccc

lily Cunningham

I would like to begin by welcoming you all back after your summer break. I hope you got the chance to relax and unwind a little - despite mixed weather at times. While the holiday season brings its own excitement for children, that excitement is about to be renewed for those new children who will be experiencing a childcare setting for the first time. It is such a great credit to all involved in the County that this excitement is backed by such high standards of childcare. As outgoing Chairperson I would like to thank all of you who work on a dayto-day basis caring for this most precious asset - our children.

Childminder to Childminder support is available to all Childminders:

All ch ild along minders a re an organ d take par invited to c ised o t in th ome f e these nights the followin activities If you would like to know: g are or childm ganise nights: in d to g • What’s involved in setting up to me ders and ive o e as a childminder? exper t each othe pportunity iences r and • Where can I find out more information sh over a cup o are about Childminding? f tea.

• Is there any training that I can do while I am childminding?

• How do I get started?

• Do you need help with working through the starter pack for childminders?

I am so pleased to look back on all the positive and wonderful work that was carried out over the years since April 2001 when the Committee was first formed. As you will know, the ECCE scheme is now successfully in place and it is wonderful to see so many services engaging with Siolta and Aistear and implementing them into their services.

If you would like to talk to another childminder call:

It is particularly gratifying to see how the Mayo CCC have successfully worked in collaboration with other organisations to enhance the quality of childcare in Mayo. So many really worthwhile initiatives have been implemented; assisting childcare owners to apply for funding under the EOCP and NCIP programs which resulted in the provision of 22 new purpose built childcare facilities for the county; providing quality training; promoting and encouraging services to engage in quality approaches; the active promotion of Siolta and Aistear; setting up networks throughout the county; the development of our website - all building blocks in the impressive structure that is part of our commitment to childcare in the County.

Anna, Ballina - 096-76821

Linda, Westport - 098-55123

Geraldine, Carracastle - 094-9254128

Mary, Castlebar - 094-9024507

Josephine, Belmullet - 097-81529

Jenny, Ballinrobe - 094-9545909

Mentoring Weekend A Mentoring weekend is organised for 6th/7th Oct in Castlebar.

Contact: Mary O’Hara-Gavin @ 087-2168496

Information Nights Arts & Crafts for Young Children

None of this valuable work could be carried out without the commitment and dedication of the staff of the Mayo CCC office under the leadership of our coordinator Jim Power. I would like to sincerely thank Jim and his staff for the excellent work and for their continued support to the Committee.

On a personal note, can I thank them especially for their support to me as Chairperson. It was a pleasure and a privilege to serve on the Committee and to work with such wonderful people.

Tuesday, 13th September, Westport Woodland Park Pre-school (old CBS school, Newport Rd.). Lucy Hill Artist. 8.00p.m. - 10.00p.m. Free.

Dealing with Loss and Bereavement

Wednesday, 9th November. Ballyheane Community Centre. 8.00p.m. Free.

Children’s First Child Protection - Training for Childminders

I would also like to thank the members of the Committee who worked so effectively with the staff to achieve our goal of supporting a coordinated partnership approach to the planning and development of quality childcare services within the County. Mary Heavey, Regional Network Officer for Childminding Ireland has also stepped down from the Committee. I wish her well and thank her for her valuable contribution.

Saturday, 26th November. Castlebar.

Contact Mary O’Hara-Gavin, Childminding Advisory Officer HSE @ 087 2168496.

Dental Hygiene

Wednesday, 19th October. Ballyheane Community Centre. 8.00p.m. Free.

Well-being & Relaxation

It was such a pleasure to be involved with all of you over the past ten years and to have seen the very welcome major development of the childcare sector in Ireland under the EOCP and NCIP programs especially in our own county. I know you will continue to work closely with the Committee and the staff of the Mayo CCC to capitalise on the great work you have already done.

Wednesday, 7th December. Ballyheane Community Centre. 8.00p.m. Free.

Hope to see you all on the night.

“Childminding Today”

In recognising the massive contribution that the childcare sector makes to our society and economy at both the national and the local level, I was delighted that my Department afforded me the time to be involved as a member of the Mayo CCC at such an important and exiting time in the development of quality childcare.

