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Removed
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This charity was removed from the register on 13 Apr 2023
Public benefits
Benefit This happens directly through the provision of the preschool curriculum (NI) in playgroup, and the balance of activities provided to the primary school children that encourage healthy eating, outdoor play and social & emotional well-being. Indirect Benefit Apart from the benefit to to children themselves, the indirect benefit to parents is
that it allows them to access employment and training opportunities. In fact our flexibility actively encourages the concept of family in that parents need only pay for the hours that they actually need. This allows part-time workers to be supported when they need it, and doesn't charge them when they don't need it. It also means we can care for more children and thus support more families. Benefit to Wider Community The benefit to the wider community is in the shape of wrap-around care to children who attend the local (rural) primary school. In fact parents have told us that the benefit to them is the main reason for their choice of primary school. A very small percentage of our children live within walking distance; meaning that if we were to close, our families would have to travel to the neighbouring towns for their children's education. The effect of this on our local primary school would be detrimental, as would the subsequent effect of the school's possible closure be on the local (rural) community and local house prices. Being integrated and affiliated to the local integrated primary school makes us accessible to all members of the community. Our facility also encourages the development of citizenship and relationships with children from different cultural backgrounds away from the structures of the school environment. How the benefits can be demonstrated 2. The educational benefits can be demonstrated when the preschool children transfer to P1, adequately prepared for this next step along their educational journey. Our delivery of the NI Preschool Curriculum is facilitated by the qualifications and training of our staff team, who evaluate each child's individual stage of development and plan accordingly. 4. The balance of activities provided to all our children encourages healthy eating and outdoor play. Our programmes ensure a variety of both sedentary and physical activities aimed at each child's individual age and stage of development and all our children play outdoors for at least an hour every day. We provide a healthy morning and afternoon snack that offers a balance of carbohydrate, protein, starch, and fruit & vegetables, with no added salt, sugar or preservatives; and only water or milk to drink. The reasons for staying healthy and looking after our bodies is also covered through stories, posters, jigsaws, activities and talks from the medical professions. Statistics over the past years have shown that our children are absent due to sickness for fewer days than in the past and anecdotal evidence from parents confirms that the children don't sleep as well on days they are unable to be outdoors because of the weather. 5. Social and emotional well-being is promoted through our programme of activities and our practice. Staff model positive reinforcement and behaviour management and use a variety of puppets, stories, puzzles and activities to reinforce messages. Consequently behaviour issues are extremely rare and the children are heard resolving potential issues by themselves. Discussion around feelings and their reconciliation is encouraged by staff who strive to facilitate the development of high self-esteem and self- realisation in the children. Our Children's Committee meets regularly and the 'mumbles & grumbles' box allows the children that their voice is important to us. There is no private benefit or harm.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
We provide play, care & education for children between the ages of 2 years 10 months and 12 years. Our day starts at 7.45 with wrap-around care in the form of a Breakfast Club for those children whose parents are unable to deliver them to school themselves. This is followed by preschool between the hours of 8.50 and 11.50 for children in their
preschool year,who are provided with activities and experiences that will deliver the preschool curriculum. Then we have a Lunch Club until 2.00pm. From 2.00 until 5.30 we look after primary school-aged children. During the holiday periods, we offer a full-day care for those families that need support. Our Centre provides holistic play, care and education that is focused on the needs of each individual child. Through a balanced programme of activities and experiences, our outdoor programme and healthy eating policy encourage the development of a healthy lifestyle; while our PSE programme facilitates the development of a social conscience and emotional literacy.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
- The advancement of health or the saving of lives
- The advancement of citizenship or community development
Who the charity helps
- Children (5-13 year olds)
- Preschool (0-5 year olds)
How the charity works
- Education/training
- Playgroup/after schools
Charitable purposes
The objects of the Company shall be to enhance the development and education of children by encouraging parents/guardians to understand and provide for the needs of their children by:- (a) Managing and maintaining a Centre for pre-school children during term time and for primary school age children during out of school hours and holidays. (b) Offering appropriate play facilities, with the right of parents/carers to take responsibility for and to become involved in the activities of the Company, ensuring that the Company offers opportunities for all children, regardless of religion, culture, race, ethnicity, disability or means. (c) Providing the necessary facilities for the daily care, recreation and education of pre-school and primary school age children, regardless of religion, culture, race, ethnicity or means, during term time and out of school hours and school holidays respectively. (d) Encouraging the study of the needs of such children and their families and promoting public interest in and recognition of the needs of such children and their families in the local area. (e) Advancing the education and training of persons involved in the provision of such care, recreation and education.