This article is from page 34 of the 2009-09-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 34 JPG
TAOISEACH Brian Cowen met the next generation of west Clare voters yesterday (Monday) evening when he formally opened the new créche in Kilrush.
The purpose-build state of the art unit has already been accepted into the new free preschool scheme – Ear- ly Childhood Care and Education Scheme – introduced by Mr Cowen’s Crouse
The childcare facility, Cuan Samh, not only serves the Adult and Com- munity Learning Centre, on the Co- oraclare road, but it 1s also open to the public.
Seven people, including a cook are employed by the service, a number that will grow as more families avail of the service.
The creche opened on September 7 and replaces earlier childcare facili- ties housed in a prefabricated build- ing at the centre.
Moving from seasonal to full day care, the facility was funded through the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-10 capital fund administered by POBAL on behalf of the office of the minister for chil- dren.
Manager Bernie Kelly explained that Cuan Samh can also provide af- ter school services.
The full day care centre caters for children from three months to five years with age-specific rooms for babies, wobblers, toddlers and pre- school children.
“We believe in providing highly nutritious, good quality meals on site in the purpose built kitchen run by a qualified cook,” she said.
A varied menu using fresh, local produce is provided for all of the children using the service.
Cuan Samh also boasts an outdoor
play area.
Aobhan Haverty, Head of the County Adult and Community Edu- cation Service, run by Clare Voca- tional Education Committee, who oversaw the project throughout, on the committee’s behalf, said that the enclosed outdoor play area has a va- riety of surfaces and age-appropriate
equipment where children are given the opportunity for adventurous out- door and indoor play daily.
She added that Cuan Samh, like its sister Ennis créche, Cuan Aire, 1s a member of the National Children’s Nurseries and the curriculum a com- bination of high scope and free play.
Both facilities are notified to the
HSE and inspected annually under the 2006 pre-school regulations, while inspection in respect of food hygiene regulations 1s completed by an environmental health officer.