Rooms

Dream. Laugh and Have fun.

Poppy Room

This room is designed for children who are starting to find their feet. It is a transition time from baby to toddler.

In the Poppy Room we introduce a little structure. This is things like e.g breakfast, snack, dinner and sleep times. These are gradually introduced at set times during the day. In Little Buddies we know that children at this age are still quite young and flexibility of sleep patterns is very important.

The needs of the children change as they grow and develop at different speeds. As Childcare professionals we know how important it is to change and adapt, with activities to suit the age and stage of the children.

Within the Poppy Room there is a selection of age appropriate toys to help each child to grow and develop at a speed and rhythm in which they are comfortable with.

This will also help to promote their physical, cognitive and language skills.

Each week a curriculum is set for the week which includes many activities such as play dough, painting, puzzles and outdoor play.

At Little Buddies we provide a safe, warm and caring environment for the children.

Sunflower Room

When children enter the Sunflower Room we believe that a little more structure and new fun challenges should be in place for each child. However taking into account that each child will learn and develop through free play, the curriculum is based around a particular theme each week e.g. Halloween, Autumn etc. Children get a chance to do arts and crafts, play dough and bake which is great for all their areas of development.

We encourage all types of play in Little Buddies. Each day the children go outside, wearing their outdoor suits and wellies. This is promoting the children’s physical and social development and they love to get outdoors.

We, at Little Buddies encourage each child to have a rest between 12:30 and 1:30 or whatever time we feel the child requires this rest. There is a sleep room where the children listen to the relaxing music and go to sleep on their beds.

Between the age of 2 and 3 years, each child discovers their own independence. We encourage and guide them to further develop their confidence, their intellectual, social and emotional development as they explore their environment.

In Little buddies we inspire each child to develop to their full potential. Example: We help strengthen children's communication skills by engaging in activities with children but also by observing and looking at how it can be strengthened. All staff at Little Buddies must lead by example and encourage each child to strive for independence in a positive way with the children in their care.

Bluebell Room

The Bluebell Room caters for 23 children aged between three years to 5 years. We provide a caring and nurturing environment for children and their needs with age appropriate toys and equipment and resources to help children develop on all areas physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

Our morning starts off at 9.15am and finishes at 12.15pm. Throughout this time children enjoy free play, sand play dough, painting, music, followed by themed activities and outdoor time. Children enjoy a healthy snack at 11.00am.

Our curriculum is based on Siolta and Aistear. Siolta is the national quality framework for early childhood education and Aistear is the curriculum framework for all children from birth to 6 years. The curriculum is on display outside the Bluebell Room and if parents have any queries, feel free to come in and ask. We also do Buntus which is a physical programme, and Lamh which is a sign language programme that all the children enjoy.

After playschool finishes at 12.15, children that stay on, remain in the Bluebell Room for the remainder of the day. During this time we continue the curriculum. At 3.30pm all children enjoy a warm healthy dinner.

Blossom Room

Little Buddies afterschool club runs from 1.50pm until 6pm. Little Buddies provide a pick up service from the national schools in Riverstown at 1.50pm and 2.50pm. We also have children that come for the hour between 1.50pm and 2.50pm before being returned to school for parents to pick up.

At 3.00pm the afterschool children receive a hot dinner. Homework is supervised between 3.30pm to 4.15pm for the 2.50pm pick-up and 2.00pm to 2.30pm for the 1.50pm pick up.

The afterschool provides a safe and secure environment where children can develop their self-confidence, self-esteem and social skills, while enjoying a range of activities and outdoor time. Activities include arts and crafts, sports, games, music and we also have plenty of age appropriate toys for all to enjoy. On Friday the children get to watch a DVD.

Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club operates from 7:30am - 9:20am Monday to Friday.
A member of staff, supported by up to two others, is responsible for organising and supervising breakfast and activities.
The children are offered a breakfast comprising of cereals, toast, milk, water and toast .
Breakfast finished at 7.30 am and the children can participate in activities until they are ready to leave for school.

We then offer a service of walking the children to both Ardkeeran National school and Taunagh National school.

Sensory Room

Our sensory room here in Little Buddies supports children who need a little place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the playrooms. We absolutely love it and it seems the children do too.