A structured, play-based environment where children feel secure, build independence and grow in confidence from their very first day.
Pre-Primary at Castle Park
A calm, confident start to school
Welcome from our Head of Early Years
Supporting every first step
Starting school is a big step, both for your child and for you. Our role is to make that transition feel calm, reassuring and positive from the very beginning.
In Pre-Primary, children are gently guided towards independence, building confidence through routine, play and strong relationships with our teachers.
If you’re wondering whether your child is ready – most parents wonder this. Our team are used to it, and they’re very good at it.
Watch Anna Kennedy, Head of Early Years, talk about what Pre-Primary is really like.
Pre-Primary at a glance
An early foundation for school confidence
Two qualified teachers per class
Aistear, play-based learning
Music, art, movement & specialist subjects
Concert and seasonal performances
Nature walks
Hot lunch included daily
Dedicated Early Years playground
Pre-Primary Advantage
What sets Pre-Primary apart
Pre-Primary at Castle Park is more than childcare – it’s the first step in your child’s education. Where most nurseries focus on play and care, Pre-Primary at Castle Park adds structure – a curriculum-based programme that builds the foundations children need for primary school.
Here, your child will:
- Learn through purposeful play and exploration
- Build early confidence and independence
- Experience a gentle routine with familiar adults
- Enjoy specialist lessons (music, movement)
- Take part in experiences that support curiosity and resilience
Learning Through Play & Curriculum
How Pre-Primary children learn
At Castle Park, Pre-Primary play is purposeful – it’s how young children make sense of the world. Our curriculum blends:
- The Aistear Early Years Curriculum
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Montessori principles
ECCE Explained
ECCE at Castle Park – what it means for your family
The ECCE Scheme is available to children from the age of 2 years 8 months. With ECCE:
- Eligible children receive free early education hours
- Your child experiences Castle Park’s structured learning environment
- ECCE hours are integrated with our curriculum – not separate
We blend ECCE provision seamlessly into Pre-Primary 1 and 2 so children benefit from quality, continuity and a consistent routine.
A Typical Day in Pre-Primary
A calm, structured day with plenty of movement, play and reassurance.
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8:40amMorning Arrival
Children arrive directly into their classroom, where activities are already set up on tables and around the room. They are free to choose where to begin while the class teacher welcomes each child and chats briefly with parents at the door.
This gentle start helps children feel settled and confident from the moment they arrive.
What parents notice: Children settle quickly because the day starts calmly and feels familiar.
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8:50am – 10:25amSettling In & Early Learning
Once most children have arrived, it’s tidy-up time and the class comes together to begin the day. Learning at this stage is play-based and enquiry-led, following the Aistear curriculum.
Children move freely between activities, learning through:
- Role play and storytelling
- Hands-on maths and early literacy games
- Art, construction and sensory play
Movement breaks are built in naturally, as young children learn best when they are active.
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10:25am – 11:05amSnack & Outdoor Play
Children enjoy their morning snack in the classroom before heading out to the Early Years playground. Outdoor time is an important part of the day and supports physical development, confidence and social skills.
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11:05am – 11:45amPlay-Based Learning
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11:45amLunch & Outdoor Time
Pre-Primary children go to the dining room for a hot, cooked lunch provided by the school. Afterwards, they return to the Early Years playground for outdoor play and fresh air.
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12:30pmEnd of Core Day
The core Pre-Primary day finishes at 12:30pm.
For many children, this marks the end of their morning at school. For others, the day continues smoothly into daycare, without needing to change buildings or environments.
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From 12:30pmDaycare Options
Pre-Primary 1: Children booked into daycare may have a rest or nap in the Pre-Primary 1 daycare room.
Pre-Primary 2: Children move into afternoon daycare, where the focus is on relaxed play, outdoor time and age-appropriate activities.
Daycare finish options: 3:30pm / 5:00pm / 6:15pm (Pre-Primary 2 only)
(Availability dependent on age and spaces)
Day timings
Pre-Primary 1
- Arrival: 8:40am
- Core day ends: 12:30pm
- Daycare available until 3:30pm, 5:00pm once child is 3 years old
Pre-Primary 2
- Early drop-off from 8:00am (pre-booked)
- Arrival: 8:40am
- Core day ends: 12:30pm
- Daycare available until 3:30pm, 5:00pm or 6:15pm
What parents say
Moving our little one into Pre-Primary 1 at Castle Park was one of the best decisions we made. She settled so quickly – the routine gave her confidence and she’s now the one rushing us out the door in the morning.
