Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Discoveries a registered provider of the Early Child Care & Education Scheme?
A. Yes - for more information please visit our ECCE Goverment Scheme page.
Q. What are the ratios for each age group of children?
A. The carer to child ratios at Discoveries are as follows:
- Baby unit 1:3
- Waddler unit 1:5
- Toddler unit 1:6
- Montessori Class 1:10 (Sessional)
Q. Do you have cover for lunch breaks and holidays?
A. Yes. We have a number of part-time employees as well full-time employees and in addition lunch breaks are staggered. Our part-time staff will often work extra hours to cover holidays and sick leave.
Q. Do you have outdoor play facilities?
A. Yes all of our crèches have outdoor playgrounds with a selection of climbing frames and slides etc. Our younger children also take daily trips to the park or through the local area in buggies.
Q. What are your opening hours?
A. Firhouse is open from 7.30am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday.
Shankill opens from 7.30am - 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
Q. Do you close for Summer Holidays?
A. We operate from Monday to Friday all year except for public Bank Holidays,
Good Friday and over the Christmas period from December 23rd until January
2nd.
Q. Are your staff qualified?
A. We are proud to say that our staff are both experienced and qualified. Qualifications are displayed in the crèche for parents to view. Discoveries also both encourages and financially supports employees in furthering their qualifications.
Q. Are the meals home cooked or out sourced?
A. We pride ourselves on our nutritional policy. All meals are cooked fresh daily by our resident cook, and are to a very high standard. A wide variety of fresh, frozen and dried vegetables and fruits are served.
Q. Do your staff have training in Food Hygiene?
A. We provide certified training for all our staff in Food Safety and Hygiene
Q. How do I secure a place for my child?
A. Receipt of the following will secure a place:
- Completed Registration Form
- Signed copy of the Terms & Conditions
- Registration fee
- A Booking Deposit of €300
Q. How are fees paid?
A. Fees are calculated per calendar month, are paid monthly in advance, and are payable by the 1st of each month.
Q. What happens to the registration fee and the deposit?
A. The deposit is fully refundable when your child is leaving leaving the crèche, provided we receive one months notice.
Q. Do you operate an open-door policy?
A. Parents are welcome to call in at any time!