Around 25 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, only for their vision we wouldn’t be here today.
And so Nenagh Childcare Centre was born. On 30th August 2004 we opened our doors for the first time.
Nenagh Childcare Centre has gone from strength to strength, we have had some hard times, the covid years were particularly challenging and the financial hardship that has followed in the Early Years sector as a whole. However we are still here, with our child led philosophy at the heart of all we do – children first, always.
In 2015 our Centre became the lead sponsor for the Community Employment childcare scheme for the whole of Tipperary, encouraging the long term unemployed back into training and employment. Many of the staff here and indeed other Early Years Facilities in the area, started here at our Centre.
Our Board of Management are incredibly supportive, with a huge interest in the children and staff. They only ever want what is best for us and they give their time and encouragement always. They have a vision for the future which includes expansion, a further 2 rooms built using sustainable materials., safeguarding the Centre for the next 20 years.
Last but by no means least – our greatest asset – our very talented staff. Many have been with us over 10 years and some of us have been here since the Centre opened. They are dedicated and hardworking, only ever want what is best for the children. The role of an early years educator doesn’t stop when they leave work, they are constantly thinking about what might interest the children, picking up things when they are out shopping, thinking about activities the children might like to do.
For those of us who have been here for the duration, it is so lovely to see faces coming back to us over the years. Young people who were with us as small children now coming to do work experience and more recently bringing their own children - now who feels old!
