Overdue: 464 days
Public benefits
The above named playschool offers both direct and indirect benefit to the public . Direct - As set out in the purposes of the playschool, the children of the playschool directly benefit from the education that they receive - physically, mentally, socially and psychologically - they are constantly learning during their three hours at
playschool. Playschool provides a rich variety of play activities and other experiences in a stimulating environment and helps prepare the child for primary school. It is often the child's first introduction to organised play, taking turns and sharing toys, listening to leaders and other children, following instructions and making decisions under the supervision of the leaders. This is usually their pre-school year (4 years old) and if there are places, may also include younger children (from 3 years old). At this stage young children are eager to learn and having spent a year at playschool, it is obvious how much the children grow and develop in that time. The strong relationships that develop between playschool leaders and the child's parents , friends and relations, centred around the child, are testament to the importance of the child's development to all. While some children may take longer than others to settle into the playschool routine, by the end of the year the majority of children have progressed so far that attendance at playschool is second nature to them. Clear evidence of how their confidence has grown and how much they have developed over the course of the year. Regular progress reports are given to parents both informally and formally through impromptu discussions and parent/teacher meetings respectively. Artwork carried out by children and their achievements are recorded in a personal scrapbook for the child and their parents to take home. This serves as a reminder of how well the children have done and how much enjoyment they have experienced during their time at playschool. The teachers at St Malachy's Primary School (which the majority of children will attend) in their liaison with the playschool confirm that the playschool children adapt much better and settle quicker into primary school routine, having spent the previous year in playschool. The fact that many of the child's friends are transferring with them from playschool to primary school obviously helps. Pre-school children are not charged any fees in relation to their education. It is a non-compulsory phase of education funded by local government, as part of their commitment to ensure that at least one year of pre-school education is available to every family that wants it. Priority is given to children whose parents receive Income Support or Jobseeker Allowance. Indirect - As a result of their education children are better equipped to interact with their families , friends and society. The education of the young in any community is paramount to the progression of that society and contributes to the community as a whole. Education leads to development and opportunity for children ,teenagers and adults alike which benefits the community and promotes community cohesion . The wider benefits of a good education are endless as these young children progress through life. Pre-School education is the commencement of this journey. Private Benefits There are no private benefits and St Malachy's Pre-School is a non profit organisation. All the trustees are volunteers, many with children attending the school or past pupils of the school, who work in varied professions. Many of these professions are unrelated to committees or charity work. There is no harm intended to the children within the playschool.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
St Malachy's Pre School Playgroup is a cross community based Playschool located in the grounds of St.Malachy's Parish. The playschool is a non-profit making organisation which has been up and running since September 1995. We cater for up to 25 children in their final pre -school year from our local area. The playschool is maintained by a committee
of volunteers which consists of a Chairperson Michael Bullock, Treasurer Joanne Tosh,Secretary Victoria Jerram and 4 other members from the local community and parent representatives. At present the Playschool has 4 members of staff supervisor Natasha Campbell,Deputy Supervisor Justyna Szustak, Assistant Heidi Mc Donnell and Amanda Woods and Caitriona McKenna who is a volunteer. The Playschool is situated within the Parochial hall.We have one room and large outside area which is fenced off and allocated for Playcschool use only.At present we use the communal toilets within the parochial hall but are planning to build toilets for the use of the children only. This year the Playschool has 20 funded places with children in their pre-school year. We have 6 paid places and 2 pre-pre places. We accept all children who fall within our admissions criteria within our quota and we are the main feeder group for our local Primary School.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
Who the charity helps
- Preschool (0-5 year olds)
How the charity works
- Cross-border/cross-community
- Playgroup/after schools