An opportunity for all childminders or any individual interested in setting up as a childminder to explore what is involved: • The business side of Childminding • Child development • Play and young children • What supports are available • Hygiene, Health & Safety in my home • How to set up

Once again I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who worked and served with me on the Committee over the years.

Your friendship and good will was matched only by the professional way in which you helped to achieve our objectives.

This 6 week course is free and will run one night a week for 6 weeks starting 6th Oct in Killala and Claremorris. Contact: Mary Conway @ Mayo County Childcare to book a place @ 094-9047010.

If you would like to recieve a “Starter Pack on How to set up as a Childminder” please contact Mary O Hara-Gavin @ 087-2168496 or Mary Conway @ 094-9047010.

Ni neart go chur le cheile.

“A fond farewell with my sincere thanks”

Maryey Heav

“May I take this opportunity to thank you all most sincerely for so many kind words, phone calls, meeting me personally, cards, gifts & good wishes on my recent retirement. Over the last decade while working as Network Officer with Childminding Ireland and serving on many Childcare Committees in Mayo, I had the privilege to meet & get to know so many wonderful and genuine people working in childcare. A huge thank you to you Jim Power, Co-Ordinator of Mayo CCC and your excellent Staff and also the dedicated Chairpersons & Board of Mayo CCC. Head Office for me was in Wicklow and it was a big journey to meet up with my work colleagues there, so the network of childminders, Mayo CCC & HSE colleagues here in Mayo was of huge importance to me. They were always very kind and courteous to me, and always made me feel so welcome.

I worked very closely with my colleague Mary O’Hara Gavin, CMAO HSE supporting childminding in Mayo. We were fondly known in the Mayo childminding world as “the two Mary’s”. I always joked Mary saying she was the bossy one and talked more than me! I also have great regard for Olivia and Mary Conway in Mayo CCC who worked on many committees with us, and of course the childminders who gave up there time to be part of developing & supporting childminding in Mayo”.

Many thanks and every good wish to you all.

Yours sincerely, Mary.

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NCIP & ECCE Update

By Jim Power, Co-ordinator.

As we all embark on another pre school year we thought it may be useful to give some guidance on some frequently asked questions we receive. We hope you find this information useful. If you wish to clarify any aspect of the information below please do not hesitate to contact Mayo CCC. Also just to note that all the forms mentioned below are available from Mayo CCC.

Electronic Returns Applicants who have entered into contract for the programme will receive a Returns Information Pack, normally in August.

This pack contains blank Parent Declaration forms / letters, instructions for completing and submitting the return, and the Service Declaration Form (which contains the e-form password and User-ID). Services are required to distribute the letters and forms to parents early in September, to be returned to the service by a specified date. The service must then make an electronic return to the Childcare Directorate of the information collected. It is in the interest of service providers to request proof of a child’s date of birth and Personal Public Service Number (PPSN), as any errors in these details on the electronic return will result in payments being delayed while the details are being validated manually*. * Proof of a child’s PPSN can take the form of a copy of an official document or card showing the child’s name and PPSN, e.g. a Drug Repayment Scheme card, a Medical Card, or a letter from the Department of Social Protection.

The date by which the electronic return must be submitted will be indicated in the Returns Information Pack.

The completed parental declaration forms and the completed service declaration form must be returned to the Childcare Directorate as soon as possible following submission of the electronic return.

The electronic returns from services are collated and examined by the Childcare Directorate. The PPSNs of the children included on the return are sent to the Department of Social Protection for verification of the dates of birth.

On return from the Department of Social Protection, the verified data is uploaded onto the database. The level of funding due to each service is calculated, and each service is sent (by e-mail) a list which includes details of the children included in their return, the level of service for each child, the status of their verification, and the model of the scheme (38/41/50 weeks) in which the child is enrolled. This process is normally completed by mid-October.

Payments An advance payment to services is made in late August.

The advance payment covers the capitation fee for the first 8 weeks of the September term. For services who participated in the programme during the previous year, the payment will be calculated on the basis of 8 weeks for the number of children enrolled the previous year. For services new to the programme, the advance payment will be limited to an 8 week payment in respect of either 5 or 10 children (this decision is made by the Childcare Directorate on a case-by-case basis).

