Creche and Preschool Enrolment Process
Choosing the right early years service is an important step for every family. At Hollyhill Knocknaheeny Family Centre, we aim to make the enrolment process clear, supportive, and easy to understand.
Places are allocated according to availability, age eligibility, and service criteria. Priority is given to families living in the Hollyhill Knocknaheeny area. Completing an application form does not guarantee a place; your child will be added to the waiting list.
1. Request an Application Form
Parents and guardians can request an application form by:
- visiting the Family Centre in person,
- phoning the Family Centre,
- emailing the Family Centre.
Address: Hollyhill Knocknaheeny Family Centre, Harbour View Road, Hollyhill, Cork T23 T861, Ireland
Phone: 021 439 2300
Email: thefamilycentre2020@gmail.com
2. Complete and Return the Application Form
Once you receive the application form, please complete it and return it to the Family Centre.
Application forms may be returned:
- by email,
- in person at the Family Centre office.
Please note that completing an application form does not automatically secure a place. Your child’s name will be added to the waiting list.
3. Waiting List
After the application form is received, your child will be placed on the waiting list.
Places are normally offered around April for the coming service year.
The Family Centre will contact parents/guardians when a suitable place becomes available.
4. Age Requirements
Children must meet the age requirements for the relevant service.
| Service | Age requirement |
|---|---|
| Crèche | Children must be 2 years old by the coming September |
| Preschool | Children must be 2 years and 8 months old by the coming September |
5. Place Offer
If a place becomes available, the Family Centre will contact you with further details.
Once a place is offered, parents/guardians may be invited to:
- visit the service,
- attend an open day,
- arrange a one-to-one appointment,
- meet staff,
- ask questions about routines, rooms, settling in, fees, and start dates.
6. Required Documents Before Starting
Before your child starts, parents/guardians must complete and return the required documents.
These may include:
- Child Record Form,
- immunisation record,
- emergency contact details,
- authorised collection details,
- medical, allergy, dietary, or additional support information,
- consent forms, where required.
It is important that all information provided is accurate and kept up to date.
7. Fees and Funding
Fees are paid weekly, where applicable.
Parents/guardians may be eligible for support through the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). To use NCS funding, parents must apply for a CHICK code and provide it to the Family Centre.
ECCE preschool hours are free for eligible children during the ECCE programme weeks. Extra hours, where available, may involve an additional fee.
Please contact the Family Centre directly for the most up-to-date fee and funding information.
8. Sick Days, Holidays, and Notice Period
Fees must still be paid for sick days and holiday weeks. The Family Centre does not receive reimbursement from government bodies for these days, so fees remain payable to secure the child’s place.
If you wish to end your child’s place, the Family Centre requires 4 weeks’ notice.
9. Settling In
The Family Centre understands that starting crèche or preschool is a big step for both children and parents.
Staff will support each child to settle in at their own pace. Parents/guardians are encouraged to share any information that may help staff support their child during the settling-in period.