Parent of Pre-Primary 1 Pupil
Settling In
How we support settling in
If a child finds the first mornings hard, staff work closely with families to help them settle at their own pace. Parents may leave for a short period at first, with time gradually extended as the child settles into their routine. Most children feel comfortable within a week or two.
From the earliest days, children are encouraged to:
- Hang up their own coat
- Manage their belongings
- Begin small routines independently
This builds confidence quickly, in a caring and supportive way.
Wellbeing & Transition to Primary
How we support your child’s wellbeing and next step
Wellbeing is central at Castle Park. Children feel secure because:
- Routines are consistent
- Adults know them by name
- Transitions are gentle and predictable
When the time comes to move up to Junior Infants:
- Children enter familiar spaces
- Teachers know their learning profile
- Confidence with routines and independence is already established
This makes the transition smooth and reassuring.
Frequently asked questions
Questions we hear most often at open mornings
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How will my child settle at school?
Starting school is a big step, and we approach it with care. Our team supports each child closely in the early days, with calm routines, familiar faces and plenty of reassurance.
Parents are kept informed, and most children settle quickly once they begin to feel secure. We take things at the child’s pace – building confidence gently over time.
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Do children need to be potty trained?
For Pre-Primary 1, children do not need to be fully potty trained. By Pre-Primary 2, children are expected to be toilet trained, and we support families in preparing for this step in a calm and practical way. We handle these moments with complete discretion and kindness.
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Do children nap during the day?
Children in Pre-Primary 1 who stay for daycare have the option to rest or nap from 12:30pm. By Pre-Primary 2, the day is structured without naps, helping children gradually adjust to a more typical school routine.
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What does a typical day look like?
There is a balance of play, guided learning, movement and outdoor time, along with weekly music and movement. Children enjoy a hot lunch each day, and there is space for both active and quieter moments.
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Do children spend much time outdoors?
Yes – outdoor time is a valued part of the day. Children are outside regularly, particularly when the weather allows, as fresh air, movement and play all support their wellbeing and development.
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Will they see older siblings during the day?
Yes, often they will. Children may see older siblings in shared areas such as the playground, particularly in the early years, which can be reassuring as they settle into school life.
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When does more structured learning begin?
Learning is introduced gradually, based on each child’s readiness. Pre-Primary is primarily play-based, but carefully structured. Phonics is introduced during Pre-Primary 2, giving children a strong foundation before they move into Junior Infants.
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Do children learn languages in Pre-Primary?
Children are gently introduced to Irish vocabulary through songs and daily classroom language. Formal language learning begins in Junior Infants, once children are ready for a more structured approach.
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What is the difference between Pre-Primary and a crèche or nursery?
Our Pre-Primary is part of the school, so while the approach is play-based, it is also structured and guided by experienced teachers. Children begin to build early literacy, independence and confidence, while benefiting from the wider school environment – including specialist lessons, facilities and shared experiences.
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What are the class sizes and staff ratios?
Classes are kept small, with a maximum of 14 children and two qualified teachers in each room for Pre-Primary 1, and in Pre-Primary 2 it is a maximum of 20 children alongside two qualified teachers. This allows us to get to know every child well and provide consistent, individual support throughout the day.
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Is a hot lunch provided?
Yes – every child receives a freshly prepared hot lunch each day, along with a healthy snack. For many families, this makes the school day simpler and ensures children are well looked after throughout.
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What are the school hours and childcare options?
The core school day runs from 8:40am to 12:30pm. Flexible daycare options are available afterwards, extending to 3:30pm, 5:00pm or 6:15pm. Early drop-off from 8:00am is also available.
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Is the ECCE scheme available?
Yes – Castle Park participates in the ECCE scheme. The government contribution is applied directly to your fees, offering access to a school-based experience within a structured setting.
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How does Pre-Primary prepare children for primary school?
Children move on with strong foundations in independence, communication and early literacy. They are already familiar with the school environment and routines, making the transition into Junior Infants feel natural and well supported.
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How can we experience it for ourselves?
The best way to understand Pre-Primary is to see it first-hand. Our open mornings offer a relaxed opportunity for parents to visit the school, meet our Early Years team, and learn more about how we support children as they begin their school journey.
We take time to talk through routines, learning approaches and what a typical day looks like, so you can get a real sense of life in Pre-Primary.