about our school
about our school
WHERE IMAGINATION GROWS
Founded in 2005, our purpose built facility is the perfect environment for children to play indoors and outdoors in a safe and caring environment with their friends.
play learn grow
Founded in 2005, our purpose built facility is the perfect environment for children to play indoors and outdoors in a safe and caring environment with their friends.
where imagination grows
Founded in 2005, our purpose built facility is the perfect environment for children to play indoors and outdoors in a safe and caring environment with their friends.

Welcome
A special place
for every child
our school
open to all
Our school is open to enrolment for all children, irrespective of their social, cultural or religious backgrounds.
While we do lease our school site from Midleton College, we operate as an independent early years education centre. There are no faith or religious studies in our curriculum.
Our school was founded in 2005 by Grace Hamilton, starting with 10 children for Preschool and 10 for one hour After School Care.
In 2007 the school expanded with a purpose built facility and was named Singing In The Rain. Marlene Thomas became the school manager.
In 2023 we rebranded to the name “Midleton Preschool After School and Summer Camp” to coincide with bringing the school online with a new website. We felt the old name did not clearly communicate to new parents what our service provided.
the great outdoors
Every parent who visits us for the first time falls in love with our huge garden play zone. The children spend as much time as possible outside.
We provide a safe, caring and loving environment which follows the Aistear and Siolta government education guidelines.
The children enjoy a rich learning experience, where each child is treated as an individual and activities for them planned accordingly.
Children are with us Monday to Friday for Preschool, and After School Care for Primary School children.
During July we run a 6 week Summer Camp for Primary School aged children between Junior Infants and 4th Class.
We now have launched our first website that takes your enquiries, applications and summer camp booking online.
Our school is open 48 weeks per year. To visit our school, fill in a Preschool or After School Enquiry Form.
our age groups
All child programs are segmented by age and/or hours of attendance.
benefits of
midleton preschool After School and Summer Camp
Your child will play, learn and grow in our purpose built early learning centre…
- Improving Confidence
- Promoting Independence
- Social Skills Development
- Physical Development
- Expanding Vocabulary
- Communications
- Co-Operation, Sharing
- Educational Games
- Story Time
- Arts And Crafts
- Songs And Music
- Dance And Movement
- Cognitive Expansion
- Identifying Strengths
- Overcoming Fears
- Love Of Learning
- Individual Needs
- Flexible Curriculum
Midleton Preschool Afterschool and Summer camp childcare centre is committed to providing high quality childcare and after school care in Midleton.
We strive for:
– Social integration
– Equality, irrespective of gender, race, religion or ability
– A safe, developmentally appropriate environment which respects, supports and celebrates children’s’ individual needs
– An environment which encourages children to express themselves freely and spontaneously and promotes an enthusiasm for learning
Midleton Preschool Afterschool and Summer Camp childcare centre aims to establish a centre of excellence in childcare and family support with services that include:
*High quality care, pre-school education for children aged 2 years and 8 months up to 5 years 6 months old; and Primary school afternoon care. To achieve this, we work in partnership with parents, carers and children as a multidisciplinary team. We want to provide a secure learning and play environment which enables children to be:
– Respectful of themselves and others
– Happy and confident
– Independent and inter-dependent
– Compassionate and caring
– Tolerant and patient
– Curious and creative
– Appreciative and appreciated
– Respectful of the natural environment
– To provide a safe, secure, stimulating environment which embraces all children and values their race, language, gender, age, ability, culture, social status and religion.
– To value all children as individuals and appreciate their uniqueness.
– To encourage mutual respect, positive choices, critical thinking, curiosity, self-discipline.
– To value parents and carers as the primary educators of the child and to support that role.
– To increase quality of childcare provisions on an ongoing process.
– To ensure that all staff receive appropriate in-service training and maintain high levels of practice
– To develop practice which fosters responsibility towards each other.
– To enthuse the children in an extensive range of creative and imaginative experiences through story, music, the arts and domestic skills.
