The National Childcare Scheme is an entitlement to financial support for childcare. The system is equitable and a progressive system of universal and income-related subsidies for children up to the age of 15. Since November 2019, this replaces all previous targeted childcare programmes. This is a user friendly, online application process by each family where they can gain access the subsidies.

There will be 2 subsidies available under the National Childcare Scheme:

1. Universal Subsidies are available to all families with children under 3 years old. This subsidy is not means tested.

2. Income Assessed Subsidies. This subsidy is means tested and will be calculated based on your individual circumstances. Your rate will vary depending on your level of family income, your child’s age and educational stage, and the number of children in your family

The Free Pre-school Year in Early Childhood Care and Education is a scheme designed to give children access to a free Pre-school year of appropriate programme-based activities prior to attending primary school. This provides the child with a starting point for their education and social development outside of their home. Our qualified and experienced Educators will build on your child’s holistic development and ensure that your child will be ready for the transition to National School.

Within our ECCE room, we use the combination of the Maria Montessori method of teaching along with a play-based curriculum.

The ECCE Scheme is open to all children aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years and 6 months at any stage during the September of pre-school year.

AIM (Access and Inclusion Module)

AIM is a model of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities can access the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme. It provides support based on the needs of the child and the pre-school service. We have an Access and Inclusion Co-ordinator.

Acorn to Oak believe staff are not just carers they are Early Childhood Educators with a friendly, loving disposition, each one is highly qualified with many years of experience and expertise to meet with the individual needs of your child and family. All staff are encouraged to continue with their professional education development with in-house and external training.

All our staff are Garda vetted and policies and procedures are in place to ensure that your child is growing up in a loving, friendly, safe, secure and stimulated setting.