Bridge Kids’ standards recognised

CLARE hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald was on home ground in Sixmilebridge last Friday when he unveiled a plaque to mark the achievement of Bridge Kids, a community-run childcare service, in becoming the first childcare facility in the county to meet nationally set quality standards.

Bridge Kids, located in a modern crèche on the Shannon Road, entered into a pilot programme under the Siolta Quality Assurance Programme two years ago. The scheme was delivered by manager Siobhán Hopkins and assistant manager, Margaret Gleeson.

Siolta is the national quality framework for Early Childhood Education in Ireland, which comprises principles, standards and components of quality that allow for the practical application of childcare practice.

Over the two-year period, Bridge Kids developed a portfolio that involved examining their practices, reflecting, adapting and documenting procedures ready for validation. The standards covered 16 core areas, including the rights of the child, the environment, parents and families, consultation, play, curriculum and professional practice.

On completion of the programme, Bridge Kids achieved the highest level award available across the 16 standards and it is the first and only crèche in Clare to successfully achieve this award.

“Each staff member is immensely proud of this achievement and we have worked extremely hard to gain formal recognition for the high quality childcare service we offer. We have a fantastic staff team, who embraced this project and help make Bridge Kids the success that it is,” manager Siobhan Hopkins told The Clare Champion.

The community-run childcare service offers care to children aged three months to 12 years. The facility includes six main crèche rooms, three outdoor play areas with access to an additional outdoor playground, a large dining area and indoor library.

“The purpose-built facility has continued to see growth in the demand for new childcare places and continues to provide affordable and accessible childcare to all in the community,” added Ms Hopkins.

Fun and fanfare marked this unique achievement last Friday as Bridge Kids held a celebratory day. There were face painters, balloon artists, music, games, food and fun, followed by a formal presentation of the award.
The event was enjoyed by all and included various members of the community including Jean Currid from Barnados, Yvonne Broderick from the Clare County Childcare Committee, local councillors, families and businesses.