Following verification of the data provided in the electronic returns, a balancing payment is issued. This payment covers the total amount due to the service for the September term based on the number of children enrolled and verified, minus the advance payment already made, and is usually made at the end of October.

the service provider to ensure that a current TCC has been submitted to Childcare Directorate.

The main term payments may not include adjustments in respect of children moving into or out of the service for any reason. These adjustments have to be managed manually, and may not have been processed by the time the main term payment issues.

Where an additional payment is due to providers, this will be paid as soon as possible. Where a decrease in payment applies, this amount will be deducted from future payments due.

Where it is not possible to deduct overpayments from future payments due within a particular contract period, service providers will be required to repay the amount by refunding the funds directly to the Childcare Directorate. Contracts will not be issued to providers in respect of future contract periods where outstanding overpayments have not been refunded, or where arrangements for repayment have not been agreed with the Childcare Directorate.

Changes in enrolment details after the Electronic Returns have been submitted New/Late Entrants Where a child joins the pre-school service after the beginning of the September term, and has not been included on the electronic return, a new entrant application must be completed (ECCE Form 1 - New Entrant Form). The completed form must be submitted to the Childcare Directorate, together with a copy of the child’s birth certificate and a copy of official proof of the child’s PPSN (i.e. a copy of an official document or card showing the child’s name and PPSN, e.g. a Drug Repayment Scheme card, a Medical Card, or a letter from the Department of Social Protection).

New/late entrants can only be accepted into the ECCE programme up to 30th September, or from the first Monday of the subsequent pre-school terms, i.e. January, April and July. Please note that capitation fees in respect of children who register with a service after 30th September will only be paid with effect from the beginning of the following pre-school term.

Transferring from one Service Provider to another With the exception of cases referred to later in this article, parents may choose to transfer their children from one service to another with effect from the start of the following pre-school year term. To exercise this option, a parent must give written notice of the transfer request 4 weeks in advance of the start date of the following term. This is to ensure that sufficient notice is provided to all parties that the capitation fee for that child will be transferred from the existing service of enrolment to the new service of enrolment. Parents are required to complete a transfer form (ECCE Form 2 - Transfer Form) which requires input from the manager of the existing service and the manager of the new service, and which must be signed by both managers as well as the parent. The completed form must be received by the Childcare Directorate 4 weeks in advance of the start date of the next term.

If the form has not been fully and properly completed, the Directorate will contact the providers to ensure that they have been made aware of the proposed transfer. As this may delay processing of the transfer request, parents are advised to ensure that the transfer form is fully completed and signed by all relevant parties.

Payment in respect of the January term is issued as early as possible in January; payment in respect of the April term is issued in late March. For services operating the 50 week programme option, payments in respect of the final term will be issued in late June.

As already outlined, the capitation fee for the child will only be transferred with effect from the commencement of the next pre-school term. If a child transfers from one service to another during a term, the charging of fees by the new service for the remainder of that term is a matter between the parent and the new service provider.

Details of the terms and the expected payment dates for the current ECCE contract period will be on the website. REFERENCE WEBSITE

Child ceasing to avail of the ECCE programme

Service providers should note the following: Payments will not be made to services where the tax clearance certificate provided is out-of-date; it is the responsibility of

Where a child leaves a service and is not enrolled in a new service, the provider must contact the Childcare Directorate within 4 weeks to advise them of the position, by completing and returning ECCE Form 3 - Child leaving ECCE programme Form.

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Where a child leaves a service to take up a primary school place, the provider must contact the Childcare Directorate within 4 weeks to advise them of the position, by completing and returning ECCE Form 3 - Child leaving ECCE programme Form.

Where such circumstances arise, any ECCE funding already paid by the Childcare Directorate in respect of those children will be deducted from future payments due. The amount of the deduction will depend on the date the service to the child ceased.

Transfer from the ECCE programme to the Community Childcare Subvention Programme (CCS), or from the CCS to the ECCE programme.

