The crèche is a vital artery of the Centre, the engine room and the access door that provides mothers with the opportunity to return to learning. 2007 has been another great year for the crèche.

We maintained our practice of providing training placements for apprentice childcare workers. In 2007 the crèche placements were from St Cecilia’s College, NWRC and Joblink. The young trainees bring their enthusiasm and time to the day-to-day operation of the crèche and are invaluable as part of our childcare team.

Children attending the crèche enjoy our range of organic food choices through the healthy eating programme. Introducing the children gradually to healthier food directly influences mum about food options. This activity was enhanced when some of the crèche mothers participated in a whole-food nutrition programme at the Centre. As childhood is an important time in the development of good eating habits we hope to positively influence this stage in the children’s lives.

We have partnered with the WE&LB, Central Library to provide a new range of books to the crèche each month. This programme means that we can make available a wide selection of books that cater to the children’s ever changing interests and needs.

We continue to expand services by offering part time drop in crèche places when the spaces are available. Promoting flexible childcare options is an important element in our ongoing efforts to promote an accessible affordable childcare infrastructure to meet the growing need for services.

The crèche is a true reflection of the Derry we live in today. The children of our minority ethnic community mothers are from a number of different cultures/countries including Russia, Poland, Latvia, Philippines, Iran, Japan, Korea and India. This diversity is an exciting development and has added to our multi-cultural experience and awareness. Children and staff all benefit from interacting in such a diverse group. This has meant multiple learning opportunities for us big people and for all the weans as well.