Childhood Matters Early Years — Blackrock
An award-winning crèche set in three acres of beautiful woodland and gardens in the heart of Blackrock, Cork — providing warm, play-based full-day and sessional childcare for children from 1 to 6 years, 51 weeks a year.
Our Setting
Our crèche is calm, organised and welcoming, giving children a space where they can feel comfortable and settled. Surrounded by beautiful woodlands and extensive gardens, we are able to balance indoor learning with daily experiences in nature.
Open 51 weeks per year. Closed on Bank holidays, Good Friday, Staff in-service day and the Christmas break.
Telephone: 021 435 7730
Mobile: 087-9526739
Email: lcronin@childhood-matters.ie | ioshea@childhood-matters.ie
Bessborough Road, Blackrock, Cork, T12 EN29
Our Rooms
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor play is an important part of life at Blackrock Crèche. Children have daily access to a rich outdoor environment where they can explore, discover and learn through free play.
Our outdoor space gives children the chance to test their skills, build confidence and enjoy new challenges in a safe, supported way. With mud kitchens, open grass areas, willow spaces and parkland to explore, there is always something to spark curiosity and imagination.
Learning Through Play
We believe children learn best when they are encouraged to explore at their own pace. Our educators support children as they make choices, solve problems and try new things, helping them build confidence and independence through play.
Gallery
What happens in our care
A day shaped by your child
Every day is structured around the children themselves. Routines give security; child-led play gives freedom. From morning greeting to afternoon outdoor time, no two days are exactly the same.
Learning outdoors, every day
Rain, hail, or shine — our children are outside. The outdoor education environment is not a supplement to the curriculum; it is central to it. Children explore, investigate, build, grow, and discover in three acres of green space.
Growing together
Children move through the rooms at their own pace as they develop. Our team tracks each child's learning journey through individual Aistear diaries, regular observations, and close partnership with families through Child Paths.
Fee List & Calendar
Questions
How do I apply for a place?
Contact our Practice Manager, Elizabeth Cronin, at lcronin@childhood-matters.ie or 021-4357730 to discuss availability and arrange a visit.
What are your opening hours?
Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 6.00pm, 51 weeks of the year. We close on Bank Holidays, Good Friday, Staff in-service days and the Christmas break.
What schemes do you accept?
We accept the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and the Early Childhood Care and Education Programme (ECCE). Contact us to find out which applies to your child’s age group.
Is there a settling-in period?
Once registration has been approved, parents will be contacted to discuss settling-in and start dates.
Before the commencement of the placement, children can avail of a settling-in period which provides for a part-time stay in the crèche.
Settling-in sessions usually begin at approximately 1 hour per day and gradually build up depending on the child’s needs and comfort levels.
This process usually takes place over one week and can extend to a maximum of two weeks if required.
During the settling-in period, parents are welcome to remain within the service if they wish, while practitioners support their child in becoming familiar with the room and daily routine. As each child settles differently, the length of time a parent remains on the premises is entirely their choice and will be guided by what works best for the child and family.
The settling-in period is free of charge.
Please note there is no settling period offered for Afterschool or Sessional Care (Pre-school).
Do you cater for children with additional needs?
All children are welcome regardless of background, culture, disability, or learning difficulty. Please contact us to discuss your child’s individual requirements so we can plan the best possible support.
What do you do about food allergies and dietary needs?
We work closely with parents on any dietary, religious, or allergy requirements. Please let us know at enrolment and we will put a plan in place.
How do you keep parents informed?
Each child has a dedicated key worker. We use the Child Paths app for daily updates, and hold parent/teacher meetings throughout the year. Our door is always open.
Ready to visit us
Come and visit us to meet the team and explore the spaces where children play and learn.
We’ll show you what a day here could look like for your child and talk about how we support parents, too. You can ask any questions and get a real feel for whether our crèche is right for your family.
