Children's Lane Childcare

‼ FAQs on new Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy now available ‼

Read our article to find out more about who is eligible for the subsidy and how it will work ➡ https://bit.ly/3zxzKaK

Department of Education NI confirms that parents using Childcare Vouchers will not be able to claim the subsidy.

Anyone considering moving from their current support (Childcare Vouchers or Universal Credit) to join Tax-Free Childcare should first call the Family Benefits Advice Service on 028 9267 8200 to find out if it is the best move for them, now and in the future. Some families will be better off remaining on their current form of support.

Reminder: Applications for Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance should be submitted before Friday 26 July to ensure they are processed for the start of the new school year ⏰

To apply visit EA Connect at 👉 https://ow.ly/jMyA50SbC7v

Education Authority

Help towards summer costs

It may be the start of the school holidays, but our Family Benefits Advice Service is here to answer any of your questions around childcare or the financial support available to families.

📞Call us on 028 9267 8200 for free, impartial and confidential advice.

Kicking off our first week of summer scheme 

1st - 5th July: Superhero and Fantasy Fairytales

🦸‍♂️ Superhero Fantasy and Fairytales Week! 🦸‍♀️

Join us for an epic adventure!

Activities include crafting magical fairy wings and wizard hats, creating your own superhero storybooks and illustrations, face painting, treasure hunts, and learning about real-life superheroes.

It’s a week of imagination, creativity, and heroic fun!

🌟 We’re Hiring! Join Our Team as an Early Years Practitioner/ play worker🌟

Location: Children’s Lane, Ballyroney

Position: Part-time, Term-time Pathway Programme and After-school/ Holiday Club Programme

About Us:
Children’s Lane is expanding, and we’re excited to welcome passionate and dedicated Early Years Practitioners/ Play worker to our amazing team! Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or someone eager to start an apprenticeship, we’d love to hear from you!

Position 1: Pathway Programme

• Hours: Term-time: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Ideal for: Mums looking for a position during school hours or individuals seeking part-time morning work.
• Responsibilities: Assist in planning and leading fun, educational activities for two-year-olds, supporting their growth and development, and ensuring a safe environment.

Position 2: Afterschool/ Holiday Programme

• Hours: Term-time: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm or 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Ideal for: Classroom assistants looking for additional hours or anyone interested in part-time afternoon work.
• Responsibilities: Engage children in lively afterschool activities, support their development, and maintain a safe environment.

Qualifications:

• We welcome both qualified practitioners and those willing to take on an apprenticeship role.
• No formal qualifications required for apprentices, but must be willing to pursue a Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• There is an apprenticeship programme available through People’s First, providing training and support while working.
• Experience with children is a plus, but not necessary.
• Great communication and teamwork skills.
• A genuine passion for early childhood education and childcare.

Why You’ll Love It Here:

• Perfect for individuals seeking flexible, part-time work that fits around other commitments.
• Join a child-friendly environment and be part of a supportive community.

How to Apply:
Fill in the job application by following https://form.jotform.com/212125071177346 by end of August (we may closed the position when filled)

We can’t wait to meet you and create a fantastic learning space for our little learners!

Contact Us: For any questions, reach out to Staceyann at 07787 327827 or [email protected].

Note: Applicants are encouraged to apply for both the Pathway Programme and Afterschool Programme positions to maximize their hours and gain a comprehensive experience with our team!

At Children’s Lane, we’re committed to making a positive impact on our community. As a social enterprise, we blend business principles with a social mission, reinvesting profits into programme that benefit society, such as our summer scheme for school-age children and our innovative Pathway Programme.

What is a Social Enterprise?

A social enterprise is a business that prioritises social goals alongside financial sustainability. Unlike traditional businesses, social enterprises reinvest their profits into achieving social, environmental, or community objectives.

Benefits of Our Summer Scheme

😊 Inclusive Environment: Bringing together children from all communities to foster unity and understanding.

🦾Physical Activity: Sports and outdoor activities to keep children active and healthy.

🤝 Social Skills: Group activities to enhance collaboration and friendship-building.

👩‍🦰Safe Environment: A nurturing space for children to explore their interests, supported by trained staff.

💯Pathway Programme: Partly funded by the Education Authority, this programme enables us to offer reduced fees for children entering primary one, providing unique opportunities to develop skills and transition into school.

☺️ Registered childcare ensures that parents confidently know that we are regularly inspected by the Health and Social Trust to ensure we meet quality standards and can receive support for their childcare costs.

Our summer scheme helps children return to school more confident and motivated, providing parents peace of mind.

Join us in making a difference! For more information or to get involved, visit https://childrenslanechildcare.co.uk or contact us at [email protected]

Children's Lane Childcare Children's Lane Childcare provides affordable local school-age childcare.

Open between 7.30-6.00

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Summer scheme

🌞 Exciting Summer Scheme for Preschoolers going into primary one 🌞

Are you looking for a fun and exciting summer programme for your little one transitioning to primary one?

