Creche opens in IT Tallaght under new management
By Aura McMenamin
The new on-campus creche at IT Tallaght saw its official opening under new management on Friday, March 9, providing affordable childcare to students at the college.
The ribbon was cut by the CEO of children’s charity Barnardos, Fergus Finlay while a children’s disco and celebration for parents was held in the centre.
Mr Finlay spoke to The Echo from the opening, saying it was “a great honour” to open it.
He said: “We run a number of early years centres all around Ireland and we are absolutely and completely committed to the value of early years work.
“You can see the investment that is made in children as they grow up.”
Mr Finlay complimented the staff and structure of the creche, saying: “The staff make you feel welcome immediately. The atmosphere and airiness and light of the place is fantastic.
“Most importantly, every room you walk into is full of happy, thriving kids.”
Mr Finlay said he “really admired” the ethos of the creche, which is to provide a wrap-around, holistic service for children and families.
Clódagh Moynihan, General Manager of Oakview Tallaght said: “The aim of our service will be to offer student families and the wider community a holistic approach to their child’s, care, learning and development.”
Oakview Tallaght, run by Orchard House Ltd, took over the creche last year from previous childcare provider, Fledglings.
The early years service at Oakview Tallaght is not only open to families of students of IT Tallaght, but also to families of the wider South Dublin community.
The service, which also holds summer and Easter camps, caters for children from three months to six years of age and offers a number of Government subsidised childcare schemes such as USC, the Childcare Subvention Programme and the Training and Employment Childcare Scheme.
These schemes offer subsidised rates for working parents, students and also for those seeking employment.
IT Tallaght is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary.
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