The Growing Tree 1

This is an Early Years Preschool Service that is situated in the EROC in Ballaghaderreen.

The EROC is an emergency reception centre for displaced families that have arrived in Ireland from war torn locations around the world. Some of these people have fled their own countries and spent years in camps in Greece, Lebanon and Jordan, some with very young families. In addition to our Syrian families, we have welcomed families from Afghanistan, Eritrea and Sierra Leone. These people have faced the unimaginable.

There are approximately 110 children and teenagers in the Centre and we, at The Growing Tree 1, welcome all children that are aged between 1 year and 6 years, daily throughout the year. There are currently 20 children registered with our Preschool.

Above all, the children’s welfare and peace of mind of their parents are most important to us. We provide a warm loving environment, where each child is treated with respect and will develop and learn as individuals while feeling safe and secure.

Early Years Service

The Early Years Service is an extremely important part of the EROC. We currently are a team of four that look after and teach these wonderful children while their parents can attend their very important and essential English classes and medical appointments. Without this Service this would not be possible for these parents.

At The Growing Tree we are committed to providing an Early Years Service of the highest standard. We are registered and approved by TUSLA and DCEDIY.

Our staff are trained, motivated and friendly and provide an excellent service. We aim to provide the perfect environment for children to develop their social, personal and educational skills and learn through a planned play-based curriculum.

The Growing Tree 2

Preschool and Afterschool Service

The Growing Tree 2 Preschool and Afterschool Service was established in September 2022. We are located on Convent Road in Ballaghaderreen.

The Growing Tree 2 was set up to cater for the local families of Ballaghaderreen. We currently offer the ECCE programme which runs alongside the local Primary school calendar. The Government funded programme is accessible to all children aged from 2 years and 8 months up to 5 years and 6 months. The ECCE session offers these children ‘free’ preschool of 15 hours per week (3 hours per day over the 5 days) over a 38-week term calendar. Our operating times are 9.30am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday.

At The Growing Tree 2 we are committed to providing a service of the highest standard. We are registered and approved by TUSLA and DCEDIY. The Growing Tree 2 is committed to creating a safe, warm, loving environment for children where they can learn and grow physically, emotionally, creatively, intellectually and socially at their own pace. We want to provide the children in our care, supports that will help increase their confidence and self-esteem by treating them as unique individuals and allowing them to express themselves in a variety of ways which will in-turn prepare them for their next big adventure of attending Primary Education.

Program of activities

Our program of activities is guided by Aistear, The National Curriculum Framework for Early Years Education in Ireland. We have a child centred/ play-based philosophy which allows the children to be active participants in their own learning journey. Play is the work of the child!

Our staff are a team of highly qualified Early Years Educators. They are experienced, motivated and friendly and are here to provide an excellent service. All staff members undergo vetting before recruitment. Each staff member has their professional and personal profile displayed on entrance to the facility.We aim to provide the perfect environment for children to develop their social, personal and educational skills and learn through a planned play-based curriculum.

Above all, your child’s welfare and peace of mind of the parents are most important to us. We are committed to supporting families by maintaining open communication and encourage parental involvement. We provide a warm loving environment, where each child is treated with respect and will develop and learn as individuals while feeling safe and secure.