We were delighted to open this years Arts in Education Portal Day’s presentations with the journey of our Adoption of the Lundy Model of Participation in the Guiding Principles for Arts in Early Years at Mary Immaculate College. We also got to launch our amazing Film – narrated, created and inspired by this special group of creatives!!

“Our Land” is an early years (EY) engagement project and a short documentary-style film produced by artist Rachel Doolin in collaboration with Ulla Beag and Graffiti Theatre’s BEAG program, as part of the Arts in Early Learning and Care and School Age Children Pilot Project 2023.

This pilot initiative focuses on exploring and enhancing collaboration between artists and early years educators, while also reflecting on the recently published Draft Principles for Engagement with the Arts in Early Learning and Care (DCEDIY 2023).

“Our Land” was created in partnership with the children attending Ulla Beag preschool, located in the rural setting of Ogonnelloe, County Clare. Ulla Beag is renowned for its commitment to inclusivity and environmental awareness, prioritizing equal educational opportunities for all students. They adopt a child-centered learning approach and foster a creative learning environment. The school’s educational approach revolves around Play-Based learning, as articulated in the Aistear Curriculum. Aistear, being an emergent curriculum, emphasizes the importance of children’s interests in shaping day-to-day educational plans. Extensive research supports the idea that play-based learning is the most effective method for children to acquire knowledge and skills.“The film titled ‘Our Land’ effectively incorporates the fundamental principles of Arts in Early Years (EY) education, specifically by recognizing and valuing children’s perspectives and their expertise in their own learning. Moreover, the film serves as a manifestation of key concepts such as the emergent curriculum, Aistear, and collaboration, while also highlighting the importance of incorporating children’s voices in these processes,” comments Denise Sheridan, Preschool owner, and LINC CPD program tutor MA Early Childhood Studies. You can view this film at https://www.racheldoolin.com/our-land.

Hi everyone
We have a limited number of ECCE placements available from Sept 5 day placements available 9.30-12.30 daily.
If you would like any further information or have any questions please contact me at denisejoannasheridan@gmail.com for further information.
Many thanks
Denise

We are Hiring !!
We are looking for an energetic AIM childcare worker to come and join us in our learning through play environment.
The contract is an immediate start covering up to the end of June 23 and Sept 23 to June 24. Training, CPD opportunities and Lunch & refreshments provided.
You will work closely with and will be supported by the Preschool leader and the INCO in the service. We operate an inclusive play based learning environment under the Aistear Framework with the voice of the child at the centre of our curriculum. This is a wonderful opportuntity to work within a dedicated Early Learning Center where you will learn about observations; multimodal capture of the voice of the child and use practice research in support of our emergent curriculum. You will have responsibility for rolling out an approved Speech and Language program and OT program in support of the children in your care.
We have a beautiful outdoor area, use gardening, visual arts, storytelling and music to deliver our emergent curriculum and are outdoors for up to 2.5 hours per day.
Name of Service: Ulla Beag
Locality: Ulla Beag, Ogonnelloe East Clare , V94KH57.
Hours: 15 hours per week.
RURAL LOCATION SO OWN TRANSPORT REQUIRED.
Position: Aim Support Worker. Immediate Start following Garda Vetting.
Closing Date: 27/11/22
Contact: Denise Sheridan.
E-mail cvs to denisejoannasheridan@gmail.com
Requirements:
Minimum QQI level 5 childcare qualification.
Experience working with children is desirable.
Garda vetting is required.
2 references required.

I am delighted to have received my certificate on completion of one of the most important and relevant courses to support my work within the Early Years sector. Now more then ever we are seeing anixous children and worried parents as we transition through the aftermath of pandemic life. Not only do I feel more capable of helping and supporting these children I also feel more nourished myself. So loved every minute and so enjoyed the practice retreat days which I would highly recommend to everyone – and have! Working within the EY sector I have integrated the creative mindfulness into our preschool curriculum to ensure sustainability and continuity for our preschool community. Many thanks to Louise and her team for her kindness and thouhgtfulness and also to the community of practitioners who openly shared their experiences and challenges. certificate-accredited-online-creative-mindfulness-for-kids-training-5ef8fbefd5e35608a73956a5

I will present my research and journey through establishing ‘Ulla Beag’ in 2010 and everything I have learned along the way at Portobello Institutes’upcoming early year’s webinar on September 20th with expert Tim Gill on ‘Risk in Outdoor Learning and Play’.
Anyone who attends this free webinar will receive an e-certificate of attendance.
You can register now using this link: https://hopin.com/…/portobello-institute-webinar-series…

Hi all as directed by the Taoiseach and the Department of Children Ulla Beag is shut from 13th March 2020 until the Covid 19 shutdown for childcare services has been lifted
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NCS Parents Presentation (1)

Parental Handbook about Úlla Beag Aug 2019

Please note prebooking essential for Sept 2020 and 2021 as only a few places left in both years. Contact Denise at :denisejoannasheridan@gmail.com for more information on our Learning through Play Curriculum and Aistear in Practice.

Delighted to receive our official Siolta Quality Framework Certificate from the Department of Education and Skills today. It was a 3 year journey to get to here but 10 years in the making for Ulla Beag! Even more delighted that we received an overall rating of 4 – comprehensive evidence of quality within our setting! This is the result of a great team, great support from the parents of the children who come to us and substantiates that learning through play works for the holistic development of our children. Another great milestone for us and many more to come. Thanks to all Denise.

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