Naíonra na Seanscoile is a family-run Irish language preschool situated beside the Spa Hotel in Lucan, Co. Dublin. The three core hours are 9:10am-12:10pm.
Naíonra na Seanscoile is primarily an ECCE service, catering for children between 2½ years and 6 years old. Fee-paying places are also available where a child’s date of birth falls outside the ECCE qualifying range. Naíonra na Seanscoile has two preschool groups. Both groups operate in our outdoor classrooms in all weathers (no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!) in our authentic woodla
nd area. The children work with natural materials and are encouraged to explore the environment and incorporate this into their learning. A fully structured outdoor learning environment has been constructed, allowing the children spend as much time as possible in the outdoors. The children have access to two outdoor shelters on days where there are high winds, where they can continue to work and play in safety. The groups operate a free-flow system between the indoor classrooms and the secure outdoor gardens, but the children tend to prefer the outdoors. All children have equal opportunities to enhance their independence, learning and development in the outdoors. Both classes use a Montessori and inquiry-based curriculum. The Montessori ethos is very much in evidence throughout Naíonra na Seanscoile. The environments are prepared to incorporate the emerging interests of the children and encourage exploration, creativity, discovery, and hands-on experiences. We believe in developing the ‘whole child’, their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. We value the importance of the uniqueness of each child and we strive to offer an inclusive high-quality setting whereby the needs and interests of each child are met. We are passionate about providing enriching learning experiences both outdoors and inside. It is our hope that your child will leave our preschool with a love for lifelong learning. Optional Extra Time
There is an option for your child to stay for extra time beyond 12:10pm at Naíonra na Seanscoile. This fee-paying Forest School option begins directly after the ECCE sessions Monday to Friday. Forest School differs to the outdoor classroom in the range of forestry activities the children participate in. What is Forest School? Forest school is described by the Irish Forest School Association (IFSA) as a long-term educational process provided in a woodland or natural setting, with a strong focus on the holistic development of each individual learner. The children are given opportunities to work, play, develop new skills, explore, and create in a respectful and holistic way. Our Forest School is led by a qualified Forest School leader, who has trained extensively under the auspices of the IFSA. She also holds a B.A. in Early Years education and is a qualified and highly experienced Montessori teacher. Our Forest School offers a unique child-friendly experience based on Forest School principles, and we aim to instil a love of nature and learning in the child. Your child will benefit and grow in areas such as:
• Assessing personal risks
• Building relationships with nature
• Understanding sustainability
• Developing confidence and social skills
• Improving motivation and concentration
• Encouraging problem-solving
Some of the tasks the children will undertake are:
• Rope work
• Building shelters
• Tool usage
• Building and lighting fires safely
• Natural arts and crafts
• Outdoor cooking
• Bug hunting
• Flora and fauna identification
