News

We are delighted to welcome all new and returning children to Little Robins, for a new school year. This year is going to be fun and full of exciting new things. All staff at Little Robins have written a little bit about themselves to introduce themselves to all parents which you can find at the end of the newsletter.

ECCE preschool starts at 9am, children cannot be taken before this time, due to insurance purposes, unless prior arrangement has been made with the manager.

Illness and exclusion – we would like to remind parents that any children presenting with any infectious illnesses do not attend the service and inform management of the service immediately if your child does present with any illness this is ensure the illness does not spread through the service, children, families and staff. The most common illness that present in the service are vomiting and diarrhoea (Exclusion for 48 hours after 3 loose bowel movement). If any children become present with an infectious illness within the service, the parents will be phoned immediately, and children should be collected from the service as per exclusion policy.

Healthy eating – in Little Robins we follow a healthy eating policy, small treats are acceptable on a Friday. Lunches can consist of fruit, sandwiches, crackers, finger foods, yoghurt etc.. However, we do have children in the service with severe nut allergy, so we are a nut free service to ensure the safety of these children.

Childpaths – we use the Childpaths app to communicate with parents, we use it daily and provide all the important information on it, such as what they ate, some pictures (please note these photos can only be seen by parents within our service as per the policy, parents are not permitted to use the group photos on the app on social media), sleep time, nappy change etc.. It is important to keep an eye on the app to keep up to date on the day-to-day information. The Childpaths app should also be used to communicate with the staff in the rooms, however, please note that the priority of the staff is the children so there may be a delay in responding.

Outdoor toys – if any parents are throwing away/finished with ride on outdoor toys, could you please consider donating them to Little Robins, we would love them for our outdoor areas!

General information:

– Please ensure all children’s clothing are labelled to reduce the risk of losing items.

– Please keep black side gate closed at all times for safety reasons.

– When collecting and dropping off children please ensure the children stay close by, as the car park can be very busy during collection and drop off times.

– If you haven’t already, can you please bring in wellies, wet gear, scrapbooks and spare clothing for your child.

– Also, could you please send a family picture into the service for the family walls in all room, if you cannot print the picture, please email it to a member of staff.

– If your child brings a soother into the service, could you please provide us with a soother box to ensure they are always kept sterile and clean.

Meet the Educators of Little Robins

Name: Orla Reilly
Position: Owner
I opened Little Robins in 2017 with 4 children in the service. Since then, we have expanded into a thriving service with 90 children attending every week. I have 16 years of experience working in childcare and hold a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Early Childhood Education as well as a Certificate in Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years. I have also completed numerous CPD workshops such as Aistear and Play & Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion.

My three children keep my evenings and weekends busy and entertaining! We love family days out and making memories. I hope you will agree that we have a fantastic team here in Little Robins, and I am very grateful to the team for all the hard work they put in to support the children as they grow.

My goal for Little Robins is always to ensure the children have fun while learning. We follow a child-led curriculum and encourage the children to be part of the planning so that all their ideas and interests merge into our activities. I am looking forward to the year ahead and seeing all the familiar faces while welcoming all the new families starting their educational adventures with us.

Name: Sarah M
Position: Manager
Hi, my name is Sarah, and I am the manager here at Little Robins. I have a Level 8 Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning, as well as the LINC (Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years) award.

I have over 6 years of experience working with children aged from 6 months to 12 years in childcare. I love helping and supporting children to grow, develop, and reach their milestones. My hobbies include relaxing, going on adventures, and having fun with my two nephews.

Name: Richard
Position: ECCE Blue Room Leader
As preschool has begun, and I am starting to get to know your children and, in turn, you—their grown-ups—I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. It’s only fair, as your children will also share many stories about their families, including some embarrassing anecdotes!

My name is Richard, although most children prefer to call me Rich, and I’m happy to respond to both. Before becoming an Early Years teacher, I was a stay-at-home dad for eight years, caring for two very boisterous boys. During that time, I had the opportunity to study, completing a BA Honours in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning in 2022 and achieving First-Class Honours in Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years in 2023. This year, I am starting a Master’s in Early Childhood Studies, and I’m thrilled to expand my knowledge and understanding of early childhood.

