Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones is a purpose‑built childcare centre situated at 30 Belfry Crescent, Citywest, Dublin 24, with easy access from both the Blessington and Naas Roads. Housed in a bright, modern building on a quiet corner of the Belfry Estate, the facility includes a large, securely enclosed private garden that provides a safe outdoor space for play and exploration. The centre is approved by the South Eastern Health Board and the Department of Environmental Health and is a member of the National Childcare Nursery Association (NCNA), underscoring its commitment to high standards of health, safety and quality. The centre caters for children from 2 years 8 months up to 5 years 6 months, offering an environment that blends the Montessori philosophy with the Irish early years framework, Aistear. Dedicated ECCE rooms support this blended approach, while a specialised Sensory Room encourages interactive, group‑based activities such as puzzles, sorting and fine‑motor tasks. All staff are fully Garda‑vetted, hold qualifications from Level 5 to Level 8, and a proportion are trained under the LINC programme to support inclusion of children with additional needs. Safety is a priority, with at least half of the team holding Paediatric First Aid certification and comprehensive first‑aid knowledge across the staff. Stepping Stones places a strong emphasis on two‑way communication with parents, welcoming input and suggestions to continually improve the care experience. The centre’s secure yet homely atmosphere aims to provide a happy, caring and educational setting where each child’s individual needs are met, fostering confidence and development in the early years.