We are a Community based playgroup providing affordable childcare in which the welfare of children attending the service is paramount. Knockanrawley Resource Centre has provided childcare since 1993 and this has expanded in response to the growing needs of the community over the intervening years.

In September 1998 Daisychain was established which today offers care for 133 children aged between 3 months and 12 years. Safety is foremost in all activities, which are closely supervised by up to 20 qualified and trained staff whose aims are to provide a safe, happy and stimulating environment with a wide range of activities for all children within this community.

We encourage an open door policy particularly with parents and participants of the centre. The service is managed by the Knockanrawley Resource Centre board of management and Director, a Childcare sub-group and the Childcare Co-ordinator. Our childcare sub-group is mainly made up of parent representation, two Room Leaders, the Childcare Co-ordinator, the Chairperson and the Director of the centre. This group meets a number of times during the year and are committed towards ensuring that parents are involved in the policy and decision making regarding the childcare issues.

Daisychain is notified to the HSE South East whose comment on our service is the following: "This service provides a quality child centred age appropriate programme of care for the children attending the service. The programme of activities devised by the staff for the different age groups in their care provides a holistic approach to the developmental needs of the children."

We set a high standard of confidentiality which we believe aids in establishing a good relationship between parents and childcare leaders.

Daisychain Childcare Services:

Our facilities range from:

• Babyroom (3 Months - 18 Months)
• Toddler Room (18 Months - 2½ years)
• Playgroup (2½ years - 3½ years)
• Pre-school (3½ years - school going age)
• Afterschool (4 years - 12 years)
• Out of school facility during the summer holidays

We have recently completed a major extension to the centre, including nice bright rooms equipped with toys and furniture that are child centered and age appropriate. The children can avail of our large play areas where they may run, explore and interact with each other.

Service Includes:

• Sessional Care (3½ Hours)
• Morning: 9.00am - 1.00pm (Children must be collected between 12.30 & 1.00pm )
• Afternoon: 2.00pm - 5.30pm
• All Day Care: 9.00am - 5.30pm
• Hot Meals are provided every day for all day and aftershool children. This service is also available to Sessional children on request.
• Drop In Childcare available for parents participating in activities at the centre. (Please check with the relevant Room Leader / Childcare Co-ordinator around specific availability)
• Matted Play areas to ensure safe play for all age groups.
• Full insurance cover for indoor and outdoor facilities.

We are members of the IPPA, The Early Childhood Organisation, (IPPA), The National Childrens Nursery Association and Barnardos.
Opening Hours 8.30a.m. - 6.00p.m.

Our childcare facility promotes:

• A Holistic approach to children and their right to develop and play.
• A play based, child centered, quality learning environment.
• Partnership with parents, who are the primary educators of children
• Recognition of the value of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Equal access to early years care and education for all children regardless of race, gender, nationality or family status.

The main funders of our childcare centre are The Office of Minister for Children and the HSE South East.