Parent help centre
Plain-language answers about ECCE, after school care, school collections, snacks, funding and availability — all in one place.
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Virginia, Co. Cavan
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Jump straight to what parents ask most often.
Funded preschool year when eligible — how sessions work in plain language.
Learn moreNational Childcare Scheme support — what it is and how we help you explore it.
Learn moreRoutes only when agreed — we never promise a collection we cannot confirm.
Learn moreHealthy snacks and predictable routines — details below.
Learn moreHonest guidance on ECCE, NCS and what families typically ask about.
Learn morePopular with parents this week
Most asked by parents
The essentials
ECCE, ages, availability, and how to get in touch.
Featured answer
Yes — we support families exploring the ECCE programme for eligible preschool ages. Visit our ECCE page for how the programme works in practice, then send an enquiry with your child’s date of birth.
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Question: Do you offer ECCE?Featured answer
Collection arrangements depend on routes, capacity, and what is agreed operationally. We never promise a specific collection until it is confirmed. Ask on your enquiry and we will be clear about what is possible.
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Question: Do you collect from local schools?More questions in this section
Programmes & sessions
ECCE sessions and the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) — in plain language.
Featured answer
ECCE is the funded preschool year for eligible ages. At Little Squirrels, sessions are play-based and gently structured — creative learning, outdoor time, and calm routines that help children feel ready for primary school. Eligibility and registration windows vary; send an enquiry with your child’s date of birth and we will explain sessions, timing, and next steps in plain language.
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Question: How does the ECCE programme work?Featured answer
NCS is Ireland’s scheme to help qualifying families with childcare costs. It is separate from ECCE and can apply across ages and programme types, depending on your circumstances and current rules. Check official NCS guidance, then tell us what you hope to access — we help you understand what may apply at Little Squirrels without jargon. Our fees & funding page has more context.
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Question: What is the National Childcare Scheme (NCS)?Helping things feel a little easier
Routines, snacks, collections, and funding pointers.
Featured answer
Snack routines depend on the session and age group. We share plain-language guidance during enrolment and in your parent pack. Tell us about allergies and dietary needs on your enquiry so we can advise accurately.
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Question: Do you provide snacks?Featured answer
Collections depend on routes, capacity, and what is agreed for your child’s school or programme. We never promise a specific collection until it is confirmed. Ask on your enquiry and we will be clear about what is possible.
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Question: How do collections work?More questions in this section
Working with us
Applying, qualifications, and what to expect.
Featured answer
Use the expression-of-interest form on this page, or email us with your CV and the role title. We read every message personally and reply with honest next steps — including when we are not actively hiring.
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Question: How do I actually apply?Featured answer
Requirements depend on the role. Early years roles typically need relevant childcare qualifications and Tusla registration pathways where applicable. We also value warmth, reliability, and clear communication — tell us your background on your application.
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Question: What qualifications matter most?More questions in this section
Local schools
Answers for families connected to local national schools — especially after school care and collections.
Crubany, Co. Cavan
After school care is available for families from Crubany National School. Contact us to check current places, preferred days, and what we can offer for your child.
View school pageFeatured answer
We support after school care for families connected to this school area. Contact us to discuss current options and availability for your child.
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Question: Do you offer after school care for families from Crubany National School?Featured answer
Collection arrangements can depend on demand, routes, and capacity. Please contact us — we only confirm collection details when they are operationally agreed.
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Question: Do you collect from Crubany National School?More for Crubany National School
Billis, Co. Cavan
After school care is available for families from Billis National School. Get in touch to check current availability and the days you are hoping for.
View school pageFeatured answer
We support after school care for families connected to this school area. Contact us to discuss current options and availability for your child.
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Question: Do you offer after school care for families from Billis National School?Featured answer
Collection arrangements can depend on demand, routes, and capacity. Please contact us — we only confirm collection details when they are operationally agreed.
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Question: Do you collect from Billis National School?More for Billis National School
Virginia, Co. Cavan
After school care is available for families from Virginia National School. Contact us to check current places and talk through the routine that suits your child.
View school pageFeatured answer
We support after school care for families connected to this school area. Contact us to discuss current options and availability for your child.
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Question: Do you offer after school care for families from Virginia National School?Featured answer
Collection arrangements can depend on demand, routes, and capacity. Please contact us — we only confirm collection details when they are operationally agreed.
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Question: Do you collect from Virginia National School?More for Virginia National School
Killinkere, Co. Cavan
After school care is available for families from Killinkere National School. Send an enquiry to check current availability and discuss your preferred days.
View school pageFeatured answer
We support after school care for families connected to this school area. Contact us to discuss current options and availability for your child.
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Question: Do you offer after school care for families from Killinkere National School?Featured answer
Collection arrangements can depend on demand, routes, and capacity. Please contact us — we only confirm collection details when they are operationally agreed.
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Question: Do you collect from Killinkere National School?More for Killinkere National School
Tunnyduff, Co. Cavan
After school care is available for families from Tunnyduff National School. Contact us to check current places and talk through what your child needs after school.
View school pageFeatured answer
We support after school care for families connected to this school area. Contact us to discuss current options and availability for your child.
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Question: Do you offer after school care for families from Tunnyduff National School?Featured answer
Collection arrangements can depend on demand, routes, and capacity. Please contact us — we only confirm collection details when they are operationally agreed.
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Question: Do you collect from Tunnyduff National School?More for Tunnyduff National School
Mount Nugent, Co. Cavan
After school care is available for families from Mount Nugent National School. Enquire about current availability and the days you are looking for.
View school pageFeatured answer
We support after school care for families connected to this school area. Contact us to discuss current options and availability for your child.
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Question: Do you offer after school care for families from Mount Nugent National School?Featured answer
Collection arrangements can depend on demand, routes, and capacity. Please contact us — we only confirm collection details when they are operationally agreed.
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Question: Do you collect from Mount Nugent National School?More for Mount Nugent National School
Cootehill, Co. Cavan
After school care is available for families from Darley National School. Contact us to check current places and discuss your child’s routine.
View school pageFeatured answer
We support after school care for families connected to this school area. Contact us to discuss current options and availability for your child.
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Question: Do you offer after school care for families from Darley National School?Featured answer
Collection arrangements can depend on demand, routes, and capacity. Please contact us — we only confirm collection details when they are operationally agreed.
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Question: Do you collect from Darley National School?More for Darley National School
Choosing childcare comes with lots of questions. Send us a message and we'll help you understand availability, routines, funding and the next step for your family.
We reply every week to parents across Virginia and surrounding school communities.
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We know choosing childcare comes with lots of questions — you are not alone.
