Minister in Carnaross to officially open new pre-school and after-school service
The Village Preschool and After-School Service in Carnaross was officially opened by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman on Monday (8th January).
Also in attendance was Minister for Sports and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne. Local councillors in attendance were, Paul McCabe, Sarah Reilly, and David Gilroy.
Meath county childcare committee were represented by Lorraine Lynch, Carnaross GFC by Damian and Veronica Finn, and Ann Cannon.
Image 1 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningPictured at the official opening of the Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross: L-R: Barry Patton, Celine Govern & Councillor David GilroyPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 2 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningMinister for children - Roderic O`Gorman pictured arriving at the official opening of the Early Years Care and Education Service at CarnarossPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 3 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningChildren at play as the official opening of the Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross gets underwayPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 4 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningDressed for the weather in the outdoor classroom, children and their teachers enjoy an al-fresco picnic. L-R: Ethan Smith Brennan, Cayman Farrelly, Cora Smith, Cillian Guiren, Jennie Kangley & Laura CashmanPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 5 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningPreschool owner - Celine Govern chats to minister for children - Roderic O`Gorman about the facilities of the Carnaross Early Years Care and Education ServicePhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 6 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningPreschool owner - Celine Govern chats to Minister for Children - Roderic O`Gorman and Minister for Sport - Thomas Byrne about the facilities of the Carnaross Early Years Care and Education ServicePhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 7 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningMinister for Children - Roderic O`Gorman pictured at the official opening of the Carnaross Early Years Care and Education ServicePhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 8 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningMinister for Children - Roderic O`Gorman pictured putting his fingerprint on a piece of art prepared by the children at the official opening of the Carnaross Early Years Care and Education ServicePhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 9 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningMinister for Children - Roderic O`Gorman cuts the ribbon at the official opening of the Carnaross Early Years Care and Education ServicePhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 10 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningOn yer Bike - Minister for children Roderic O`Gorman pictured with Caymen Farrelly at the official opening of the Early Years Care and Education Service at CarnarossPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 11 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningWith great imagination, the children of the Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross prepared pints of Guinness made from tree bark, and Minister for Children - Roderic O`Gorman toasts the success of the preschool venture with owner Celine GovernPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 12 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningAccompanied by preschool owner, Celine Govern and Minister for Sport - Thomas Byrne, Minister for Children - Roderic O`Gorman plants two trees at the official opening of the Early Years Care and Education Service at CarnarossPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 13 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningAccompanied by preschool owner, Celine Govern and Minister for Sport - Thomas Byrne, Minister for Children - Roderic O`Gorman plants two trees at the official opening of the Early Years Care and Education Service at CarnarossPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 14 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningAccompanied by preschool owner, Celine Govern and Minister for Sport - Thomas Byrne and Minister for Children - Roderic O`Gorman - two trees are planted at the official opening of the Early Years Care and Education Service at CarnarossPhoto: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenImage 15 of 15
08-01-24, Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, KellsEarly Years Care Official OpeningPictured at the official opening of the Early Years Care and Education Service at Carnaross, L-R: Roderic O`Gorman (Minister for Children), Celine Govern (Preschool owner), Paul McCabe (Vice-Chairperson Meath County Council) & Thomas Byrne (Minister for Sport)Photo: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net Photo by David MullenCeline Govern, provider/owner referenced the Government's national childcare scheme, which has significantly reduced parental fees and helps children receive the highest quality early childhood education and care.
Celine also spoke about the staffing crisis in the early years profession, highlighting the need for increased funding to improve terms and conditions for educators while providing sustainability for providers.
Congratulating Celine on the establishment of her new school in the grounds of Carnaross GFC, Minister O’Gorman was particularly complementary of the schools outdoor classroom citing the importance of outdoor play for children’s development and well-being.
Damian Finn, chairperson of Carnaross GFC said he was delighted to be present at the opening of the new service, he highlighted the urgent need for a footpath to be installed, linking Carnaross primary school with the GAA club and the Village Preschool and after school.
Minister Byrne congratulated Carnaross GFC and Celine on working together, highlighting it as an example of community and private partnership. Minister Byrne, concluded by congratulating Celine and the Govern family who have a long tradition of enterprise in East Meath.