Playpals Playschool

let's talk about pencil grasp development and FUNCTIONAL grasps: https://www.theottoolbox.com/pencil-grasp-development

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gtrr4MgtL/

Good luck to all the Playpals starting their exams tomorrow

WHY MANY PROVIDERS RARELY SWITCH OFF

For many childcare providers, the working day doesn’t end when the last child goes home.

The doors may close.

But the responsibility doesn’t.

There are emails still to answer.

Staff queries to deal with.

Rosters to review.

Policies to update.

Funding applications to complete.

Parent concerns to address.

Maintenance issues to organise.

Compliance requirements to monitor.

Plans to make for tomorrow, next week and next month.

Running a childcare service often means carrying a constant mental checklist.

Even during family time.

Even at weekends.

Even on holidays.

Many providers don’t simply work in their service.

They carry the service with them.

Because when you are responsible for children, families, staff and the future of a business, switching off is often easier said than done.

This is one of the hidden realities of leadership within the early years sector.

It requires resilience.

It requires commitment.

And it requires an extraordinary level of dedication that is rarely seen by those outside the sector.

At the Federation of Early Childhood Providers, we regularly hear from providers and managers who are balancing enormous responsibilities while continuing to deliver exceptional services for their communities.

Their commitment should never be taken for granted.

As conversations continue around sustainability, workforce planning and the future of the sector, it is important to recognise not just the financial pressures providers face, but the personal pressures too.

Because behind every successful childcare service is someone carrying far more responsibility than most people realise.

When was the last time you truly switched off from thinking about your service?

Now enrolling for ECCE September 2026 and 2027. Why choose Playpals?
*Low child/teacher ratio - better than recommended by Tusla.
*AIM qualified staff member to support children with additional needs (Level 1-3)
*Staff qualified to Level 8 degree - significantly higher than minimum recommended by Tusla.
*Friendly, welcoming, child-centered, calm environment.
*Lots of natural light and natural materials.
*Large outdoor play area and garden.

📢 Announcement! Our Cruinniú na nÓg programme for 2026 is now live!

Join us in Axis on 6th June 2026 for a full day of free fabulous creative activities and shows for children and young people. Come and see what puppet monsters come out of the monster making machine, take part in a messy play session, learn how to play trad songs, or how to create a paper fan.

All activities are free of charge – tickets are first-come first-served: https://www.axisballymun.ie/cruinniu-2026

Bígí linn!

📍Axis Ballymun⁠
📅 Saturday 6 June
🎟️ Free