development in their care. Every staff member is diligent, vibrant, motivated, energetic and has a passion for life and learning. Each member is carefully chosen for their lifelong commitment and vocation in helping the children in their care to reach their full potential as a well rounded human being. The crèche is a not-for profit organisation, so everything is invested back into supporting staff, contributing towards further education, development and training, together with keeping the crèche fresh, bright and equipment regularly replenished.

Located in a woodland setting near the Clonskeagh entrance of UCD campus, the crèche has two baby units, a waddler room, two toddler rooms, two playgroup rooms, a pre-Montessori, two Montessori rooms and an afterschool room. Oakmount crèche now also has a fun-filled afterschool programme, catering for children from 4yrs-9yrs, and can provide an afterschool collection service with a seven seater mobile crèche car.

Parent partnershipsOakmount crèche recognises that parents are the primary caregivers. Our goal is to work alongside parents and families, supporting and listening to them. Choosing the right crèche for your child is one of the hardest decisions a parent will ever have to make. We wholeheartedly recognise this. In the crèche we commit to the following:• Providing open, honest, clear communication with all

the families we work alongside. We understand that parental involvement enables us to establish continuity of care for each child.

• Providing an environment where each child feels safe, happy, stimulated, and challenged. We will continually respect each individual child and make a commitment to promoting and enhancing each child’s learning and development.

• Keeping the parents well informed and welcoming opinions, suggestions and input.

• Keeping the parent board updated with useful information regarding parental workshops, bulletins,

crèche newsletters and general items of interest.

The Oakmount TeamWe understand that the early formative years in a child’s life are the most important and impressionable. That is why we employ childcare professionals who are highly qualified in the field, who are first aid trained and who have a clear vision for enhancing each child’s

Welcome to Oakmount

Putting both my children into Oakmount crèche was probably one of the best

decisions I’ve made. Not only can I relax at work knowing they are safe and extremely

happy but they are also learning, learning in a fun way. It is rare to find a place that runs so smoothly where each

and every staff member is wonderful. I can honestly say my children love coming into Oakmount every morning and are always

greeted with a smile.Rachel Hickey

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Internal EnvironmentEach room in the crèche is age appropriate, bright, airy, challenging and is carefully laid out with ‘interest areas’ for the children. These areas include dress-up/ make-believe areas, musical exploration, imaginative play, construction block areas, wet and sand play areas, cosy corners for reading and relaxing, home-corner spaces, spacious stage area with performance lighting, multi-purpose common room areas… the list is endless. The environment is laid out in this manner so as to encourage, foster and support the following: • Exploration and experimentation• Imagination• Self expression, discovery and adaptation skills• Independence, confidence and high self-esteem• Encouragement of social development and

positive interactions • Contribution towards helping the child solving

problems, negotiating with peers, and in making good choices

• Encourages every aspect of development, particularly the area of language.

• Making sense of the world and understanding boundaries.

External EnvironmentEvery crèche boasts about their internal environment but few can do the same about their external environment. In Oakmount crèche, we are exceptionally fortunate. Visualize an outdoor garden area that embraces the crèche, compliments its purpose and invites the children to explore and experience the natural world. The crèche is located in a beautiful woodland area that accentuates the large outdoor space that we have. The space is age appropriate, expertly designed and laid with a colourful sponge-like, soft surface. The garden is safe and bright with carefully crafted areas of interest for the children. These areas include a large sand pit area, planting area, slides, tunnels, a ‘magic garden’ together with limitless space for bikes and trikes.

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Our babies too have their own designated play area that has been carefully thought out with soft lush grass and easy access back to their room. To us, outside play, exploration and learning is as important as inside activities. Each play and learning experience is a balance of child initiated and adult led activities. Outside play is experienced daily. Fresh air and exercise is an integral part of every child’s activity in the crèche.

Crèche EthosIt is our aim that each child in the crèche will be dealt with as an individual. Each child will always be treated with respect. Our aim as a crèche is to provide a high quality childcare service where your child can learn and grow in a rich, warm, challenging, stimulating and safe environment.The Staff-Child ratio in each room is as follows:

Ratios: 0-12mths (1:3), 1-2yr old (1:5) 2-3yr old (1:6), 3-5yr old (1:8)Crèche opening hours: 8.30am-6.15pm.Crèche holiday periods: Please see details in terms andconditions upon registration.

