Mullingar Montessori and The Den celebrate 30 years in early childhood education
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Ursula with friends Antoinette Butler, Sharon Foy, Audrey Butler and Helen Hassett.Image 2 of 19
Staff and children at Mullingar Montessori and The Den, who celebrated the 30th anniversary of the business last Wednesday.Image 3 of 19
Guests at the celebration included Helen Hassett and James Burke.Image 4 of 19
Ursula with Sr Philomena.Image 5 of 19
Ursula Keenan with family (from left): Rory Sheahan, Ursula Keenan, Romy Sheahan, Riley Sheahan, Finn Sheahan and Conor Sheahan.Image 6 of 19
Staff Ciara showing the child about cookingImage 7 of 19
Atleva with childrenImage 8 of 19
Grace having a rest.Image 9 of 19
Amelia,Chloe and Aran looking at there booksImage 10 of 19
Staff members Josipa and Tyra doing some reading with Jude and AmeliaImage 11 of 19
Ollie Gallagher with Ursula and his two grand children Annie and LucyImage 12 of 19
Staff Katie,Ciara and MartinaImage 13 of 19
Team members, Lakshmi, Rachel and Shauna.Image 14 of 19
Ciara and Jack.Image 15 of 19
Aoibhinn with Shauna.Image 16 of 19
Rachael playing truck games with some of the children.Image 17 of 19
Connor Sheahan with staff and friends, Katie, Martina, Ger, Bernie Shauna, Bernie and Sharon Cleary, Westmeath County Childcare Committee.Image 18 of 19
Pavi with Seinnah.Image 19 of 19
Ursula Keenan proprietor, celebrated with staff and clients families last week.Ursula Keenan of Mullingar Montessori and The Den “can’t believe the Mullingar Montessori began 30 years ago”.
Marking that anniversary last week, Ursula said: “I am so proud of the service we have provided to the town of Mullingar. I have always been dedicated and focused to ensure each child in our care is supported to reach their full potential, that we help each child to become confident, happy and loved with respect for the voice of the child.
“Our greatest accolade is that we have parents who have attended the school as children themselves returning with their own children as they have so many wonderful memories of their time here. “
Reaching their 30th anniversary is a milestone, and Mullingar Montessori and The Den continue to deliver the quality care in early years education.
Over those three decades, the staff continuously delivered the high quality, professional education to the children with Ursula always at the helm supporting them to ensure every child is getting the best.
Ursula developed their early childhood curriculum and it is unique to the school. She said: “We build excellence in early years literacy and numeracy skills, which is important, but equally important is the focus on free play.
“With the emerging curriculum, we understood the importance of social and emotional skills in the early years and how vital they are in the child moving to national school. Arts and crafts, singing and dancing all play a vital role in our everyday activities here at Mullingar Montessori.
“Our annual Christmas show is a staple in our calendar, parents and grandparents always enjoy the production and that such small children are enjoying themselves on stage.”
Ursula also designed the large outdoor area the facility has, as her belief is children are happy outdoors and learn so many vital life skills. The children spend quality time everyday outside in our six different play areas.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank most sincerely the outstanding teachers who have worked at the school over the 30 years, and also thank most sincerely the current staff who continue to deliver an extremely high level of care and education to all pupils.
“The love and care from these dedicated caring ladies are exceptional and Ursula and Mullingar Montessori are proud of the staff they now employ, teachers, office administrators, managers, and other local business that support them.
Mullingar Montessori and The Den provide full day care, preschool, before school care and afterschool care for national school age children (age two to 12 years). They also support additional needs and provide AIMs Access and inclusion teachers for the children.
Mullingar Montessori and The Den is a family run business. Ursula’s husband Conor has helped in developing and expanding the school over the years. Ursula’s four children have, from a young age, helped with maintenance and been available as auxiliary staff when not in school or college.
One person who has played a major role over the 30 years has been Ursula’s mother Gretta. Since day one she has been Ursula’s right hand woman, guiding and helping in so many ways in the running of the school.
“She is the real boss and I owe it all to her and can never thank her enough for all she has done for me,” said Ursula.
“I look forward to continuing to work hard every single day at the job that I love and to bring as much happiness positivity, love, education to the children in our care. I could not do this without the amazing, hard working, teachers, management and administration team who surround me at the school every day. It takes a village to rear a child.
“I would also like to thank the parents who have entrusted me with their precious children. We look forward to continuing to support you with your childcare over the years to come.
“And, to all the children, you make every day a beautiful day and we love each and every one of you. How lucky we are to spend time with you! Some of the children could attend the school from two years to 12 years of age, so we do become extended family.”
Mullingar Montessori and The Den marked their 30th anniversary with their family, friends, Westmeath County Childcare, staff, children and parents at their premises in Mullingar on the week of September 5.