Daisy Chain - Fernbank

Our centre at Fernbank is located on Upper Churchtown Road. As a new addition to the community (Sept 2026), we are excited to open our doors and look forward to becoming an integral and valued part of the local area.


While our Fernbank centre is new, we bring with us the experience and high standards established in our locations at Terenure, Rathfarnham, Terenure and Stepaside, where we have been caring for children since 2000.


Across all our centres, we pride ourselves on building strong relationships with families and providing a welcoming, nurturing environment in a high-quality setting. 


In all our centers we pride ourselves on providing high-quality care and education delivered by an excellent team of educators. We participate in the ECCE scheme and the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), and our centres are fully registered with TUSLA.

Fernbank Facilities

Opening in September 2026.


At Fernbank, we have three care rooms, pre- Montessori, Montessori and an After-School Club (details below). We have a large outdoor space that ensures each group spends as much time as possible outside. The centre is purpose-built, with a range of different interest areas in all rooms to facilitate all types of play and exploration.


Meet the Manager

Fernbank

All enquiries should be directed to:





After-School Club

Programme Objectives and Goals


Welcome to our Afterschool club! The after-school programme is guided by a play-based, child-led philosophy that values children as active participants in their own learning and development. The objectives of the programme are to provide a safe and welcoming environment, promote positive relationships, support social and emotional development, and encourage creativity, independence, and confidence.


The service recognises the importance of balancing structured opportunities with free play and respects children’s choices and voices in planning activities. Inclusion, equality, and diversity are central to the programme, ensuring all children feel valued and supported.

Daily Routine and Activities

A flexible daily schedule is in place to provide consistency while allowing for spontaneity and child choice. The routine typically includes arrival and welcome time, snack, homework/quiet time, structured activities (such as arts and crafts, group games, or themed projects), unstructured free play, and outdoor play.


Structured activities are planned by staff to support development and engagement, while unstructured time allows children to relax, socialise, and explore their interests independently. The schedule is adapted based on children’s needs, energy levels, and feedback, in line with Tusla guidance on responsive and child-centred care.

Homework Support 

Homework support is offered as a quiet, supervised activity for children who wish to complete schoolwork during after-school hours. The service provides an appropriate space with minimal distractions and access to basic materials. Staff are available to offer encouragement and general guidance; however, responsibility for completing homework remains with the child and their parents/guardians.


Participation in homework time is optional, and alternative quiet activities are available for children who do not have homework. The approach aims to reduce stress and ensure that after-school remains a positive and balanced experience.

Outdoor Play and Physical Activity

Outdoor play and physical activity are an essential part of the daily programme and are provided in line with Tusla QRF requirements for children’s health and wellbeing. Children are given daily opportunities to engage in active play in a safe and supervised outdoor environment, weather permitting. Activities may include free play, sports, group games, and physical challenges that support gross motor development, coordination, and overall fitness.


Risk assessments are conducted regularly to ensure the outdoor area is safe, and appropriate clothing is encouraged to allow children to participate comfortably. Outdoor play promotes wellbeing, social interaction, and enjoyment.