Our brand-new summer scheme is here to help! Your child can enjoy a safe and engaging environment that is registered with the Health and Social Care Trust 

Cost- only £20 per day,

Time- 8 AM to 6 PM.

👧👦 Making Friends & Memories:

- Our programme is designed to help children make new friends and create lasting memories.

- Fun activities are planned to ensure your child has a fantastic summer before starting primary school.

📅 Flexible Scheduling:
- Choose any single day or book the full week!

💡 Additional support is available through

Tax-Free Childcare:
Learn more here: https://www.gov.uk/get-tax-free-childcare

Universal Credit: You can claim up to 85% of childcare costs back through Universal Credit!

For more advice, feel free to talk to Employers for Childcare: https://www.employersforchildcare.org

📞 Register Now on https://childrenslane.magicbooking.co.uk/Identity/Account/Login

Spaces are limited. Secure your child’s spot today for an unforgettable summer experience!

Note: Price excludes trips.

This project is supported by the Pathway Fund, which is administered by Early Years - the organisation for young children and funded by the Department of Education

Magicbooking, the best childcare online platform Automate payments, bookings, comms, and admin.

👶 Exciting News for Parents! 👶

We’re thrilled to announce that details for the highly anticipated two-year educational programme for children will be released tomorrow! This programme is designed to provide the best start for your little ones, helping them grow, learn, and thrive.

📅 Date: Tomorrow
🕒 Time: 1.00 pm
🌐 Where: Children’s Lane Facebook

Stay tuned for more updates and be ready to secure a spot for your child in this enriching and engaging educational programme

https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/education/Urgent%20WMS%20Early%20Learning%20and%20Childcare%20measures%202024%2025.pdf

Education Minister Paul Givan MLA has today announced a £25million package of measures to support children, parents and providers with early learning and childcare in 2024/25.

The package of measures is designed to stabilise and support expansion of the early learning and childcare sector, offer all children 22.5 hours pre-school education per week and reduce childcare bills for working parents through a Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme.

More: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/news/education-minister-announces-ps25million-package-measures-early-learning-and-childcare-northern

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📢 Exciting Job Opportunity at Children’s Lane! 🌈

We're looking for a passionate and dynamic Assistant Manager with a clean driving license to join our team at Children’s Lane. 🧒✨

📍 Location: 22 Dromara Road, Ballyroney, Co Down BT32 5EU
🕒 Hours: 25 hours per week (Term time: Mon, Tue, Wed 9:00-12:30, 2:00 pm-6:00 pm; with one afternoon off a week. School Holidays: shift work 8:00 am-6:00 pm)
📅 Contract: Permanent with a 6-month probationary period
💰 Salary: NJC Pay Scales New SCP2-3 (to be reviewed post-probation)

🌟 Job Purpose:
Lead the day-to-day organisation of Children's Lane, ensuring a caring, safe, and stimulating environment for children aged 2-11.

📋 Main Duties:
- Delivering Out of School Provision and the two years programme
- Planning and staff supervision
- Driving responsibility with a clean license
- Collaborate with staff to provide a nurturing environment
- Liaise with parents and school for effective communication
- Uphold and implement policies, manage records, and ensure financial control

👩‍👧‍👦 Person Specification:
Passionate about childcare, NVQ level 3 in Childcare/Playwork or equivalent (HSCT require level 5 enrolment), excellent communication, organisational skills, and a clean driving license.

First Aid, Food Hygiene, and Safeguarding Course.

Desirable: Level 5 childcare qualification, supervisory/management experience

🚀 Join us in creating a positive impact on children's lives! Apply now!

🌟

Christmas is for many families an exciting time of year. For children, it is often (along with birthdays) a particular highlight. In addition to being off school, eating particularly delicious meals and spending time with friends and family, there is the expectation of gifts.

Every family is different – and children’s experiences and expectations around festive gift giving can vary greatly. What one child might consider a fantastic haul might bitterly disappoint another. As parents, it can be challenging to finely balance this. Financial pressures, peer pressure and difficulty understanding which exact version of game, which model truck or which outfit for a doll that your child wants can increase the stress of parents.

Here are a few tips on how to avoid conflict and how to react if your child expresses jealousy, unhappiness or disappointment in gifts. Read the full ‘Parent’s guide to gift giving’ blog post here: https://www.parentingni.org/blog/parents-guide-gift-giving/

🎉✨ Double the festive joy! Reserve your spot for our Christmas party on December 22nd, where the excitement unfolds in two groups.

🙀Vote for your favourite young talents in Group 1 (Numbers 1-12, Primary 1 to Primary 3)

🤟Older maestros in Group 2 (Numbers 13-20, Primary 4 to Primary 7).

🫶🏻With a £10 gift card for 1st place and a box of delightful sweets for 2nd place in each group, it's a celebration for all ages.

