Get the buzz at St Bernard’s Busy Bees

The Busy Bees playgroup has only been going since September and already it has become very popular among kids and their parents.

Throughout the week it offers childcare services before and after school for its 30 enrolled children.

The children are cared for within an enriched environment with activities to extend and support the school curriculum with access to a substantial range of indoor and outdoor play equipment.

A pre-school breakfast club opens at 7.45am while after school activities begin a 2pm and go on to 6pm.

Activities include arts and crafts, computer skills, cookery, ICT, drama, dance and singing as well as help with homework all under the watchful eye of manager Gillian Crowe and her enthusiastic team of qualified staff.

School Principal Paul Flanagan explained why he believes it’s a ‘win win’�solution for both parents and his school and has encouraged more schools to consider developing their own wraparound care for families.

He said: “The children get the chance to learn new skills in an informal environment which also helps them to perform better in the school.

“The new facility has really made a difference in the school and to our community.

“Most couples are faced with having to consider child care with grandparents, or if that is not an option they have to pay for private childcare, which can be very expensive.

“What we do is offer a very affordable professional care service, that helps the child’s education and puts St Bernard’s right at the heart of our community throughout the year.

“We want to support working parents and believe that our school should be at the heart of the local community and not just accessible from 9am to 3pm.”

For more information on enrolling your child, or how a similar scheme could benefit your school contact Mr Flanagan on 9084 4634 or go to www.stbernardspsglengormley.co.