There is no entitlement to transfer from the ECCE programme to the CCS, or vice versa in the course of the September to August period. However, exceptional circumstances may arise where a request from a service to transfer a child from the ECCE programme to the CCS programme, or from the CCS programme to the ECCE programme, will be considered.

Applications for such transfers must be made in writing to the Childcare Directorate, giving details of the exceptional circumstances which apply.

Transfer from the ECCE programme to the Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme Where a child who was included in the ECCE programme return takes up a new place under the CETS programme, either within the same childcare service or in a different service, his or her entitlement to ECCE should immediately be transferred to CETS by completing and returning ECCE Form 4 - Transfer from ECCE to CETS Form to the Childcare Directorate. If the CETS placement ceases, and the child is to be transferred back to the ECCE programme, ECCE Form 5 - ECCE/CETS/ECCE must be completed and returned to the Childcare Directorate.

Transfer from CETS programme to ECCE programme If a child is in a CETS place from the start of the preschool year and the placement ends at a later point in the pre-school year, he or she may enter the ECCE programme in the same service or a different service on submission to Childcare Directorate of the completed ECCE Form 1 - New Entrant Form.

Transfers between 38 week and 50 week programme models Transfers from the 38 week model to the 50 week programme model are not allowed, as this would result in the payment of a higher capitation fee than is provided for. Applications for transfers from the 50 week model to the 38 week model within the same childcare service should be made by completing and returning ECCE Form 6 - Change in Level of Service Form to the Childcare Directorate. If the child is transferring to a different childcare service, ECCE Form 2 - Transfer Form must be completed and returned to the Childcare Directorate, and the change in level of service will be facilitated under the normal transfer rules.

Deferral of ECCE place to the following year Where a parent, having enrolled a child in the ECCE programme, subsequently decides that it would be more beneficial for the child to defer the pre-school year until the following year, s/he may apply for a deferral. Such applications require completion and submission of ECCE Form 7 - Deferral Form to the Childcare Directorate and can only be made: • within the first term of the pre-school year and • where the child will still fulfill the eligibility criteria for admission to the programme in September of the following year If the application to defer the pre-school place is approved, any capitation fees already paid to the service provider in respect of that child will be recouped by the Department.

It is necessary, therefore, for the parent to come to an arrangement with the service provider to repay the capitation fee in respect of any weeks in which the child has received the ECCE service. For this reason, the deferral application form must be signed by the service provider as well as the parent.

available on the this article are also - www.dcya.ie in d ne tio en m s rm ite Fo Youth Affairs webs Dept. of Children &

official opening of

louisburgh community childcare services Cairde Caher Official Opening - 6th June 2011 The official opening of Cairde Caher, Louisburgh Childcare Ltd. new purpose built childcare facility took place on Monday, June 6. The tape was cut by attendees of the school - Thomas Murphy, Danielle Cox, Ria O’Toole, Conor O’Reilly, Ayla Neuhaus and Ella Durkan. Taking part in the opening also, two who attended the first playschool in Louisburgh in 1984 - Davina Durkan and Paul Sammin. Cairde Caher has been open since September 2010 and caters for children of all ages from babies to those in 6th class. Cairde Caher offers the following services; parent and toddler group, playschool, afterschool and summer camps.

The parent and toddler group is run every Wednesday morning from 10am to 12 noon.

Martina Kilcoyne runs this service and it caters for up to 20 toddlers and parents/carers.

Playschool runs Monday to Friday with two sessions each day, a morning session from 9am to 12 noon and an afternoon session from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. This service caters for 20 children per session aged from 2 years and 6 months to school age. This service is run by Teresa O’Malley, Martina Kilcoyne, Bernie Needham and Beatrice Prendergast.

Playschool implements the HighScope Approach. HighScope is an approach to early learning which identifies and builds on childrens strengths, interests and abilities. It invites children to be actively involved in play and involves a daily routine for the children.

Afterschool runs Monday to Friday from 2pm to 6pm each day. It caters for 20 school age children and it is run by Anne O’Malley, Helena Moran and Beatrice Prendergast. In afterschool the children do their homework, have a snack and partake in various forms of play outdoors and indoors such as; sand, climbing frame, games, playdough, play and listen to music, bake, artwork, dance, bowling, board games and computers. Summer camps are run during July and August for pre-schoolers and school age children. Activities include arts & crafts, treasure hunts, stories, songs, games and outdoor activities.

