Brigit’s Hearth programmes focus on infants and young children. We believe in the importance of allowing time for every stage in human development.
PROGRAMMES
Over the last 10 years we have been exploring new ideas for the care of young children outside their homes. We have become very aware of the responsibility of caring for young children at such a vulnerable and crucial age.
The facility can accommodate 26 children ages 1 year (walking) to 6 years old in a mixed age family setting. We provide part time and full time care. As a Community Developed project we offer full day care (9am to 3pm) 1 to 6 years old as well the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme for 3 and 4 years old.
Through us you can also access government financial support (NCS) for all families.
the house
Every morning the children are welcome in the house. The adults are engaged in the preparation of the food and other activities /crafts related to the day and the season. During this time the children can join the domestic activities or free play in the open plan kitchen / living room. In good weather and at the beggining of our new season, when new children are settling, we spend the mornings (9 to 12) outdoors where the adjusting is easier. The playroom is a very active place during the afternoons (1.30 to 3) for those children participating in our longer programme.
We chose to heat our house with a high efficient wood burner that we light every morning before the children arrive. The hearth occupies the centre of our house. This way we all benefit from the lovely glowing light that creates a real home feeling, specially in those wintery dark mornings.
The fire, the smell of the fresh baked bread and the bubbling soup, the warmth of the soft colours and natural materials on our walls and floors, it all contributes to create the Home Experience that it is crucial to healthy human being development.
OuTDOORS
At Brigit’s Hearth the children spend an average of 2.5 to 3 hours outdoors in all kinds of weather. Our goal is to provide the children with an early experience of the beauty of a natural landscape throughout the seasons as well as building a healthy immune system and strengthening gross motor skills.
We are at the quiet location of Raheen Woods Estate. Our property sits on a beautiful field partly covered with a young oak woodland. The trees were planted years ago with the parents. We have opened paths that, up and down, through the long grass, offer the children adventurous walks and areas to play. With the help of TOMAR, carpenters from Silvabuild erected a pavilion where to received the visits from our neighbours at Raheen Nursing Home. We also have our orchard and barn, a place to gather for snacks and stories and to shelter from the wet weather. The time spent in this ever changing environment will lead the children into a life-long relationship with nature.
PROGRAMMES
Morning in the Fresh Air: From 9 am to 12 pm. We offer this programme to small children as an introductory experience to our longer programes. This is also the programe for those children participating in the three hour per-school scheme. Parents are required to participate during the first day. Children from all the other programmes are also with us during these hours.
Welcome to our Table: From 9 am to 1.15 pm. This programme includes a warm home cooked meal and shared time at the table for stories, songs and games. Minimum age required 3.
Stay for the Day: from 9 am to 3 pm. This is the programme for all children whose parents need extended care. It provides the under 3 years old with the (compulsory) sleep that is part of our policy for this age children. Following lunch the older children rest and play for the afternoon. This programme also includes a snack before going home.
For more information, registration, dates and prices please contact us