Parent Information
Your Gateway to Quality Care and Peace of Mind
At Laochra Academy we understand that when families entrust their children to our care, we have an enormous responsibility to the whole family. Not only do we ensure your children receive the quality of care they deserve, we also understand that parent engagement, communication, and customer service are critical – we deliver this through our combination of traditional, personal, innovative and digital resources available to all of our families.
A variety of activities are incorporated into our daily programme. We acknowledge the individual strengths and interests children have and therefore they will have the freedom to choose between the two activities programmed on each day.
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Child voice
We prioritise children's perspectives.
Extended Care
We provide care Monday to Friday until after 6pm.
Child safety
We ensure children's safety above all.
Healthy Snacks
We offer nutritious and tasty breakfast and snacks
Inquiry Based Tasks
We create open ended tasks each week
Outdoors
Nature is our learning ground.
NCS
NCS Accepted
Flexible Booking Options
Half day and full time options during holiday programmes
Our Special Features
National Childcare Scheme
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides subsidies to parents and families to offset the costs of Early Learning and Care (ELC) and/or School Age Childcare (SAC). There are two types of subsidies available to apply for under the NCS - the Universal or Income Assessed subsidy. Both subsidies are available to families with children between 24 weeks and 15 years of age.
Minister Roderic O'Gorman has introduced a new rate as part of the Budget 2024 measures, increasing the minimum NCS subsidy rate from €1.40 to €2.14. This means parents can now receive a higher subsidy towards their childcare fees for the upcoming academic year. From September 2024, each child will be entitled to receive a minimum of €2.14 per hour from September 2024 deducted from their childcare bill (this is a non-means-tested rate) and up to €3.75 per hour (if means tested).
Laochra Academy welcomes children who wish to avail of the National Childcare Scheme, including children referred under the sponsorship programme. Further information about the NCS, including how to apply for a subsidy, is available here - https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/ or contact the NCS Parent Support Centre on 01906 8530 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm).
Child voice
We prioritize children's perspectives.
Extended Care
We provide care Monday to Friday until after 6pm.
Children safety
We ensure children's safety above all.
Healthy Snacks
We offer nutritious and tasty breakfast and snacks
Inquiry Based Tasks
We create open ended tasks each week
Outdoors
Nature is our learning ground.
NCS
NCS Accepted
Flexible Booking Options
Half day and full time options during holiday programmes
Our Special Features
Applying for your subsidy and want to check what it might be? Check your eligibility and calculate your subsidy now via the button below.
To begin your NCS application you will need your MyGovID account to hand. If you don’t have a MyGovdID account or you don’t have access to this – you’ll need to create and/or verify your account via the government website. For this, you will need to have:
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Your PPS (Personal Public Service) number
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Your Public Services Card
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Your mobile phone
If you are eligible for the NCS subsidy and your application has been processed, you will be notified of the amount you are eligible for and receive a unique “CHICK CODE” on the HIVE portal. Access your HIVE portal via link below and send a screenshot of your CHICK code to laochraacademy@gmail.com
NCS-Step By Step
Sample Times/Fees - Before/ After NCS from September 2024
Junior/Senior Infants Sample Times/Fees
Booking Option | Price | Cost After NCS |
|---|---|---|
Breakfast Hour | €6.50 per day €30 per week | €4.36 per day €19.30 per week |
Junior Hour | €6.50 per day €30 per week | €4.36 per day €19.30 per week |
5:30pm pick up* | €24 per day | €15.44 per day |
6:30pm pick up* | €28 per day | €17.30 per day |
Full week: M-F 1:30-5:30pm* | €105 per week | €62.20 per week |
Full week: M-F 1:30-6:30pm* | €120 per week | €66.50 per week |
1st-6th Class Sample Times/Fees
Booking Option | Price | Cost After NCS |
|---|---|---|
Breakfast Hour | €6.50 per day €30 per week | €4.36 per day €19.30 per week |
5:30pm pick up* | €20 per day | €13.58 per day |
6:30pm* pick up | €24 per day | €15.44 per day |
Full week: M-F
2:30-5:30pm* | €87 per week | €54.90 per week |
Full week: M-F
2:30-6:30pm* | €105 per week | €62.20 per week |
* Note- times may vary depending on school times
Terms and Conditions
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If you receive the NCS (National Childcare Scheme) subsidy, you must adhere to the contract requirements outlined by the government. This includes ensuring that your child attends the service for the specified time as applied for on the NCS, with exceptions for legitimate short-term circumstances such as illness.
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After submitting your screenshot of your CHICK Code, we will deduct your subsidy from your bill each week and your invoice will be sent to you accordingly. Laochra Academy Limited will show you on your invoice of how your co-payment is calculated (our fee less your NCS subsidy).
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When you are sending your CHICK CODE to Laochra Academy, please make sure that this screenshot includes all your child’s details: Your child’s full name, Date of birth, dates of validity (start and end date of award) and the unique CHICK code.
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You are required to confirm all claims on the HIVE yourself; failure to do so may result in the risk of losing the subsidy.
Parent Portal
Our Parent Portal empowers you with access to your child’s care and activities, financial information and regular communication and information from us- right at your fingertips!
Once you receive your link to activate your parent portal, create an account and log in using your username and password. Take some time to navigate through the different features of the parent portal. You will see your child’s attendance record, their activities, communication emails from Laochra Academy, your invoice and you can even make a request for an additional ad hoc booking on here too!
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Happy Parents
Sarah
"Laochra Academy is an absolutely fantastic service. Since starting in November, I have seen such a change in my child. She is so happy and content every day coming home from afterschool and this in turn is making the evenings after my own day's work far less stressful"
Vicki
"As a parent, I wholeheartedly recommend Laochra Academy. Their program is a wonderful blend of science, sports, drama, friendship, and learning, creating an enriching experience that leaves a lasting impact for my son. "
Deirdre and Roland
"Laochra Academy has been wonderful since last autumn. Our children love the caring staff and activities. Emer and her team provide essential support for working parents. Thank you, Emer and team!
A.G
"Our two boys ( 7 and 11) have had a brilliant year with Laochra Academy. The service is very well organised by Emer and her team . We found homework to be really well supervised and the boys never had any issues with getting help when needed."
Caroline
"Mickaela, Maggie, Emer and all the staff are just wonderful in Laochra Academy. We were nervous starting the boys in after school care but they all made us feel so comfortable and we knew they were in good hands."
Stephen
"Excellent service. Always seems to be a great variety of activities each day. Our child loves going. Huge benefit to his overall physical activity and he makes friends too. Have been recommending to other parents. Keep up the good work!"
Rachel
"My child loves going to Laochra. He loves the variety of child-led activities that are available every day. I love that he gets to play outside and use all sorts of equipment to engage his creative side. The girls who look after the kids are very positive and caring."
Teresa
"My child loves attending Laochra Academy each week. He especially enjoys choosing his activities, with free play fostering creativity, language development, social skills, and cognitive benefits. Well done to Emer and the Laochra Team on a successful first year at Farnham N.S."
Brenda
"A great after-school program with dedicated, energetic staff who ensure kids are well cared for in their familiar school environment. Laochra Academy offers healthy snacks and a variety of activities each evening. Excellent communication and flexibility from management. Highly recommended."
