AUGUST 2007

Premises needed for Inishowen Kindergarten

The Inishowen Kindergarten, which has been created to provide a holistic early education experience for children from three and a half years old, is in urgent need of premises.

Founding member, Kathleen O'Hara Farren, appealed for anyone with a suitable property to get in touch. "A home-like atmosphere is a feature of these kindergartens," she said. "The children play in a kitchen setting. Also the children spend quite a bit of time outside, digging and playing, letting their imaginations be free. Therefore the grounds would ideally have a few trees and an open area. For the moment we would like to meet a house owner whose house is not in use during the school term. Or perhaps you have a 'granny flat' or the like."

Kathleen said they would rent the property for two to three mornings per week. "We could pay a reasonable rate, a community rate. Also we would offer some home improvements. The important thing is to provide these children with a natural and safe setting for their early years in education. She added that eventually the group would like to have their own site and building.

Families in Inishowen have been introduced to the Setter approach of education through Positive Parenting, a parent and toddler group which meets Thursday mornings in Moville. Positive Parenting is run by Moville Family Resource Cant and funded by the Department of Family and Social Affairs.

During the summer months the group have been meeting on Thursday as Inishowen Kindergarten at different outdoor places. The group is also doing a survey about the needs of parents with young children in Inishowen. Call 93 78612 if you'd like to take part.

If you think you can help with a suggestion or an offer of premises, contact Christina 074 93 78612 or Kathleen 074 93 74557 or email: admin@inishowenkindergarten.com. More information about the group is available on www.inishowenkindergarten.com

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