– To recognise children as part of communities e.g., Peer groups, families and wider society.
– To uphold principles of trust, honesty, integrity and respect in all professional relationships and business practices.
– To communicate openly and clearly with staff, children, parents and other professionals.
– Serve children and their families as a team of caring colleagues committed to developing professionally as a quality childcare centre.
benefits of our school for your child...
- Improving Confidence
- Promoting Independence
- Social Skills Development
- Physical Development
- Expanding Vocabulary
- Communications
- Co-Operation, Sharing
- Educational Games
- Story Time
- Arts And Crafts
- Songs And Music
- Dance And Movement
- Cognitive Expansion
- Identifying Strengths
- Overcoming Fears
- Love Of Learning
- Individual Needs
- Flexible Curriculum
Government and Industry Agencies we work with...
Shaping Little Minds
Meet Your school teachers
Marlene – Melanie – Ciara – Carolyn – Rosemary

Marlene Thomas
POSITION:
School Manager
QUALIFICATIONS:
Higher Diploma in Education Level 8
Primary School Teaching
Leadership for Inclusion level 6
Lámh, Hanen, First Aid Response
SPECIALITIES:
Primary School Education
Preschool Education
Additional Needs Education
Music, Art, Crafts
ABOUT:
Originally a Primary School teacher and manager, in 2002 Marlene moved to Ireland with her husband and two children.
She was a Primary school teacher from 1987 until 2007, the same year she became the Manager of our School in Midleton.
For all parents who apply to the school, it is Marlene you will meet on your first visit and tour of the facilities.
-
POSITION:
School Principal -
QUALIFICATIONS:
Higher Diploma in Education Level 8
Primary School Teaching
Leadership for Inclusion level 6
Lámh, Hanen, First Aid Response -
SPECIALITIES:
Primary School Education, Preschool Education, Additional Needs Education, Music, Art, Crafts
About
Originally a Primary School teacher and manager, in 2002 Marlene moved to Ireland with her husband and two children.
She was a Primary school teacher from 1987 until 2007, the same year she became the Manager of our School in Midleton.
For all parents who apply to the school, it is Marlene you will meet on your first visit and tour of the facilities.

Melanie Bongartz
POSITION:
Preschool and After School Teacher
QUALIFICATIONS:
Preschool and School Age Educator QQI level 6
Steiner Waldorf teacher training
Special Needs
First Aid Response
SPECIALITIES:
Melanie has a particular interest in literacy, storytelling, the beauty of language and creating puppet shows.
ABOUT:
Melanie joined our school in 2020. She has a natural ability with children. Her warmth and genuine interest brings out the best in each child.
Melanie is very excited and passionate about her role as a teacher and the vital role we have in society for their development.
She brings Steiner principals into the daily routine of our Preschool. Examples of this are our beautiful Lantern Festival, Advent Festival, Christmas play and celebrations.
-
POSITION:
Preschool and After School Teacher -
QUALIFICATIONS:
Preschool and School Age Educator QQI level 6
Steiner Waldorf teacher training
Special Needs
First Aid Response -
SPECIALITIES:
Melanie has a particular interest in literacy, storytelling, the beauty of language and creating puppet shows.
About
Melanie joined our school in 2020. She has a natural ability with children. Her warmth and genuine interest brings out the best in each child.
Melanie is very excited and passionate about her role as a teacher and the vital role we have in society for their development.
She brings Steiner principals into the daily routine of our Preschool. Examples of this are our beautiful Lantern Festival, Advent Festival, Christmas play and celebrations.

Ciara Delea
POSITION:
Preschool and After School Teacher
QUALIFICATIONS:
BA Early Childhood Studies and Practice FETAC Level 8
Sign Language
First Aid Response
SPECIALITIES:
Ciara’s favourite activity with the children is arts and crafts
ABOUT:
Working in childcare since 2013, Ciara joined our school in 2023.
Ciara uses her creative talents, focusing on art, drawing and painting with the children. She enjoys helping them grow into confident and capable learners.
