Grovelands Childcare, early education centre in the new Corran Riada development in Monksland has been awarded the title All Ireland Centre of Excellence and will be presented with their award by the Minister for Children, Barry Andrews in early February.
Regina Bushell and her team are delighted that their newest centre has received the award. It is some achievement as the centre is just over one year open and it is the only childcare facility on the Roscommon side of Athlone to hold this all Ireland award for commitment to excellence to childcare and early education.
Grovelands Childcare in the IDA Business Park on the Dublin Road already holds the award, as do the centres in Tullamore and Mullingar. In fact Grovelands Childcare is the only private provider in Westmeath and Offaly to have won the title on a number of occasions.
It’s no surprise to Regina, who has at all times worked towards achieving quality in all her centres. “It was very hard work and we deserved it. We delivered what the inspection team were looking for during their time with us and we deliver excellence every day in every aspect of care and early education.
“All evidence and research shows that early care and education only has strong developmental benefits where it is of sufficient quality. I am committed to providing a quality environment for all the children attending our early education centres and all of my staff are also fully committed to the Grovelands Childcare ethos. They attend workshops and further training provided in house and by other training bodies in the childcare sector. We have great staff retention and as the managing director I encourage a high quality of teamwork and all staff must have a can-do attitude. We get our parents involved through regular questionnaires and we have an awards night for our 58 staff where the parents can nominate a member of staff that is outstanding in their field. It is great fun and a learning experience as the team overall develops. This is what delivering quality is all about.”
Regina says “No day is ever the same. I find it all very exciting because I love what I do, I love the children and I know that they are the most important thing in the lives of every parent. I suppose one never stops being a parent and I give my personal time and support when it is needed. Life can be difficult and there are stages that families go through where they need understanding and care from the staff and that is all part of what makes Grovelands Childcare worthy of the All Ireland Centre of Excellence Awards.
“I would like to thank the parents and the children, the community in Corran Riada, all the people who work in the area and who recognise that we are making a valuable contribution in the lives of their children every day. I would also thank the pre-school team in the HSE, the Roscommon County Childcare Committee staff, and the National Childrens Nursery Association for their continued support,” she added.
“ Last but not least I wish to thank Avril, our centre supervisor, and all the staff for their dedication and hard work on a journey where we continue to pursue excellence in all we do every day.”
For more information call (090 ) 6496177, email [email protected], or log on to www.grovelandschildcare.ie