Louisburgh Childcare Ltd is a community group managed by a voluntary committee. The main day to day funding comes from Pobal and the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs under two schemes, ECCE and CCS. We are also funded by fees paid by parents and by committee fundraising. Cairde Caher has a close working relationship with the HSE. They provide us with support, advice and guidance in running our services. As Cairde Caher provides a preschool service we are subject to inspection by the HSE under the Childcare (Preschool Services) Regulations Act 2006. Jenny Bernard, HSE Early Years Services Manager and Nancy Flynn McFadden, HSE Early Years Development Worker and HighScope Trainer were both in attendance at the official opening of Cairde Caher. Cairde Caher has a close working relationship with Mayo County Childcare Committee who provide us with support, guidance and advice in our provision of quality childcare services. Our two main contacts in MCCC are Jim Power, County Childcare Coordinator who was in attendance and Michelle Basquille, Development Worker.

Michael Ring, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport was in attendance along with Councillor Austin Francis O’Malley. Also in attendance were Mary O’Toole and Ann O’Toole, Directors of Louisburgh Childcare Ltd and previous committee members, both played a key role in helping to secure funding for our new facility.

Speakers on the day included Louise Ruane-Cooper (Committee Chairperson), Nancy Flynn McFadden, Jim Power, Michael Ring, Mary O’Toole and Michelle O’Grady (Childcare Manager).

Many thanks are extended to Gerry Galvin Photographer, to Anna Silva Caterer, to the face painters and to all those who helped during the preparations and on the day.

We offer the ECCE scheme (free child care place) and the CCS scheme (Community Childcare Subvention).

Please call Michelle on (098) 23655 or email Cairde Caher at louisburghchildcare@gmail.com

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i can’t wait until i grow up...

I Can’t Wait Until I Grow Up…

Local Notes: Childline Castlebar, Co. Mayo The Childline service in Castlebar has grown from strength to strength since it first opened in March 2009. Last year the unit in Castlebar answered almost 26, 000 calls and responded to 2,407 texts from children and young people nationally.

Currently, the Castlebar unit runs 9 Childline shifts on a weekly basis with 32 active volunteers. They each give up four hours every week to listen and support children and young people from all around Ireland. It is their dedication and support which maintains the service as it is.

The ISPCC launch their Summer Campaign alongside startling 2010 Childline Statistics Today the ISPCC launched its Summer Campaign entitled “I Can’t Wait Until I Grow Up” coinciding with the release of the 2010 Childline Statistics. The campaign, which will run for the month of May, highlights that childhood is supposed to be one of the happiest and safest times in a child’s life, yet for many Irish children who contact Childline this is simply not the case.

Key Findings from Childline 2010: Over 2,300 calls & messages per day

27,710

texts, emails and one-to-one web chats received

837,551 calls received

Rise in number of young people worried about mental health with 15% of conversations on web & text about mental health issues including suicide & self harm

Concern around family and peer relationships continues to rise: 8% of phone calls and 19% on web & text

Abuse & Welfare continues to be high; 13% of phone calls and 9% on web & text

In reaction to the Childline statistics the ISPCC has put together a Manifesto of Children’s Rights. These are the most basic human rights. The ISPCC aims to encourage the Irish people to join the ISPCC in the fight for the rights of children in Ireland today. Caroline O’Sullivan, ISPCC Director of Services today said; “These findings are indicative of the crises many children and families are facing on a daily basis. As the number of contacts to Childline continues to rise, it might be easy to forget that each statistic is a real child in need. Many children are experiencing abuse and violence in their homes and many are struggling with mental health difficulties. Our Manifesto of Children’s Rights highlights in plain English what each and every child has a right to expect in the Ireland of 2011.”

Demand for ISPCC services has never been higher.

This increased demand, coupled with fundraising in the current economic climate, has placed a strain on the ISPCC’s ongoing ability to provide a service to all children who need it.

