Playmates25th anniversary

Alongside the usual celebrations there are big changes in the pipeline for Playmates Montessori as they prepare to make a big move.

Playmates Montessori first opened its doors in the Parochial centre Peter Street in September 1993.

They have seen a lot of changes in the sector over the years and in October 2002 they packed up and moved down to the workspace centre in Bachelors Lane where they have remained for almost 16 years.

With the changes in the parish school this coming September Playmates Montessori applied to St Joseph’s and Presentation Ballymackenny to see if they were interested in having a preschool in the school.

Both school responded positively and so the journey begins to move again for their 25th birthday.

According to owner and teacher Jackie Walshe: ‘Moving and expanding is not as easy as it was 16 years ago. There is a lot of work with the County Childcare Committee, TUSLA and Department of Children and Youth Affairs to complete but the challenges it presents will be worthwhile beyond words. This has been a dream of mine since I was in college.’

Jackie went on to say there are a number of benefits to having a preschool within a national school including better development of children’s social skills, an easier transition into the primary system and a a sense of belonging and community partnership with the school.

‘We are also very excited about having an outdoor area in both school that will be for the preschool children’s use only – exciting times ahead,’ said Jackie.

Playmates Montessori School has places available in both schools – for ECCE (Free year) any child who turns 3 or 4 years of age during 2018 is entitled to the ECCE scheme. For more information call into the Workspace Centre or phone 041 9841611 / 086 3697983.