In Bishopstown, we start to care for children after they celebrate their second birthday in mixed aged family groups. In Ballincollig, once children turn two, they transition into our mixed age family group rooms.
Creating family groups provides us with the opportunity for siblings to spend their days at Cheeky Cherubs together, just as they would at home. It also enables only children to spend time with others of varying ages. These groupings offer opportunities for learning as the older children cement their knowledge by sharing with the younger children, while the younger children organically learn from their older group members.
As no two children learn in the same way we follow the children’s emergent interests when designing our environments and experiences. So, you will notice that no two rooms are the same and spaces change on a regular basis in response to the children growing and changing interests.
We are guided by Reggio Emilia, Aistear, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, ARTS, Maths). Our family groups are spread over three rooms/spaces as well as outdoors, incorporating interest areas with materials for construction, art, home, small world, science, and music exploration.
We believe that children are creative, are naturally full of wonder and are capable of directing their own learning. It is our responsibility to listen to their voice and respond to their queries and facilitate their pathway to discovery. Our focus is to support children as they become socially and emotionally competent, as well as resilient and self-confident.