Ciara’s fun-filled exuberance really connects with the children, and they love laughing and playing with her outdoors.
Her dedication to ensuring that all the children feel special, is shown in the way the children are eager to get in the door every day!
-
POSITION:
Preschool and After School Teacher -
QUALIFICATIONS:
BA Early Childhood Studies and Practice
FETAC Level 8
Sign Language
First Aid Response -
SPECIALITIES:
Ciara's favourite activity with the children is arts and crafts
About
Working in childcare since 2013, Ciara joined our school in 2023.
Ciara uses her creative talents, focusing on art, drawing and painting with the children. She enjoys helping them grow into confident and capable learners.
Ciara’s fun-filled exuberance really connects with the children, and they love laughing and playing with her outdoors.
Her dedication to ensuring that all the children feel special, is shown in the way the children are eager to get in the door every day!

Rosemary Stronach
POSITION:
Preschool and After School Teacher
QUALIFICATIONS:
FETAC level 5 Childcare
First Aid Response Training
First Aid Response
SPECIALITIES:
Rosemary plants flowers and vegetable seeds with the children and teaches them about nature. Together they watch them grow and later harvest the vegetables together.
ABOUT:
Rosemary joined our school in 2013. She enjoys nurturing and caring for the children. She has a special interest in gardening and nature.
She also enjoys interacting with the Parents and other staff, helping the children to feel part of the preschool community and the larger community in Midleton, through projects and celebrating special events.
She enjoys doing homework with the after school children and caring for them as they grow.
-
POSITION:
Preschool and After School Teacher -
QUALIFICATIONS:
FETAC level 5 Childcare
First Aid Response -
SPECIALITIES:
Rosemary plants flowers and vegetable seeds with the children and teaches them about nature. Together they watch them grow and later harvest the vegetables together.
About
Rosemary joined our school in 2013. She enjoys nurturing and caring for the children. She has a special interest in gardening and nature.
She also enjoys interacting with the Parents and other staff, helping the children to feel part of the preschool community and the larger community in Midleton, through projects and celebrating special events.
She enjoys doing homework with the after school children and caring for them as they grow.

Carolyn O’Flaherty
POSITION:
AIM Support – Preschool
QUALIFICATIONS:
Early Education and care QQI level 5
Child development QQI 6
Intellectual disability QQI 5
Lámh, Autism in Early Years
Social thinking Curriculum
First Aid Response
SPECIALITIES:
Carolyns favourite activity with the children is arts and crafts.
ABOUT:
Carolyn has been working in Singing in the Rain since 2022 in the role of AIM Support.
She has extensive experience and training in the area of Neurodiversity. She has a hands -on approach that puts the autonomy of the child at the core of activities. She has a very calm and cheerful disposition.
She works to empower each child to grow in confidence and builds a range of communication skills that are both verbal and non-verbal to suit each individual child to support their interactions with their peers.
-
POSITION:
AIM Support -
QUALIFICATIONS:
Early Education and care QQI level 5
Child development QQI 6
Intellectual disability QQI 5
Lámh, Autism in Early Years
Social thinking Curriculum
First Aid Response -
SPECIALITIES:
Carolyns favourite activity with the children is arts and crafts.
About
Carolyn has been working in Singing in the Rain since 2022 in the role of AIM Support.
She has extensive experience and training in the area of Neurodiversity. She has a hands -on approach that puts the autonomy of the child at the core of activities. She has a very calm and cheerful disposition.
She works to empower each child to grow in confidence and builds a range of communication skills that are both verbal and non-verbal to suit each individual child to support their interactions with their peers.
reviews
parent testimonials
from parents with children attending our school
Click any quote below to expand….
“My son attended the summer camp and then started after school care in September 2022.
We are so happy with the care that he receives.
He comes out with a huge smile every day.
Children of all ages play together and it builds great friendships between different class groups.
In the summer camp he made some beautiful things in arts and crafts.