Ashley Balbirnie, Chief Executive of the ISPCC stated; “In order to divert further crises over the next five years, it is imperative that service providers and decision makers take these findings as an indication of the supports our children require. Childline receives no state support whatsoever and yet it is the only fully accessible, free service for children in Ireland. For many children, it is the only option. We have all just taken part in a census for planning; let these Childline findings act as a census for the needs of children and their families”.

By donating to the ISPCC’s ‘I Can’t Wait Until I Grow Up’ campaign, Irish people will be showing their support for the ISPCC who are protecting children from harm and giving them a chance to have a happy and safe childhood. The ISPCC needs this support to continue their fight for the rights of children to a happy and safe childhood.

The ‘I Can’t Wait Until I Grow Up’ campaign will run on both radio and television as well as in partnership with the Irish Daily Mail - our press partner, FM104 - our radio partner and across our social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

All funds will be greatly received and will help us continue our work. Every donation helps brings us one step closer to our vision of every child having the right to be heard and to have a childhood free from abuse.

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Quotes from Mayo Childline Launch John Lonergan

(Former Governor of Mountjoy Prison)

• Any human being can be a fantastic listener, it just takes discipline • Ireland often comes across with indifference towards the needs of children • Parenting is the most important job you take on in life and with very little guidance • Children are our most vulnerable and can often be at risk • Listening is not a about solutions • Picking up the phone to call Childline is an indication of something.

• The most challenging emotion for humans is rejection…humans aim is to be accepted, warts and all • We need to make time every day to listen to children • Being judgemental just cuts off connection • State should support agencies with volunteers, as citizens we should make a contribution, but with the state behind you • The greatest of all solutions is to do it yourselves • A constitutional amendment is essential, but governments’ vested interests get in the way

Trevor Mortimer (Former Mayo Senior Football Captain) • I wasn’t aware of the service but can relate to how important it is • In sport we are often reluctant to speak, but from hearing about the service it’s clearly vital • If you get talking it can help stop serious problems developing down the line • Listening is really important in sport and can be the difference between winning and losing • Players can often be reluctant to talk but it’s hugely important and a relief that someone is there to listen

Highscope

A quiet revolution has been taking place in many of our pre-schools and playgroups in County Mayo as approximately 200 staff have availed of a year long training programme in the HighScope approach delivered by the HSE Early Years Services Development Workers in conjunction with HighScope Ireland. The staffs’ commitment to and interest in this curriculum for early years is further shown by the large numbers (approximately 200) of early years practitioners, the majority from the county, who participated in the HighScope Training Roadshow in Knockranny House Hotel Westport on the 16th and 17th May.

Roadshow

Speaking at the official opening of the roadshow, Taoiseach Enda Kenny expressed his simple philosophy about how the state should interact with families: ‘for every parent and for every child there should be signposts from the state that if they do get into difficulty or they need assistance or encouragement or whatever it is, that there’s a place for that and that they’re not just left to wander in disillusionment and despair and all that comes from that’. . Jenny Bernard, HSE Early Years Services Manager, welcomed the Taoiseach’s clear expression of how families should be supported and that it captured how she hopes that Early Years Family Support will be developed in the future.

May 2011

The Taoiseach also expressed his support for the work being done by early years practitioners in the county to raise standards in early education, recommending the development of links with the formal education system.

The HighScope training roadshow highlighted how small scale investment in quality early years provision will help the country build for its long term recovery.

saibhriú agus

caomhnú teanga i naíonraí mhaigh eo

Bhronn Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta teastais Fetac Leibhéal 5 i Saibhriú na Gaeilge agus Sochtheangeolaíocht agus an Páiste ar oibrithe naíonra, idir Príomh Stiúrthóirí, Stiúrthóirí agus Ionadaithe Naíonra as ceantar Mhaigh Eo. Sa phictiúir ar chúl tá Mairéad Mac Con Iomaire, Bainisteoir Chomhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta, Mairéad Uí Riain, Naíonra Acaill, Eibhlín Uí Ghiollabháin, Naíonra Acaill, Áine Ní Mhurchú, Naíonra Cheathrú Thaidhg, Siobhán Ní Mhaolalla, Naíonra Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, Rita Uí Ghiobúin, Naíonra Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, Pamela Ní Thaidhg, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Pattie Stundún, Oifigeach Forbartha Chomhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta, chun tosaigh Gráinne Uí Lionsaigh, Naíonra Acaill, Sinéad Ní Chuanaigh, Naíonra Acaill, Páiricín Uí Éanacháin, Naíonra Thuar Mhic Éadaigh.