Crèche application informationThe crèche facility is a community based facility open to the children of UCD students and UCD staff, and members of the public. Students’ children have priority on the waiting list. All enquiries are to be made directly to the crèche manager on 01-2695143. Students may apply for a crèche subsidy. All cases are taken on individual merit and are means tested. Further information can be had by contacting the student advisor in the college. To apply for a place in the crèche, an application form must be filled out. To go on the waiting list, a registration fee applies. We do ask if family circumstances change and if you no longer require a place, that you notify the crèche as soon as possible. Also if family contact details change, please notify the crèche so that details can be updated. If a place has been offered

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in the crèche, a deposit of €400 is required in order to secure that place. (Please note, this deposit isnon-refundable.) Once your child has begun in the crèche, this deposit will then be deducted from your child’s first month’s fees. All fees are paid by standing order and are paid a month in advance.

If for any reason a family decides to leave the crèche, a minimum of two months notice must be given.

Before startingA comprehensive information form must be completed, providing the crèche with details of your child’s immunisations, routines, emergency contact details etc.

Starting in the crècheOnce you have accepted a place in the crèche there are some aspects that we would like to bring to your attention. If it is a new baby who is starting with us who has not been in such an environment before, it is imperative that the parent and child will be available for crèche visits, one week prior to the official start date. (The length of the visit can vary depending on the age of the child). These visits are free of charge.

These visits are very important as it gives the child an opportunity to gradually orientate himself/herself into his/her new environment. Once these visits have taken place, sounds and faces will become more familiar. In our experience the child will then adapt more securely and confidently in his/her new environment with his/her new friends.

What do I need to provide?In the Baby room parents need to provide bottles of formula previously made up, any food required, disposable nappies and wipes/cotton-wool, creams, bibs

and two full changes of clothes for indoor/outdoor. All bottles and clothing must be clearly marked with your child’s name.

Parents of all other age groups must provide nappies and wipes where needed, a full range of clothes (extra if toilet training), wellie boots and outdoor clothes for walks and garden play. Please dress your child in suitable clothing for participation in messy play etc.

We do ask that all of your child’s belongings be kept in a small back-pack on your child’s hook and/or in their box. For safety reasons, plastic bags are not allowed in the crèche under any circumstances. Paper is fine.

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Oakmount crèche is one in a million, our boys are happy we feel they have an advantage in terms of the extra quality

of care and attention to detail; from their individual developmental folders, gardens

and loyal and nurturing staff! Every day they come home proud of their

latest achievement. The staff at Oakmount set the standard for child care and

development and are as encouraging to us as parents as are the children!

Jean & Niall Bowen

Food and NutritionGiving the best possible start in a child’s life is what we all want for our children. We feel the same about the food we provide, and therefore we only provide the best. The recipe is simple: no salt, no sugar, no additives, no colourings. We can promise good honest, cooked on-site meals that are tasty and offer varied textures, together with a variety of choice from week to week. All meals from March 2010 are freshly cooked in-house in our state of the art kitchen by our resident chef. The children’s daily menu includes a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and tantalizing hot meals. All food and drinks are provided by the crèche after 1 yrs of age. (Morning snack at 9.30am, hot meal at 12 noon, evening tea at 3pm. Drinks are available to the children throughout the day.) Breakfast can be provided upon request. Fruit platters are provided if the children are hungry before home-time.

We do not provide or allow sweets, biscuits, fizzy drinks etc. (Please see our nutrition policy). All menuscan be viewed on our menu board for parents perusal in the hallway.

Health & Safety*A copy of the crèche’s policies and procedures are on display for parents in the hallway. All staff are trained in first aid, manual handling and fire safety. On the staff team we have a first aid officer, fire officer and a health and safety officer. Every staff member contributes to the policies of the crèche and the crèche’s safety statement. Parents are also encouraged to contribute towards to revision and updating of policies. Oakmount crèche welcomes contributions and suggestions from parents and guardians. We also execute monthly fire drills, whereby the entire crèche evacuates safely. We inspect the crèche

every morning with our own hazard checklist and are proud of the fact that each team member sees him/ herself as a safety ambassador for the whole crèche.*Oakmount Crèche is HSE compliant and is a member of The National Children’s Nursery Association.

Helping your child grow“Help me do it by myself” – age 2.5yrs.It is our policy to foster each child’s independence. From very early on, each child is encouraged to develop their own self-help skills including feeding, drinking from a beaker, toilet training etc. We limit the use of soothers in the crèche to when a child is tired, poorly or upset. Prolonged use throughout the day is not encouraged. No matter what milestone, each child is always encouraged to develop at his/her own pace. No two children are alike. Therefore positive guidance and support is consistently given.

