Principal 

Waterford School of Grinds childcare is a School Age service registered with the Child and Family statutory agency (TUSLA) and with Early Childhood Ireland (ECI).                                                                                                               It is the aim of our afterschool programmes in our facilities to provide safe, affordable, accessible, quality childcare and play opportunities. We hope to support single parents, working families and those in education/training.

Aim

Our aim is to provide an after-school service with transportation for school-pick up and home drop off.   We stimulate and help the cognitive development and social skills of the children entrusted to us.

Mission Statement 

Waterford School of Grinds wants to be in the service of education, from childhood to adulthood; a best education partner of students and their parents in Waterford.

Ethos

Our school age service is based on a strong value-based ethos. We believe that the values of teacher/educator quality, education for all, integrity, honesty, inclusiveness and equitable are central to the operation of Waterford School of Grinds childcare.

• Educator matters. We think that an educator is like a gardener of the soul; he has with patience and love sow the seeds of knowledge in the hope of seeing them blossom into wisdom
• Education for all. We believe that education is a means that makes man useful to himself, his family and his community. Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the powerful weapon to change the world”.
• Integrity. Living our values, being consistent in our approach, being truthful and reliable.
• Honesty. Being open and honest with children, parents, colleagues and other agencies we work with.
• Inclusiveness. Everyone belongs, regardless of background, ethnicity, learning need, disability or starting point.
• Equitable. A fair approach to individual needs. Everyone might not get the same offer but they will get what they need to succeed.

Statement of Intent

Our aim and ethos, weekly programme and golden rules and rewards are on full display in our facility and on our website. 

We review all our policies every two years and as when needed in line with operational standards review and changes.  

Staffing

Our after-school programme is managed and operated by our team of qualified individuals with vast experience.  

Staffing levels always meet the guidelines requirements set by TUSLA. All staff members are Garda vetted. The minimum staff ratio is 1:12 with 1 adult to 12 children. All are team members on duty will hold a current First Aid certificate. All staff receives induction training which covers Health & Safety and Safeguarding Policies and Procedures. Staff receives regular supervisions and an annual appraisal.

Facility layout

We are situated in easy access to our Facility Play & Learning Centre. Safety is promoted within the setting and our children are always supervised. We have use of a one large and once medium sized bright room, for fun and games, craft activities, indoor play; of course one room is for homework.

Fun-filled Activities

 Our fun activities are mainly: stories listening, books reading and Lego play, quiz completion, outdoor play in the people’s park.

Opening Times for childcare

The childcare is open from 3.00 pm to 6 pm Monday to Friday during school days only. The pick-up service operates from local school when classes finish. We operate only on school days. Therefore Waterford School of Grinds childcare service is open 36 weeks per calendar year.

Commitment

Waterford School of Grinds Childcare offers a collection service from selected schools in Waterford. Children can be transported to our centre or to their homes. Our childcare centre does not serve meals. Children should bring their food in their lunch bag. In our schedule, homework time just follows the meal time. Staffs make sure that homework is not only done but it is correct; staffs are always ready to help.

Fees

Our fees before NCS deductions.

Note: A refundable €90 deposit is paid at the registration for the 1^st child and half for a second child.

 What is the National Childcare Scheme (NCS)?

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) launched in November 2019 to provide financial support for parents towards the cost of their childcare. The introduction of the NCS was a landmark moment for making high quality childcare more affordable and accessible to families in Ireland. Further enhancements to the scheme were provided for under Budget 22/23 and came into effect on the 1st of January 2023.

The NCS is a streamlined scheme where parents continue to have access to a subsidy to meet the cost of their childcare.

There are two types of subsidies available to apply for under the National Childcare Scheme.

Subsidy Types

1. Universal Subsidies

These are available to all families with children between 24 weeks and 15 years of age. This subsidy is not means tested and provides €2.14 per hour towards the cost of a registered childcare place for a maximum of 45 hours per week. Parents can only claim for the hours that their child attends the service.

What you will need to apply online:

A verified MyGovID account

The date of birth and Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) for each of the children you are applying for

2. Income Assessed Subsidies

These are available to families with children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years. This subsidy is means tested and will be calculated based on your individual circumstances. Your rate will vary depending on your level of family income, your child’s age and educational stage, and the number of children in your family. If you (and your partner, if you have one) are working, studying or training, the maximum number of subsidised hours available per week are 45. If you (or your partner, if you have one) are not working, studying or training, the maximum number of subsidised hours available per week are 20.  

You can only apply for the number of hours your child attends the service.

What you will need to apply online:

A verified MyGovID account

Your children’s information such as date of birth and PPSN

Your employment and income related details

Your partner’s PPSN**

Your partner’s employment and income related details**