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siolta & aistear update

yummy recipes Baked Apples

Why promote play?

Play is one of the key contexts for children’s early learning... it is an extensive pathway to learning (Siolta, p.46).

Play incorporates some very sophisticated processes. These include: • Creating imaginary worlds and events (which are informed by existing knowledge) • Explore the potential of tools, objects and symbols and transform these in imaginative ways • Communicating and understanding what is going on • Defining roles (imaginary/real) • Organising events and scripts • Sustaining the flow of the play • Expressing and negotiating personal knowledge and meaning • Remain flexible when play changes direction

Qualities and characteristics of play • Personal attentiveness; watching, observing, imitating, shared engagement, curiosity, reflection, making decisions, developing the flow of the play • Personal involvement and motivation; taking risks, combining/offering ways of knowing and constructing the world (“what if ” and “as if ”) • Emotional Engagement; playing in and with mood and feeling states, being spontaneous, resilience and responsive. Being a skilled player demands considerable resilience: as new friendships develop, children may be included or excluded according to an individual play leader, or the whims of the group • Imaginative potential: using everyday knowledge to inform and sustain play episodes, making one thing stand for another evoking magical and superhero powers • Communicative potential: attending, listening, co-constructing meanings, creating shared meanings, using resources and materials - transforming their uses in imaginative ways, being multi-literate • Relational potential: trust, freedom to act differently in ‘what if’ and ‘as if’ modes, negotiating real imaginary contexts, managing uncertainty and risk • Problem-solving and problem-solving potential: children have sufficient choice, freedom and control to develop strategic and flexible thinking skills • Evoking the spirit of play; going beyond known boundaries, negotiating ideas, meanings and possibilities.

Playfulness, laughter, glee, wildness, dizzy play, clowning, fooling around, inventing rules and rituals are used to begin, maintain and end play.

• A sense of humour: wit, telling and laughing at jokes and funny stories.

By considering all of the above learning we can understand some of the complex processes involved in becoming a skilled player and how play impacts on holistic learning and development.

Adapted from “Play and learning in the early years” Broadhead et al (Ed) 2010

Links with Siolta In Play, children develop and demonstrate exploration, creativity, spirituality, imagination, experimentation, manipulation, expression of Ideas, social and interaction skills, divergent and abstract thinking and problem solving capacities (Bruce, 2001 as cited in Siolta 2006).

Standard 6 - Play Promoting play requires that each child has ample time to engage in freely available and accessible, developmentally appropriate and well-resourced opportunities for exploration, creativity and ‘meaning making’ in the company of other children, with participating and supportive adults and alone, where appropriate.

Component 6.1

Child spends a significant amount of time in the setting in play/exploration, and these and other playful activities are central to the daily routine

Component 6.2

When a child is engaged in play/ exploration, the equipment and materials provided are freely available and easily accessible to her/him

Component 6.3

The opportunities for play/exploration provided for the child mirror his/her stage of development, give the child the freedom to achieve mastery and success and challenge the child to make the transition to new learning and development

Component 6.4

Each learning area and each activity in the setting has plenty of equipment and materials for the child

Component 6.5

Play opportunities for the child encourage him/her to explore, to be creative and to use his/her previous learning to make new meaning

Component 6.6

The child has opportunities for play/exploration with other children, with participating and supportive adults and on his/her own, as appropriate

Component 6.7

Opportunities for play/exploration are devised in conjunction with planning for curriculum/ programme implementation and are adapted to meet changing learning and development requirements

Links with Aistear Aistear emphasises how children need time to develop their play. Children like having spaces inside and outside and often enjoy playing with both children and adults. Children also need props such as toys, equipment and real objects to play with and manipulate. They love to make choices about when, where, how and with whom to play (pg 53). Aistear makes it clear that Play is a way of doing things and it outlines the characteristics of play and the different types of play (pg 53-54 in ‘Learning and developing through play’ section).

