Roderic O'Gorman praises Waterford Childcare Centre

“A model of excellence” is how Minister Roderic O’Gorman described Waterford Childcare Centre this week during his visit. 

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth of Ireland, and Green Party Leader, visited the centre, alongside colleague Marc Ó Cathasaigh TD, who recently accepted the Waterford Green Party nomination for the upcoming general election.

The group were given a tour of the centre by staff members, whilst discussing its day-to-day operation, its vital role in the local community and challenges that will need to be addressed by government.

The childcare facility based in the Northern Extension of the Waterford Industrial Estate recently celebrated 30 years in operation. The centre has continuously grown over the years and currently caters to over 200 children. 

Speaking to the Waterford News & Star, Majella Cantwell, Waterford Childcare Centre Manager, said that receiving such recognition from Minister O’Gorman is motivating for staff members.

“It’s brilliant for us because there’s staff who have been here for so long. There's more than a dozen of us here who’ve been here for over 20 years. Because of the support of the team we can offer assurance to our families and this in turn earns their trust. So to get that acknowledgment for us is lovely, because we’re here 30 years and we hope to set the service up now for the next 30 years."

Majella added that the centre is above all a community-based project that works closely with local businesses, industries and parents.

“Our board of directors have always been drawn from parents, local industry and businesses, so we’re really fortunate to have their support, skills and knowledge," she said.

The centre has now facilitated generations of Waterford people. Children who once attended the facility now often return to teach, help in the day-to-day operations and for work experience.

Majella said that the centre thrives on seeing young children who once attended, grow and become an integral part of the local community.

“Children who attended the centre many years ago now have their own children here. It’s great because it’s such a show of confidence, it says they enjoyed it so much that they now want their own children to experience it. That’s really lovely.

“We try to make everything less stressful for parents,” she added, “everything is new to them, they naturally question everything that’s happening as new parents and we work closely with them to reassure them so that their experience with us is a positive one.” 

Staff at the facility discussed with Minister O’Gorman ways to bring its service into the future. Topics discussed included increased funding to go towards facilities, such as baby care, which is in high demand in Waterford and indeed across the country.

Speaking on the importance of supporting such services in Waterford, Rose Murphy, CEO, Waterford Childcare Committee said: “It’s an essential service for parents and it’s wonderful to see children participating and attending and being exposed to all these learning opportunities.

“At Waterford Childcare Centre there is fantastic engagement with the Green Schools, Green Flag, Pollinator Programme, Healthy Ireland, and more fantastic initiatives. This makes for a much more enriched experience for everybody. 

"I think here in Waterford we are fortunate there is a lot of engagement with services, organizations and groups, and these early years centres are part and parcel of the community.”