12.02.2013
Arguably one of the most progressive and imaginative crèches in the North County or anywhere else for that matter, is celebrating a very special anniversary this year. Funtimes Crèche & Montessori in Balbriggan is celebrating 10 years in business. It was founded by Adrienne Jackson and has been providing top quality, affordable Childcare right in the heart of Balbriggan for the past decade. Ideally situated at No.1 Naul Road, close to the town centre and St Peter & Paul’s Junior National School on Chapel Street, Funtimes Crèche & Montessori is also just minutes away from the M1 motorway, and close to all bus and rail services. The crèche, which also incorporates a playschool, montessori and after school facility goes that extra mile to offer parents and children the highest quality childcare facilities in a loving, homely and caring educational environment. Owner, Adrienne spoke about what makes this crèche different from others. “We are located in a purposely renovated former private dwelling, which ensures to provide your child with the best of childcare facilities available, whilst housed in a warm and homely environment. Our spacious and secure garden and play area provides that all important outdoor fun all year round. Our wonderful staff are all fully qualified and
Congratulations to Funtimes on their 10 years in business
GORMANSTON COACHES 17-88 SEATER COACHES ALL AREAS COVERED
Call Gary on 087 673 4339
Advertising Feature many are working in Funtimes for the last 10 years or since they finished college. I work alongside the staff and feel that each one of them are like family to me.” The idea of family is very much at the heart of the ethos of this exceptional crèche. “We cater for babies from four months old, right up to After School Club and our opening hours are from 7.30am to 6.15pm. We love to welcome new children and families, so we are always waiting, with an open door and welcoming smile at Funtimes Crèche & Montessori.” “At Funtimes, we pride ourselves in always trying to build a good relationship with our parents, and have received tremendous support over the years from parents past and present. Some have ended up very close friends. It is so important in a child’s development to support their sense of belonging and security. One of the many ways of doing this is to establish a good relationship with each child’s parents/guardians,” she says. Manager, Louise Coates echoed these sentiments when she said, “It’s just like a big family here and many of the 15 employees here had children in the crèche. We have two sets of mothers and daughters
SEAFOOD 4 Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan
Tel: 01 841 4314
Pictured are mother and daughter team, Rita and Karen Tormey.
programme. Our staff are fully trained for this by Fingal County Council,” she said. “Most of our staff are mothers and the heart of our ethos is to treat every child as if they were your own. We have former staff members who work on a relief basis, when required. We even had the Gardai and Fire Brigade to visit and explain all about safety. The children loved the handcuffs of the Gardai and the helmets of the firemen. We have a Before School Club, where we provide breakfast for children, before bringing them to the local National school. We collect the children and provide freshly cooked dinners for them, using only the finest local produce. In fact, we support local businesses in any way we can, by making sure to shop Pictured are staff members, Alex Barton, Laura Kinsella, Helen Lynch, Louise Coates, locally,” she said. Michelle Hannigan, Sandra Coughlan, Caroline Quinlan and Adrienne Jackson. Carol McGovern, who has her 22 month old son, working here and we have a policy of taking in Cillian in the crèche, spoke glowingly about Funtimes. students from Loreto Secondary School and also from I was initially terrified about leaving my child in a Balbriggan Community College on work experience. crèche. I checked out all of the local crèches, but none Some of them have come back to us as full time staff.” were satisfactory. The minute I entered Funtimes, I Louise, who came here as a student herself, was full of knew that this was the place for Cillian. The staff are praise for the efforts put in by her boss. “It’s a lovely so wonderful and they go that extra mile for you,” she place to work, with a great atmosphere and my said. youngest child is a pupil here. Adrienne has put all of Similarly, Ann Bullivant has two children at Funtimes the staff through their training, which is being was full of praise for Adrienne and her staff. She said, constantly updated,” she said. Adrienne spoke about another exciting project that the crèche is involved in. “One of our strong points is the stimulating curriculum in place, which is constantly being reviewed and are all age appropriate, to encourage a child’s development. We place a lot of emphasis on health and nutrition, including our Buntús programme, which is a physical education
Congratulations to Funtimes on their decade of success. Best wishes for the future
GERRY CANNON
North County Dublin’s N0.1 Quality Newspaper
Distributors of Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Best wishes to Funtimes Crèche on their 10th Anniversary, Here’s to many more
Sandy Lane, Rush • Tel: 01 849 0108
Congratulations to Funtimes Creche from
Congratulations to Funtimes Creche from
Tel: 01-8411977
Tel 01-8413874
Best Wishes to Funtimes Creche from
“We at Bytek MPS would like to congratulate Funtimes Crèche on their success over the last ten years, and wish them the best of luck for the future”
Suppliers of finest quality Irish Meats & Multi award winning Products
Bytek Managed Print Solutions
13
“It’s been absolutely fantastic. My five year old has been there since he was nine months and my other son, aged two has been there since he was six months. From an educational point of view, the crèche is excellent. It’s a weight off your mind when you know they’re being so well looked after,” she said. As part of their service, Funtimes takes part in the free pre-school year (ECCE Scheme) and provides places under the CETS scheme, where parents are returning to study and are funded by the Government. It’s very clear that Adrienne is utterly passionate about her career. “It’s been a special 10 years and it’s just like a home from home. Each of the children touch your heart in a very special way. As you arrive for work, not feeling great, they give you a lift with their lovely smiles.” It’s abundantly clear that this thriving Crèche and Montessori certainly lives up to it’s name.
Best wishes to Funtimes on a decade in business
Tel: 01 8225959 Email: info@maychemsales.com
Wishing Funtimes a happy 10th anniversary and to Future Success Blooming Baskets, Ballyboughal
Tel: 843 33 49