Typically he comes home covered in dirt, big smile and a large appetite after lots of fresh air.
Exactly what I want from an after school care. Thank you.”
Katie O’Brien, Midleton, Mum to Ross
Our four children attended for Preschool, After School services and Summer Camps.
Each one of them bounded in the door each day with excitement and expected anticipation of the fun and enjoyment they would experience while there.
It’s like a home away from home with Marlene and her colleagues always ensuring the boys were safe and happy.
We were always grateful that our boys had the opportunity to attend as they each have they own positive memories from there.
Yvonne & Robert Fitzsimmons, Midleton
“Our daughter absolutely loves going to preschool here.
She is so excited to see her wonderful teachers and great friends each day.
It’s a special place that encourages growth, fun and learning for our little ones.
We love to see the gorgeous artwork and to see first hand the incredible effort that goes into bringing to life their teaching through art, festivals, plays and little excursions.”
Aoibhinn Twomey, Midleton, Mum to Ava
As a Mum of four, my eldest who is eleven down to my youngest three year old who will start in September 2023, have all attended here.
It is amazing, the staff go above and beyond to make the experience so enjoyable.
All mine have been so happy and had so much fun.
It’s a really holistic, child led place and I feel they are great to communicate with the parents.
I would thoroughly recommend Midleton Preschool and After School.
Thanks Marlene, Rosemary, Debbie, Melanie and Caroline.
Amy Heffernan, Midleton
My children have had the benefit of attending preschool, afterschool care and summer camps here and I couldn’t recommend highly enough.
The team always identify and encourage each child’s passion while consistently inspiring confidence and putting kindness at the heart of everything they do.
They provide an exceptionally caring and nurturing environment and my children always look forward to their time spent there.
I am so grateful to Marlene and her team at Midleton Preschool, Afterschool and Summer Camp.
Jackie Brookes, Midleton
Over 12 years the service provided to us has been of such a high standard, and like a home from home for our three boys.
The outdoor and indoor space is ideal for all ages and their individual personalities.
Management and staff are experienced, professional, friendly and adaptable to the needs of us as a family.
Don’t think twice about choosing this school.
Sharon Parkinson, Midleton, Mum to Harry, Max and Jack
Your teachers gave my daughter Sylvie the most fulfilling preschool experience, enhancing her love of nature and make believe.
Now she attends after school and it is like her second home.
Marlene and her team are wonderful, and their warmth, sense of fun and spontaneity make everyday an adventure.
We couldn’t recommend it enough!
Alison Gleasure, Midleton, Mum to Sylvie
My eldest son has completed his two years in preschool and flourished in his time there. He is now availing of the after school programme.
My twins are in their first year and to see how far they have developed in half a year is remarkable, they come home happy every day.
Marlene and her team of teachers are just amazing with the children. The kids love going into them and their friends each day, learning songs, developing skills and just having fun.
There is so much open play and room for their imaginations to grow, both indoors and outdoors.
The range of activities and the effort put into organising arts and crafts, baking, and different events is wonderful to be part of, as well as a great focus on the outdoors and sustainability, learning how things grow, planting seeds, and then pulling carrots and even making soup!”
Rachel Reeves, Midleton
how to get here
location video
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our early years
School services
preschool | after school care | summer camp
preschool
after school & summer camp
Midleton
Preschool ECCE
-
AGE:
Minimum 2yrs 8mths on commencement to maximum 5yrs 6mths on completion -
TIME:
9:00am-12:00pm - 3 hours or
8:30am-12:00pm - 3.5 hours
Monday to Friday -
DURATION:
38 Weeks per year for 2 years
Minimum term 1 year
Midleton
After School Care
-
AGE:
Junior Club - Jnr and Snr Infants
Senior Club - 1st to 6th Class
-
TIME:
Junior Club: 1:10pm-5:30pm
Senior Club: 2:10pm-5:30pm
1 Hour Option: 1:10pm-2:10pm
Monday to Friday -
DURATION:
Primary school year
Minimum term 1 year
Midleton
Summer Camp 2025
-
AGE:
JUNIOR CAMP - WEEK 1,2,3
Starting Jnr Infants, Snr Infants or 1st Class this Sep 2025SENIOR CAMP - WEEK 4,5,6
Starting 2nd, 3rd or 4th Class this Sep 2025 -
TIME:
9:00am to 3:00pm
Monday to Friday
school calendar
Preschool, After School &
Summer Camp calendars 2024/25
Preschool
After School &
Summer Camp
calendars 2023/24
Closed Dates, School Holidays, Bank Holidays
These are important dates throughout the school year to help parents plan ahead.
