29th July 2022

As this is Denise Mc Cormilla’s final day as CEO of the National Childhood Network (NCN), we would like to take this opportunity to say a few words about a truly wonderful and inspirational leader. 

Denise, you have provided so much encouragement, inspiration, support and guidance, kindness and compassion to us all.   It is safe to say that you have been a driving force in early childhood from the inception of the Border Counties Childhood Network which is now NCN.  Through all your work you have been integral to the important advances that have been made over the years for children, families and educators whether that is through policy, practice or your commitment to peace and reconciliation across the Island of Ireland.

Your contribution is irreplaceable and your dedication immeasurable.  Thank you for being that force of nature that created so many opportunities for us and the sector.

I can’t believe the time has come that we have to say goodbye, you were not just a CEO but a true leader, friend and mentor and it has been a true privilege to work under your leadership.   What you have done for us and the sector could never be fully measured, thanked enough in words or praised enough.

Even though your professional life is entering a new chapter, your legacy will live on in all the work of NCN, the sector and in every heart you have touched. 

So, on behalf of NCN and from all of us I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts and wish you a happy and healthy retirement.  Say goodbye to tension and hello to the pension!

Thank you, Denise.

NCN staff and board.

Hearing the Voice of the Child Through the Arts: Childhood Services Week 2022!

Childhood Services Week will take place from the 23rd to the 28th of May 2022.  If you would like to run a 'Festival of the Arts' at your service, please see above for a schedule/planner to guide your activities for the week.

Click here for more information on National Childhood Services Week 2022 >>

As Childhood Services Week 22 approaches (23-28th May), NCN calls on the entire sector to get ready to show case the valuable work carried out in services across Ireland to enhance the lives of children. Whether you provide a preschool, creche, afterschool or childminding service, this dedicated week creates an opportunity for all services to highlight and showcase how the Voice of the Child is heard through the Arts. Providing opportunities for children to draw, paint, manipulate dough or clay, or other open-ended materials, dress up, or enjoy rhymes or stories, sing or dance are all of value.

Have a look at the report from Childhood Services Week 2021- Arts at the Heart, as well as our slide show and see if there are photographs included of children in your service. It hasn’t been possible to highlight all the images shared with us in 2021 but we hope the report and the slideshow will give you a feel for some of the wonderful experiences children of all ages have within a diversity of settings.

Download PDF >> or click on the image below.

The full document is available by clicking this page

Under this tab NCN would like to give you the opportunity to download some free resources

Here is a collaboration between Barnardo's and NCN for newcomers into the Sector and for existing employees

Children and the Arts -                   

                                                                                                                           

A collaboration between Barnardos and NCN  -  Arts Experiences for Young children

A List of all the Publications available from NCN

If you would like to download items from our shop click on the following links:-

https://www.ncn.ie/index.php/information-resources/ncn-online/pre-school-play-to-learn-posters

https://www.ncn.ie/index.php/information-resources/ncn-online/after-school-children-play-2-learn-posters

https://www.ncn.ie/index.php/information-resources/ncn-online/literacy-posters

https://www.ncn.ie/index.php/information-resources/ncn-online/pre-school-fundamental-play-posters

https://www.ncn.ie/index.php/information-resources/ncn-online/pre-school-fundamental-play-posters

 More Free Downloads from NCN

More Adventures from Aoife & Daithi

Rethinking Outdoor Play in English and Irish               

  Lunch Box Infographic English           Lunch Box Infographic Irish      

Lunch Box Leaflet English

 Lunch Box LeafLet Irish

Representatives from a range of early years groups united recently  to prepare a comprehensive submission to the Taoiseach, the  Minister for Finance, all Government Ministers and TD’s calling for increased investment in the Early Years workforce. Facilitated by NCN and  Quality Matters,  representatives from PARCC, National Forum for Community Childcare Services, PEEP, PPPI, PLE, ACP and Montessori Alliance and SIPTU  contributed to the submission. Please click on the following link

Making the case for Investment in the Early Years Workforce

24 January 2017

On the day that Minister Zappone fast-tracks legislation for the Affordable Childcare Scheme, please see the important document below

Representatives from a wide range of stakeholder groups within the childhood sector have welcomed the invitation from the DCYA to meet and discuss concerns and recommendations regarding the current proposals for the Single Affordable Childcare Scheme. The deputation organised by NCN will include representatives involved in the delivery of community and private, sessional and full day-care, urban and rural, small, medium and large services as well as representatives from PLÉ. Those involved have worked together to prepare a collaborative response to the proposed scheme which has been submitted to the DCYA for consideration. The need for comprehensive consultation and negotiation with all types of service provider has been highlighted to the Department in order to ensure the scheme is implemented successfully to the satisfaction of all involved including parents. See the full report on the response to the scheme here.