I am a huge advocate for outdoor play and firmly believe there’s no such thing as bad weather—just inappropriate clothing! I’ll foster your children’s natural curiosity with plenty of outdoor exploration, messy play, and sensory learning opportunities. Most importantly, I want your children to be happy and confident in their preschool classroom while building friendships.

Name: Sarah B
Position: ECCE Room Assistant & Afterschool Room Leader
I’m Sarah, and I have been with Little Robins for over a year. I am currently working towards my Level 6 in Early Childhood Education. I bring years of practical experience and knowledge to my role and look forward to supporting all the children in my care this year.

Name: Joanne
Position: ECCE Blue Room Assistant
I am thrilled to be one of your teachers this year! My name is Joanne, and I am a mum of two children. I hold a QQI Level 5 qualification in Childcare. I look forward to getting to know every single child and embarking on this exciting learning journey together.

Name: Shauna
Position: Afterschool Room Assistant
Hi, my name is Shauna. I have been working in Little Robins since March 2024 as an afterschool assistant in the Blue Room. I am currently studying for my Level 5 in Childcare and aspire to complete my degree. My hobbies include spending time with my family and friends, and my favourite colour is pink.

Name: Katie
Position: Afterschool Room Assistant
Hi! My name is Katie. I have been working in Little Robins since February 2024 as an afterschool assistant, and I am currently studying for my Level 5 in Childcare. My favourite activities at work are arts and crafts with the children. Outside of work, I enjoy road trips and walks with my dog, Ted.

Name: Fiona
Position: Breakfast Club & Afterschool Assistant
I am a mother of two grown-up daughters and have lived in Navan since 2002. I started working in childcare in 2004 when my first daughter began school. In January 2022, I completed a Level 5 SNA course and joined Little Robins in August 2024.

I work in the Breakfast Club in the mornings, which I really enjoy, and in the Afterschool in the afternoons. My hobbies include walking, going to the cinema, and spending time with friends and family.

Name: Lauren
Position: Green Room Leader
Hey, I’m Lauren! I have 7 years of childcare experience and hold a Level 8 Honours Degree. I have been working at Little Robins for 3 years and currently lead the Green Room. My favourite classroom activities include messy play and arts and crafts.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and traveling the world. My favourite colours are pink and red.

Name: Ciara
Position: Room Assistant
Hi, my name is Ciara, and I am a Room Assistant in the Green Room. I hold Level 5 qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Levels 5 and 6 in SNA.

I have been part of the Little Robins team for over 2.5 years. I love messy play, painting, and being outdoors. My favourite colour is yellow, and in my spare time, I enjoy walking my puppy, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Name: Abbie
Position: Assistant Manager & Yellow Room Leader
Hi, I’m Abbie. I have been working at Little Robins for just over 3 years, and I’m excited for the year ahead. I lead the Yellow Room, which caters to full-day care and ECCE. I hold Level 6 qualifications in Early Childhood Care and Education and SNA.

I completed my work experience at Little Robins in 2021 and began working here that May. Watching children grow and develop is incredibly rewarding, and I love being part of their journey.

Name: Ruth
Position: Room Assistant, Yellow Room
Hi, I’m Ruth. I hold FETAC Level 6 qualifications in Early Childhood Care, Education, and Montessori Teaching. I work as a Room Assistant in the Yellow Room. I enjoy helping children learn practical skills and engaging them in art activities.

In my spare time, I love walking my two dogs, Jackie and Daisy, and my favourite colour is purple.

Name: Emily
Position: Room Assistant, Yellow Room
Hi! My name is Emily. I’m 30 years old and from Trim. I recently completed my Level 5 Early Learning and Care course and hold Level 5 and 6 qualifications in SNA. I’m new to Little Robins and already loving it!

I’m a big animal lover with two dogs and a cat. When I’m not working, I enjoy walking my dogs or spending time with friends and family.

Name: Amii
Position: Chef
My name is Amii, and I currently work in the kitchen at Little Robins. I have two boys and a baby on the way! I’ve been with Little Robins for nearly 2 years. I worked in the Afterschool program before moving to the kitchen, though I occasionally help out in Afterschool. I look forward to getting to know all the children through my role.

We also have two staff members currently on maternity leave, Emma and Katie R, and we look forward to welcoming them back soon.