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One-half cooking apple per child, and for each half apple: 1 t. honey 1 t. orange juice 1 t. sunflower seeds or nuts Wash apples, cut in half, and help children remove cores (using a melon baller is easiest).

Place apples in a baking dish. Spread honey, juice, and nuts in center and over top.

Bake in microwave on high for three to five minutes or until tender. Allow additional time for more than two apple halves. These may be baked at 500 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, but remember to add enough water to cover the bottom of the baking dish.

Try using brown sugar, a dot of margarine, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and several raisins in centers.

Banana Rolls 6 bananas 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup coconut 1/4 cup rice cereal Peel and cut bananas in quarters crosswise.

Spread with peanut butter. Roll in coconut and rice cereal. Serve immediately or chill until served.

Juicy Finger Blocks 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin 3/4 cup boiling water 1 12-oz. can frozen apple, orange, grape, or other juice concentrate Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Add juice and stir until mixed. Pour into a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch cake pan. Chill in the refrigerator about 2 hours until firm. Cut into squares or use cookie cutters to make shapes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Peanut Butter Bread Pudding This is an advanced cooking project. Young children can spread peanut butter, cut bread, and break eggs, but an adult must scald the liquid.

Older children can pour milk and whip the eggs.

2 cups. milk, preferably lowfat 3 teaspoons. peanut butter 2 eggs 3 slices bread, preferably whole wheat 1/2 cup. of sugar Scald milk and add sugar. Beat eggs and gradually add milk mixture. Spread peanut butter on bread and cut into small cubes. Put cubes into a greased, one-quart baking dish and pour in milk mixture. Set in pan of hot water. Bake immediately at 350 degrees for an hour and 15 minutes, or until set.

Young children can easily choke on nuts, seeds, popcorn, raw vegetables, grapes, peanut butter, meat sticks, and hot dogs. Do not give these foods to infants. Cut foods into small, easily chewed finger food for toddlers and preschoolers who are still learning to bite and chew. Watch children of all ages closely whenever they are eating.

where

Upcoming training & events

autumn 2011

Mayo County Childcare Committee contact details:

Watch out for the upcoming events this Autumn Launch of Children First Child Protection Guidelines 19th November, 11am-3pm in Knockranny House Hotel, Westport.

Nutrition for Preschool Children 29th September, 7.15pm, Ballyheane.

Dance and Movement Workshop Using Dance and Movement in your setting for large group time Commencing: Wednesday 28th September 7.00pm - 9.00pm Venue: Woodlands Preschool Westport Learn how to create ideas for large group time, how to take a simple idea and create a large group activity incorporating HighScope curriculum.

Cost: €30 Contact: Cathy 087 7668258

Planning Your Outdoor Area

Mayo County Childcare Committee, First Floor, Chambers House, Ellison St., Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

Tel: 094 9047010 Email: mayochildcare@mayococo.ie Website: www.mayochildcare.ie Jim Power, Co-ordinator Email: jpower@mayococo.ie Mary Conway, Administrator Email: maryconway@mayococo.ie

15th October by Eco Envolve in Ballyheane.

Angela Cope, Development Worker Email: acope@mayococo.ie

MPLC licence

Olivia Donohoe, Development Worker Email: odonohoe@mayococo.ie Michelle Basquille, Development Worker (job-share) Email: mbasquil@mayococo.ie

Home entertainment DVDs are protected by law.

Showing them in your children’s nursery or kids club creates a ‘public performance’ and requires a licence from the copyright owner. The Motion Picture Licensing Company (International) Limited, provides a simple solution called The MPLC Umbrella Licence®. Select your favourite DVDs and pay one low annual fee for unlimited use.

Funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007-2013

Contact MPLC on

Tel: +353 656 820368 or visit www.mplc.ie Disclaimer

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Check out our website

www.mayochildcare.ie

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate and up to date. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of material in this publication can be accepted by Mayo County Childcare Committee and/or their respective servants or agents.

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