Moville's Little Stars pre-school celebrates 15 successful years in the community

It’s hard to believe, but fifteen years and more have come and gone since Little Stars pre-school opened on Moville’s Main Street.

It was August 2010 that the Inishowen Independent newspaper first visited Little Stars in the aftermath of a well-attended and fun-filled open day at the new premises in the seaside town.

A decade-and-a-half later and Little Stars Pre-School is now part of the fabric of Moville and the surrounding area – a busy, bustling hub of learning for little folk from the town and surrounding areas.

“We would like to thank all of the children and families that have made Little Stars such a unique place over the past fifteen years," says owner Katie Fitzpatrick. "It is a joy and a privilege to work with you all every day.”

Back in 2010, when the Inishowen Independent first spoke to Katie, she mentioned that the business had been a couple of years in the planning and how she couldn't wait to get started. So, how have things changed at Little Stars since 2010?

“We have grown from just two members of staff to ten, we have opened a junior group, added a breakfast club, a lunch club, and an afternoon club (school age)," she explains.

"We had many adventures along the way! Many people on the shore walk enjoy the free wee library, built and maintained by the pre-school.”

Of course, as all those familiar with the location of Little Stars in Moville will know, it enjoys fabulous access to the beautiful shore front area of the seaside town.

“We have developed and now enjoy a beautiful shore-front garden, enabling the children to plant and grow, with a fantastic poly-tunnel featuring mud kitchen, sensory planters, relaxation area with sofa and fruit trees looking out to sea.”

This facility is in keeping with the ethos owner Katie outlined for their pre-school from the get-go: “Little Stars children play in and with the natural environment and community of Moville. We promote confidence, independence and resilience – we listen to children,” says Katie.

“The outdoors is integral to our ethos. Through Aistear, we facilitate child-led learning experiences in an environment that facilitates children to have agency. We work with you to meet the needs of your family.”

Little Stars has received numerous awards over the years, and this year it’s one of the first pre-schools to roll out the new government Bia Blasta scheme, providing a healthy and nutritious lunch to the children on the ECCE program.

The staff team remains highly-qualified, with a graduate leader for each group, and a qualified inclusion co-ordinator on the team.

“We continue to develop our team skills by working closely with Meantoir, an Inishowen-based business, and are proud to be using the Mosaic Family app.”

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The most recent Department of Education Inspection Report on Little Stars Preschool bears out the results of this commitment: “The quality of the children’s learning experiences and achievements is excellent. Children are deeply engaged and involved in their play experiences. They confidently organise their learning using resourceful and imaginative dispositions to create and explore. The provision of open-ended play encourages problem-solving and captivation in learning. Accordingly, the children are developing a strong sense of curiosity and exploration.”

Fifteen years on from their September 2010 opening, congratulations and continued success to all at Little Stars Pre-School in Moville.

For more information on playschool or clubs for older children, please email: movillepreschool@live.com