Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to common questions regarding our locations in Athlone, Mullingar, and Tullamore, our available care options, qualified Carers, state funding schemes (ECCE and NCS), daily routines and health and safety policies. If you have a specific inquiry or if your question is not covered in this section, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team directly via our website, phone, or email. We are always happy to help.
General Information & Locations
Grovelands operates 7 centres across the Midlands: 5 in Athlone (Millbrook Avenue, IDA Business Park, Ballymahon Road, Corran Riada, Church Hills), 1 in Mullingar (Market Point) and 1 in Tullamore (IDA Business Park).
We accommodate children from 6 months up to school age across our full-day care, sessional and after-school programs.
You can fill out the “Request a Call” form on our website, contact your preferred location directly by phone/email, or submit an enquiry online.
Care Options & Curriculum
We offer Full Day Care (over 4 hours/day), Sessional & Part Time Care (3–4 hours/day, minimum 2 days/week) and Before & After School Care. Services offered vary per service.
Our Educarers are fully qualified early years professionals trained in early childhood education and child protection.
Yes, nutritionally balanced meals and snacks prepared daily are provided for children attending full-day and relevant sessional care. ECCE only bring their own snacks.
Funding & Schemes
Yes, all eligible children can access the state-funded Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme at our centres.
Yes, we support both universal and income-assessed subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).
ECCE deposits and booking fees can be paid online directly through the Grovelands Childcare website or by contacting the service directly.
Policies & Operations
Opening hours vary slightly by location and service type (e.g., Full Day Care vs. Sessional/Afterschool). Specific times are available on each centre’s location page.
Yes, our After School service provides transport to and from select local primary schools. Contact your local centre for school coverage lists.
We use regular direct communication and also use Child Paths software to inform parents about daily activities, meals, sleep times, and developmental milestones.
To ensure a healthy environment, children with contagious illnesses, high fevers, or vomiting/diarrhoea must remain at home until fully recovered (typically 48 hours symptom-free). Further details are available in our policies and procedures.
We accommodate most dietary needs and allergies by preparing tailored meals and maintaining strict safety protocols across all kitchens and classrooms. Any requirements to be discussed in advance of enrolment.
All centres feature secure access systems, child-proofed learning environments, continuous supervision, and adherence to national Tusla early years standards.