News & Events

Preparing mum and baby for the world of work……… After we spend those first six months or more nurturing our tiny babies, it’s decision time for many parents as they have to consider their return to work and that very important decision of childcare. For many it can be a roller-coaster of emotions, some finding […]

Each year, children of all ages eagerly anticipate the arrival of Christmas Day. The cultural and the commercial aspects of the holiday are marketed very effectively to children and it can be challenging for parents both to prepare for the build-up to Christmas and to manage their children’s excitement. Everything’s so commercial now, it’s easy […]

Making your own salt dough at home couldn’t be easier and it’s a fun activity for children of all ages. Recipe for salt dough 1 cup of salt 2 cups of plain flour (don’t use self-raising as it raises when cooked) 1 cup of lukewarm water Add food colouring or glitter for a festive look. […]

The lucky children in Preschool Kenya, Celbridge had a very special and interesting visitor last week during Science Week! David, one of our parents, is a scientist who collaborates with the Science Foundation Ireland and he took time out to visit us in Preschool Kenya. As our theme of the month is Space, we asked him if […]

Heuristic play and creating treasure baskets are a great way for babies and toddlers to learn about the world, writes our Director of Childcare, Dearbhala, in today’s Irish Independent. What is Heuristic Play? New mums often encounter the term Heuristic Play for the first time at a mother and toddlers group or when their child […]

Here’s a great idea to make use of the pumpkin flesh after carving your pumpkin. These are a lovely treat for a Halloween party too. You will need: Pumpkin puree (from one large pumpkin) 250g Self Raising Flour 150g Caster Sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp ginger 1/2 tsp all spice […]

Pumpkin carving can be a fun activity for you and your child to enjoy. Here we tell you how to do it safely, with your child’s help. At this time of year, pumpkins are easily sourced in most supermarkets and farmers’ markets. Choose a small to medium-sized sturdy pumpkin by knocking on the skin (as you would […]

The children and staff at Giraffe Leopardstown host a rugby day in honour and support of the Irish Rugby team. Our Giraffe Leopardstown pre-schoolers had so much fun showing their support by preparing rugby related artwork and learning ‘Irelands Call’ assisted by their teachers, Ciara O’Reilly and Ivonne Gonzalez. Our deputy manager, Roisin Byrne, accompanied […]

Last week it was Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. To celebrate it with all our children relocated from Israel, we invited Maya’s mum Efrat to come today to bake a Challah with us at our centre in Celbridge. Challah is a special Jewish braided bread. The one made for Rosh Hashanah is made with […]

Giraffe Training Academy had a wonderful training day on baby and infant care   Giraffe Childcare’s Training Academy hosted a training day for over 60 practitioners on Saturday with Lilian Joyce from Early Childhood Ireland, delivering a session on ‘’How Babies Learn, A Curriculum for Infants’’ and a follow-up session by Aoife Lee, parent coach […]

Summer is festival time in Giraffe! We have as many fun outdoor activities as possible during the summer months to make the most of the fresh air and sunshine! ☀️☀️☀️ Each centre has its own calendar of events from Family BBQs to Sports Days to Beach parties. We encourage the children to take an active part […]

Father’s Day is a great chance to celebrate the Daddies and it is a lovely family day. We brought a real sense of that into the centres with many activities leading up to the day.The boys and girls in our crèches had a busy week leading up to Father’s Day preparing gifts and cards for their […]

Selected Giraffe Childcare settings provide an additional after school childcare service.