In this section of the website, we aim to provide information about many aspects of your child’s health, well-being, learning, and development. You can click on any of the links below to access interesting articles and publications.
We are happy to include items that you have that may be of interest to other parents or prospective parents so please email them through to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Department of Children Equality Disability Integration & Youth
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
NPC Transition from Preschool to Primary
My Child 0-2 Years My Child 2-5 Years
Bed Time Routines from the START Campaign
A bedtime routine is the predictable, regular things you and your child do in the hour or so before lights out, and before your child falls asleep. Things like eating, washing teeth and face, going to the loo, having a bath, talking to your child about their day, a hug and a kiss goodnight.
Regular bedtimes from an early age can help the quality of your child’s sleep throughout their childhood.
In this video, parenting expert Colman Noctor talks about why a regular sleep routine is so important for all the family.
Sleep Routine
Aim to get enough sleep for your child’s age
Children of different ages need different amounts of sleep and while there are no exact amounts, in general, children aged between five and 12 need at least ten hours of sleep - this of course can vary between children.
Aim for:
| 3 - 5 year olds | 11 - 12 hours at night, plus a daytime rest of up to 1 hour |
| 5 -12 year olds | 10+ hours |
| over 12 year olds and teenagers | 8 - 9 hours |
For babies and toddlers
| About 6 months old | 10-11 hours at night plus 3 daytime naps (1.5 - 2 hours for 2 of the naps) |
| About 9 months old | 10-12 hours at night plus 2 daytime naps (1.5 - 2 hours) |
| About 1 year | 10-12 hours at night plus 2 daytime naps (1 - 2 hours) |
| About 2 years | 10-12 hours at night plus 1 daytime nap (1.5 - 2 hours) |
HOW ARE SLEEP AND NUTRITION LINKED
In this video START Campaign Chief Specialist in Nutrition, Dr Marian O’Reilly explains how sleep can impact on our health and diet
Sleep and Nutrition
An infographic and leaflet on Lunchboxes in the light of COVID, which are the result of a collaboration between NCN and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA). Very shortly these resources will be available in Irish.
Infographic - English Infographic - Irish
Leaflet - English
Leaflet - Irish
The adventures of Aoife & Daithi
A new free E-Book from Barnardos
This book will give information to parents on what to look for in a quality
After-School Service. Click on the link to download it
More adventures from Aoife & Daithí
ENGLISH VERSION
HERE IS THE CURRICULUM POSTER COMBINING THE FRAMEWORKS IN IRELAND
Child Health & Safety Aistear - Learning & Developing
Aistear Play for Babies - Treasure Baskets for Babies
A Tip Sheet for Parents
9 Things You Should Say To Your Kids Every Day
For Parents
Partners in Learning: A Parent’s Guide to Partnership in Childcare >>
Early Childhood Care and Education Frameworks for Parents >>
Child Development for Parents >>
Children's Care and Education for parents >>
Health and Safety for Parents >>
Parenting Blogs and News Articles >>
Here is a very interesting read "Not without my Teddy" The companions of childhood, which includes some good tips for parents. Authors are Andrea Holler and Maya Gotz. Click on the image below to access the document
Here is an interesting Health & Well-being Plan published by Galway City Early Years regarding children Under 3