The calendar is subject to change in the case of unforeseen circumstances.
In such events we will inform parents in advance.
CLICK ANY TITLE TO OPEN & CLOSE
MONDAY TO FRIDAY
8:30am to 12:00pm
2 years 8 months to 5 years 6 months
The Preschool year runs from Tuesday 27th August 2024 to Wednesday 25th June 2025
TERM 1…..
AUGUST 2024
27th Tuesday Preschool opens for 2024/25
SEPTEMBER
School open every weekday
OCTOBER
28th Monday School closed Bank holiday
29th Tuesday, 30th Wednesday, 31 Thursday School closed Halloween holidays
NOVEMBER
1st Friday School closed Halloween holidays
4th Monday School re-opens
DECEMBER
23rd Monday to 31st Tuesday School closed Xmas break
JANUARY 2025
1st Wednesday to 3rd Friday School closed Xmas Break
TERM 2….
6th Monday School re-opens
FEBRUARY
3rd Monday School closed Bank holiday
17th Monday to 21st Friday School closed Mid-term break
MARCH
17th Monday School closed St. Patrick’s Day
APRIL
14th Monday to 25th Friday school closed two weeks Easter holidays
Term 3….
28th Monday School re-opens
MAY
5th Monday School closed Bank holiday
JUNE
2nd Monday School closed Bank holiday
25th Friday final day of Preschool year 2024/25
MONDAY TO FRIDAY
1:10pm to 5:30pm
Jnr Infants to 6th Class
The After School year runs from Wednesday 28th August 2024 to Wednesday 25th June 2025
TERM 1…..
AUGUST 2024
28th Wednesday After School opens for 2024/25
SEPTEMBER
After School open every weekday
OCTOBER
28th Monday School closed Bank holiday
NOVEMBER
29th Oct Tuesday to 1st Nov Friday After School OPEN FULL DAY 8:30am to 5:30pm during Primary School Mid term Break
After School open regular every weekday for rest of month
DECEMBER
23rd Monday to 31st Tuesday After School closed Xmas break
JANUARY 2025
1st Wednesday to 3rd Friday After School closed Xmas Break
TERM 2…
6th Monday After School re-opens
FEBRUARY
3rd Monday School closed Bank holiday
13th Thursday and 14th Friday After School OPEN FULL DAY 8:30am to 5:30pm during Primary School Mid term Break
MARCH
17th Monday School closed St. Patrick’s Day
APRIL
14th Monday to 18th Friday After School OPEN FULL DAY 8:30am to 5:30pm during Primary School Easter Holidays. For one week only.
21st Monday School Closed Easter Monday
22nd Tuesday to 25th Friday closed for Easter break.
TERM 3…..
28th Monday re-opens
MAY
5th Monday School closed Bank holiday
JUNE
2nd Monday School closed Bank holiday
25th Wednesday final day of After School year 2024/25
MONDAY TO FRIDAY
9:00am to 3:00pm
AGES
Junior Infants to 4th Class
DATES 2024
Six Weeks
June and July
JUNIOR CAMP
Wk 1 – Dates t.b.c.
Wk 2 – Dates t.b.c.
Wk 3 – Dates t.b.c.
SENIOR CAMP
Wk 4 – Dates t.b.c.
Wk 5 – Dates t.b.c.
Wk 6 – Dates t.b.c.