FAQs
What is the settling in policy?
We want to make the settling in stage as easy and as comfortable as possible for you and your child. Our settling in sessions commence from your child’s enrolled start date and sessions would typically run for a child’s first 3 days, children would attend an hour the first day, two hours the second day and four hours on their third day. During the settling in sessions, we will spend valuable time with your child, getting to know his/her routine, likes and dislikes and it allows your child to slowly adjust to their new environment before attending a full day with us. Billing commences from a child’s enrolled start date.
Will my baby have to change his/her routine before commencing crèche?
We will adapt to your baby's routine. If your baby likes to sleep 3 times per day, we will facilitate this. We will consult with you before your baby starts with us and become familiar with your babies routine. The older children begin to follow a similar routine as they adapt to the crèche setting.
What do I need to provide?
Bottle - Soother & Container - Nappies - Nappy Cream - Nappy Wipes -
Change of Clothes - Water Beaker
Parents must make the milk bottles at home and cool them fully before bringing them to the crèche. The Educarer’s will store the bottles in the fridge and they will heat them with a bottle warmer before feeding.
All items should be clearly labelled.
What are the staff/child ratios?
The child and adult ratios are set out by the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016. All of our crèches meet the ratio requirements.
Links Childcare employ additional Edcuarers at each crèche to support our staff to cover nappy changing, lunch breaks and busy times throughout the day.
If our Educarers have to take time off work due to illness, we have several relief staff on-call who are available to work.
Can I leave a buggy or car seat in the crèche during the day?
Unfortunately not. We do not have any facilities to store buggies or car seats in any of our crèches. Thank you.
Are staff Paediatric First Aid trained?
Yes, the majority of our staff are paediatric first aid trained. We run frequent first aid training courses for our staff. Any staff who join the company are invited to attend first aid training courses. We also provide re-fresher training for staff when required.
If my child has a dietary requirement or allergy, can you cater for this?
Yes, parents must inform the crèche manager during the settling in period if your child has any dietary requirement or food preference. Our on-site chefs are always more than happy to cater for your child’s specific needs.
Parents are welcome to meet with our on-site chefs to discuss our menu and their child’s food preference or special dietary requirements. Our chefs will also provide you with recipes at your request, especially if your child/ren has a favourite dish at crèche!
Is there a deposit required to secure a child’s place?
A booking deposit of €800 (except €500 for Balbriggan location) is required along with a completed application form before a child’s place is secured. Your deposit will be held onto separately until the child leaves where it will be refunded two calendar months following a child’s finishing date once the terms of our termination and billing agreement have been met and all balances on your account are paid in full. In the event of a booked place not being taken up and/or being cancelled by you the deposit will be forfeit and therefore non-refundable.
What happens if my child is sick while attending crèche?
If your child becomes sick while attending the crèche, our crèche manager will call you.
We will monitor your child closely during this time. Depending on your child’s form and level of temperature we might have to ask you to collect him/her from crèche.
Please refer to our Exclusion of Sick Children Policy.
What happens each morning when I drop my child off at crèche?
It is the policy of Links Childcare to give a warm welcome to all our children upon arrival into the centre.
Entry to the centre is operated by a finger image or facial recognition system on a magnetic release door. Links Childcare staff members and parents are only permitted to use the finger image or faical recognition system.
Your child will be greeted by our warm and friendly staff each morning. If your child arrives before 8.30am he/she will usually have breakfast in our dining area/activity street. The children move into the childcare rooms from 8.30am.
What is your collection procedure?
The Crèche Manager meets with the parent or guardian before the child enrolls in the crèche in order to clarify whether s/he will be collected by a parent, guardian or other relative.
This information is recorded on the registration form and any change must be notified to the Crèche Manager.
Parents are welcome to pick up their children directly from their rooms. We operate an open door policy at Links so parents can enter the crèche at anytime to check in on their child. At pick-up our Educarers will tell you all about your child’s day. Prepare to go home with their latest masterpiece!
Does my child need to be toilet trained before starting in the Pre-School Room?
No, we do not set a specific age for your child to be toilet trained. We would encourage all children transitioning to the pre-school room to be actively toilet training, however, our Educarers are fully trained to support your child when he/she is ready to start toilet training. Let your child take their time during this important stage in their life.