Your child’s developmentA keyworker system has been implemented in the crèche. This means that each child has been assigned a carer from their room. This carer is a staff member that will be responsible and focused on your child’s development and needs. Therefore, if you have a particular concern or query, your child’s ‘keyworker’ will be the first point of contact for you. This keyworker is the carer that has developed the closest relationship with your child.

Documenting your child’s developmentFrom the moment your child enters the crèche he/she is learning. He/she is learning through exploration, play, socialising with his peers etc. Mostly he/she is learning by ‘doing’. Being emerged in stimulating environments and being constantly challenged helps your child grow every day. Sometimes it can be difficult to encapsulate this growth or to see where each child’s interest lies.

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As a team we have implemented a system of documentation. Each child has their own developmental folder. Each day the keyworkers make observations on their key children and observe and document their growth. Some of these observations will be supported by photographic evidence. Parents can view this display of photographs on documentation panels outside your child’s room. These photos also give each parent an opportunity to see a snap-shot of the daily activities, exploration and fun that occur every day. Over time these observations build a picture of how your child is growing. Documenting your child’s development helps staff to further challenge your child.

Communication & Parental involvement(a)Twice a year the crèche hosts a parents’ evening. This evening is an opportunity for parents to meet other parents. It is also an opportunity for parents to meet with

their child’s keyworker. It’s a time to ask the questions that normally there isn’t enough time to ask at the end of an evening. It is an opportunity to hold an in-depth discussion with your child’s keyworker, to look through their developmental folder and to ask any questions that you may have in relation to your child’s progression and development.

Keyworker’s Planning Cycle

(b) Crèche NewsletterThis medium will be used to share information, ideas, observations, and items of interest to the crèche. Items of a more serious nature will always be distributed by individual letter. Suggestions will be gladly received and can be placed in our suggestion box.

(c) Parents communication board in the hall is a place where parents can see useful information and items of interest.

Observe child

Implement change

Plan activity & environment

around interests

Document & seewhere interest lies

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As a parent of two young children in UCD crèche, I have always been extremely

happy with the high quality of childcare provided by staff in the crèche.

At every stage of development, the well-being and happiness of my children has

been taken care of by the wonderful, friendly and caring staff. UCD crèche has provided a ‘home away from home’ over

the past 4 years for my children, with dedicated and caring staff.

Dr. Tara McMorrow

Afterschool is “Sooooo Cool”• 4yrs-9yrs• Hot nutritious meals• School collection service in crèche seven seater car• Homework supervision• Crafts, art activities, baking, music, outings, trips to

library etc.

Centre spirit/Family Orientated Community• Family and Centre Fundraising is a big part of the

crèche, together with volunteer work by staff members with many different associations including St. Vincent De Paul etc.

• ECCE affiliated, flexible schedules offered for our families growing needs.

• A centre that works to the highest standards in providing an environment for the many DIT degree students that train in our crèche.

• Festive celebrations are an integral part of our year as we share in fun times together.

• Not for profit crèche. This lends itself to a family orientated community that has a culture of mutual respect with no hidden agenda.

Extra Curricular Activities offered in Oakmount crèche• ‘Stretch And Grow’ is a class based on exercise, dance

and movement to music, while learning about the body and how important it is to rest, eat healthily and exercise regularly. (This class is mainly for the 2-5yr olds.)

• ‘Gymboree’ experience is a class based on the exploration of different types of music & instruments. (This class is mainly for the 1-2yr olds.)

Comprehensive Provision• Complimentary ‘Summer Camp’ excursions are

provided free of charge for all children during July and August – e.g. Newbridge Farm, the aquarium in Bray, Marley Park etc.

• An afterschool collection service is provided from the crèche by way of a seven seater car.

• A hot meal is provided for the after-schoolers upon return from school.

• Fees include food and drink, all creative activities and play activities.

• A thematic approach is provided in our early year’s curriculum that is Aistear & Siolta based. The Montessori method is practiced in our older rooms.

• A team of highly skilled and qualified staff work with the children.

• Festive celebrations are also complimentary in the crèche. These include family days where we celebrate together. Christmas family carol service with mince pies around the christmas tree, children’s christmas performance play, Halloween dress-up parties, Easter Bunny Egg Hunts etc.

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Oakmount Crèche Manager - An important note

If a parent or perspective family wish to speak to me about a query or concern, please feel comfortable in coming to me as my door is always open.

I can also be reached on Tel: (01) 269 5143 Email: oakmountcreche@eircom.net

For further details please see our websitewww.ucd.ie/creche

Many thanks,

Jennifer KinsellaCrèche ManagerOakmount CrècheUCD

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Goodbye!Slán!