National achievement for Kinnegad Childcare centre

A Kinnegad based community childcare centre has been recognised by the National Children"s Nurseries Association with a Centre of Excellence Award, it emerged.Cairdeas Kinnegad Community Childcare has operated on the Killucan Road, Kinnegad since January 2005, and in 2009, it plays host to over 100 children per day in its various services.The NCNA Centre of Excellence Award is presented to childcare facilities across the island of Ireland, since the NCNA amalgamated with its equivalent body in Northern Ireland. Cairdeas is one of eight childcare centres south of the border to benefit from the award.Months ago, the management of the Kinnegad childcare facility filed a detailed application with the NCNA, in order to be considered for the 2009 Centre of Excellence Award.After being receiving a validation visit from NCNA officials, Cairdeas was judged under an exhaustive list of criteria.'They look at everything across the board, and if you fall down on one of the criteria, then it"s likely that you won"t get the award,' Liz O"Rourke, Manager at Cairdeas, told the Westmeath Examiner this week.'They look at everything from staffing terms and conditions, our hygiene standards, and whether or not the provision of care for children is of the highest quality.'Liz said that the NCNA has been studying childcare methods in different parts of Europe, particularly in Italy, where an atmosphere of exploration and discovery is encouraged in the early steps of education.'We have been studying this, among other methods, and we have been attempting to move forward with it,' Liz continued. 'We are constantly sourcing different forms of training for our staff. For instance, we recently had staff trained in the "Lámh" programme, which enables them to do sign language in Irish.'With a staff roster of thirty, Cairdeas is more than equipped to meet the growing demand for childcare in the Kinnegad/Killucan area, which is Westmeath"s fastest growing area in terms of population.'Every day, we have 45 children in full daycare, with another 45 coming to us in the mornings for playgroup, and another 15 for our after-school services,' Liz said.The NCNA Centre of Excellence Award is the first major accolade won by Cairdeas since it opened, and as far as Liz knows, it is the first community childcare service in Westmeath (as opposed to private childcare) to receive such a prestigious award.The staff of Cairdeas will be presented with a plaque at a gala presentation function in February.Coralstown Kinnegad GAA Lucky Numbers draw 29/06/09The was no jackpot winner (€4,400) last week. The numbers drawn were 1,7,13,14. Match 3 winners Dusty, Stephen Morley, Sean keegan, Rosie and Bernie, Maureen Dardis, and "Lucky" Whelehan.Clonard Lotto 29/06/09There was no winner of the €5,800 jackpot last week. The numbers drawn were 7, 12, 20 and 23. No match 3 winners. Winners of the draw were as follows "Mammy" Kenny, Finola Gannon, David Jones, Ger Lowry and Bridie McBride.Cairdeas Summer CampAll camps cater for two age groups. Ages 5-8 years and 9-13 years. Modern dance with Siobhan Murphy: the course will take place from Monday July 13 to Thursday July 16.There will also be an arts and crafts camps from Monday July 20 to Thursday July 23.And for all budding Jamie Olivers a Cooking Camp will take place from Monday August 17 to Thursday August 20. Full details and booking forms are available 044 9379346.County Meath VECThe VEC is organising and evening for third level grant information evening for students and parents.The aim of the evening is to give students and their parents assitance on completion of their third level grant application forms for the forthcoming academic year. Information on subjects such as what documentation needs to be submitted will be provided.The evening will be held in Newgrange Hotel. Bridge Street. Navan. Co Meath. if you want to attend this evening please telephone any of the following numbers to confirm: 0469068219, 9068227, 9068209 or email grants@meathvec.ie.Parish centenary celebrations DVDA DVD of the centenary mass and celebrations is available for €20 and to obtain a copy contact JJ Farrell on 0449375199 or 0878229846 or contact the parish office on 9375117. This is a lovely souvenir of a wonderful occasion.