What is a Naíonra?

A Naíonra is a playgroup for children who come together daily in a pleasant, cheerful and safe environment, under the guidance and supervision of a Naíonra Leader (stiúrthóir). The Naíonra is run solely through the medium of Irish using the internationally renowned total early immersion model. Studies have shown that there are added benefits to the development of the child through using immersion models that include linguistic benefits, cognitive benefits, academic benefits, literacy benefits, self-esteem benefits and benefits accruing from secured identity to name a few. The staff structures the environment to ensure that all facets of the child's holistic development are catered for, while giving the child the opportunity to acquire Irish naturally through the medium of play, which is this particular age group's chief method of learning.

Aims of Preschool

Preschool refers the educational experiences provided for children aged 2-5  years, these experiences aim to develop young children’s independence, social skills, ensure participation, encourage curiosity, build vocabulary, introduce structure and routine as well as develop fine and gross motor skills (this is to build on each child’s ability to use small and large muscles). In preschool we refine motor skills, further develop social skills, build confidence and independence, encourage resourcefulness and introduce more structured academic work including table top exercises, learn pre-reading and writing skills including concentration and perseverance.

Our Curriculum

At Nóiníní Beaga, we informally engage with the Síolta and Aistear Frameworks for early childhood care and education in Ireland. 

Síolta is the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education, was developed by the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills. It was published in 2006. Síolta is comprised of three distinct but interrelated elements: Principles, Standards and Components of Quality. The 12 Principles provide the overall vision of the Framework, while the 16 Standards and 75 Components allow for the practical application of this vision across all aspects of ECCE practice. The Components of Quality are further explained by a set of Signposts for Reflection and ‘Think-abouts’ which are intended to support practitioners in early education settings to become aware and critical of their practice. These core elements of Síolta are set out in detail in each of the Síolta user manuals, which can be found in the naíonra.

Aistear is the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework for children from birth to six years in Ireland. Because early childhood marks the beginning of children’s lifelong learning journeys, this framework is called Aistear, the Irish word for journey. It provides information to help practitioners, to plan for and provide enjoyable and appropriately challenging learning experiences that will allow all children to grow and develop as competent and confident learners. 

At Nóiníní Beaga we have a Curriculum which: 

• Is play based and established on clearly defined aims and objectives as set out in the national curriculum framework Aistear which we support with implementation of Sìolta the national standards framework for early years services.

• Is flexible and open to new approaches and ideas on how to promote and meet the growing need of children based on the emerging interest of each child.

• Recognises that children are learning all the time and that children learn best when they are actively involved and interested.

• Includes a variety of activities that provide for the physical development of the children both indoors and out on a daily basis.

• Includes stimulating sensory experiences (touch, taste, sight, sound and smell) appropriate to the child’s level of development

•Encourages children to think for themselves, helping them to make their own decisions and find their own answers to questions.

• Provides an atmosphere that offers the children suitable challenges and stimulates problem-solving.

• Encourages feelings of safety, trust and emotional security to the children in our care.

• Helps children to develop self-esteem by giving them the opportunity to be actively involved in their own learning.

• Encourages at all times, sociability, friendship and co-operation with others, through the provision of co-operative play and the opportunity for children to mix with siblings and same-age peers.

• Aims to match all tasks with each child’s level of ability and attention span.

• A range of activities are chosen to reflect various differences in cultures, genders and abilities.

• We regularly check our books, posters and other materials to ensure that they challenge stereotyping and that they positively and accurately reflect cultural and ethnic diversity.

• Staff plan and review activities within each area of our facility to consider the needs of individual children and of the group as a whole.