Don't miss out—book now for an evening of festive fun, surprises, and joy! 🍬🎁🥳

Wrapping up the final week of our 2-year programme before Christmas, and it’s been nothing short of fantastic! 🎉

Reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve had together – here’s to the growth, learning, and memories that will last a lifetime. Cheers to the holiday season and the exciting adventures that lie ahead! 🌟

🌟 **Important Announcement from Children’s Lane!** 🌟

Dear Parents,

We understand the challenges posed by the upcoming teachers' strike, and we empathise with both educators and parents. Recognising the need for a solution, Children’s Lane supports our community.

In light of the strike, we are offering a one-off childcare service on Wednesday morning to accommodate working parents. We know your commitment to your children's care and education, and we're here to help during this unexpected situation.

For more details or to secure a spot, please reach out to us directly. Your child's well-being is our top priority, and we're dedicated to providing a safe and enriching environment.

Thank you for choosing Children’s Lane as your partner in childcare.

Best regards,
Children’s Lane

(For School age children)

Today I painted...
Sometimes learning is messy, children need opportunities to get messy. To learn through all of their senses, to experience those tactile experiences. How can we ever learn to make the colour green, if we have never experienced it?

📧 Important Notice for Parents! 📧

We’ve just sent out confirmation emails regarding our “2 Years Plus Programme”. Please check your inbox (and don’t forget the junk/spam folder).

If you haven’t received an email, please let us know by emailing or sending a PM.

🌟 Good news! We still have a few spaces available. If you’re interested or have any queries, reach out to us soon.

Exciting news for parents! 🌟

🧒Our Two-Year-Old Programme is now in full swing.

👨‍👩‍👦This initiative is specially tailored to nurture the unique developmental milestones of your young ones during these formative years.

🌸By engaging in our programme your child will benefit from a rich blend of interactive learning experiences and playful activities designed to foster cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

🌝It’s more than just child’s play; it’s an investment in building a strong foundation for your child’s future learning and well-being.

🪁Discover the difference our programme can make for your little one today!🥇

Rise. Shine. Reflect.💥

🌌🎃 Exciting Announcement for school age children! 🎃🌌

🌟 We’re over the moon to announce a special trip to the Armagh Planetarium on the 30th of October! This isn’t just any trip; we’re going to experience the “ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM ANNOUNCES SERIES OF SPOOKY HALLOWEEN EVENTS”.
Dive into a full day of enlightening and spooky space adventures with us.

Trip Highlights:
📅 Date: 30th October
⏰ Duration: full day

💰 The actual cost is £6.25 per child, but with an added £5.00, you get both the entrance and transport. That’s a total of £37.00.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sibling Discount: More than one child? Enjoy a 10% discount on the total!

🍂 Holiday Club News: Booking opens tomorrow! The club runs from 27th October to 3rd November. Let’s make it a fun-filled holiday!
🚀 Planetarium trip booking starts at 6.30 pm tomorrow. Book early; spots are limited.

Can’t wait for the spook-tacular trip and the amazing holiday club days ahead. See you and your little astronauts there!

Warm regards,
Staceyann ✨

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM ANNOUNCES SERIES OF SPOOKY HALLOWEEN EVENTS – Astronotes Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced a number of family friendly Halloween themed events that will take place on site over the October mid-term break. These will include: Spooky Space Family Dome Show. Running at various times daily from 24th October until 3rd November. If you’re looki...

This Thursday

📣 Calling all interested in our 2-year programme!

Join us on Thursday, 5th October for a special Information Night 🌙 at Children’s Lane, Ballyroney. We’re thrilled to announce that Employers for Childcare will be present to address any questions you might have about financial support opportunities, especially since our group is registered!

📍 Date: Thursday, 5th October
⏰ Time: 6:30 to 7:30 pm
🌐 Location: Children’s Lane, Ballyroney

This is a golden opportunity to gather all the information you need, straight from the experts. Let’s work together to make your educational journey smooth and supported. 💼👩‍🏫

RSVP: [email protected] or just pop in

Spread the word and bring a friend! Looking forward to seeing you there.

📣 Calling all interested in our 2-year programme!

Join us on Thursday, 5th October for a special Information Night 🌙 at Children’s Lane, Ballyroney. We’re thrilled to announce that Employers for Childcare will be present to address any questions you might have about financial support opportunities, especially since our group is registered!

📍 Date: Thursday, 5th October
⏰ Time: 6:30 to 7:30 pm
🌐 Location: Children’s Lane, Ballyroney

This is a golden opportunity to gather all the information you need, straight from the experts. Let’s work together to make your educational journey smooth and supported. 💼👩‍🏫

RSVP: [email protected] or just pop in

Spread the word and bring a friend! Looking forward to seeing you there.

Parents, please be advised that due to a network change, you may experience difficulties reaching a member of staff on the Children's Lane phone number. We appreciate your patience. Should be back to normal tomorrow.

[email protected]