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Auburn Play School is an early years service in Cabinteely catering for children from 2yrs 6 mths - 6 years. At Auburn Play School a play-based curriculum is used with a focus on outdoor learning.

At Auburn Play School there is a relaxed and inviting environment for your child. We provide an open door policy and you are welcome at any time. The curriculum is child-led and based on children's individual interests. You will find a classroom full of exciting activities and a large garden for the children to play.

Opening hours 9.15-12.15

To apply for a place simply contact us at auburnplayschool@gmail.com.

Play offers children the opportunity to set up real life scenarios where they can practice, share and learn the skills they will need in later life. It allows them the space to explore and think in creative ways.

While research on brain development is in its infancy, it is believed that play shapes the structural design of the brain. We know that secure attachments and stimulation are significant aspects of brain development; play provides active exploration that assists in building and strengthening brain pathways. Play creates a brain that has increased flexibility and improved potential for learning and creativity later in life

Young children’s play allows them to explore, identify, negotiate, take risks and create meaning. The intellectual and cognitive benefits of playing have been well documented. Children who engage in quality play experiences are more likely to have well-developed memory skills, language development, and are able to regulate their behaviour, leading to enhanced school adjustment and academic learning.

Physically active play allows children to test and develop all types of motor skills. It promotes significant health and wellbeing benefits. One of the greatest benefits of playing is to assist with the development of social competence. Children can build relationships, learn to resolve conflicts, negotiate and regulate their behaviours. In play, children usually have increased feelings of success and optimism as they act as their own agents and make their own choices. Playing is a known stress release; it is often linked to child wellbeing.

The dispositions for learning, such as curiosity, openness, optimism, resilience, concentration, and creativity are developed in play. Playing is linked to the development of resilience and the beginnings of empathy as children begin to understand other points of view.

Free play, indoors and outdoors – is where children choose activities and explore and experiment with the materials around them, either on their own or in collaboration with other children.

It's Fun, children to follow their interests and learn life skills (including literacy and numeracy) at their own pace, in their own way, while at the same time enjoying the process.

Areas play both indoor and outside for free play

• Home / shop - explore roles, relationships, skills, including language and numeracy skills and thinking
• Construction - mathematical skills, design, collaboration and negotiation skills, science cause and effect 
• Sand, water and playdough - explore science concepts about volume, capacity, consistency, creativity, relaxing
• Art - creativity, self expression, science, literacy
• Books - literacy, relationships, quite area

There will also be some organised activities such as

• Stories, songs, rhymes – developing language, rhythm, movement and a sense of community
• Dance and action songs, obstacle course, climbing, group games - where children can move– learn to manage risk – develop a sense of adventure and well-being as well as important physical and mental skills.

The morning will involve

• Free play - unstructured playtime gives kids a chance to discover their interests and tap into their creativity. It’s a crucial element for building resilience in children, an attribute they’ll need in order to become happy, productive adults. 
• Small group time - when children further explore issues and interests that arise in play to extend their knowledge and skills.
• Large group time - where children have the option to join together to sing, dance or play games
• Snack times - where children can eat together and chat learning social skills, how to prepare food, hygiene, there is also the option to eat and have a drink at any time. Just like us children could be thirsty or hungry at different times, there is also an option to continue playing rather than breaking the flow of play for a snack (learning moments can happen at any time and dragging a child who is fully absorbed in something could diminish that)
• Tidy up time - clean up time can be fun and teach children problem solving skills, mathematical concepts, lessons in family life, citizenship skills, responsibility, self-motivation and more.