1,000 signatures reached
To: Minster for Education, TDs
Save The Wombles Preschool & Afterschool Care
As parents, we are reaching out to the wider community for support in saving The Wombles Preschool and Afterschool service, which has been an invaluable part of our community for over a decade. The Wombles has not only provided essential early childhood education (ECCE) but also after-school care for more than 50 children, offering working parents peace of mind and a safe, nurturing environment for our children.
Today, Monday March 3rd we were informed by The Wombles that due to pressure from the SENO, the classroom rented by The Wombles in Scoil Mhuire, Lucan, may be repurposed as an autism class starting in September 2025. While we fully support the need for additional autism resources, the loss of this space will have a devastating impact on families who rely on The Wombles for both preschool and after-school care.
Currently, 44 children attend the ECCE programme, benefiting from the strong educational foundation that prepares them for primary school. Additionally, 54 children are enrolled in the after-school service for September 2025. Without this service, dozens of families will be left scrambling for alternative childcare options in an area already severely lacking in facilities.
Lucan is a growing community with an ever-increasing demand for childcare services, yet there has been no investment in additional facilities to support this growth. Every day, parents struggle to find available preschool and after-school placements. The loss of this service will only worsen an already dire situation.
Today, Monday March 3rd we were informed by The Wombles that due to pressure from the SENO, the classroom rented by The Wombles in Scoil Mhuire, Lucan, may be repurposed as an autism class starting in September 2025. While we fully support the need for additional autism resources, the loss of this space will have a devastating impact on families who rely on The Wombles for both preschool and after-school care.
Currently, 44 children attend the ECCE programme, benefiting from the strong educational foundation that prepares them for primary school. Additionally, 54 children are enrolled in the after-school service for September 2025. Without this service, dozens of families will be left scrambling for alternative childcare options in an area already severely lacking in facilities.
Lucan is a growing community with an ever-increasing demand for childcare services, yet there has been no investment in additional facilities to support this growth. Every day, parents struggle to find available preschool and after-school placements. The loss of this service will only worsen an already dire situation.
Why is this important?
The closure of The Wombles at this location will not only leave children without crucial early learning opportunities but will also place an immense strain on working parents who depend on after-school care. Many of us have built our work schedules around this service, knowing our children are in a safe, familiar, and supportive environment. The impact extends beyond our families, affecting six dedicated early years educators who may lose their jobs.
Early years education plays a vital role in identifying children who may need additional support or early intervention, and The Wombles has been instrumental in ensuring children receive the help they need from an early age. Over the past decade, they have provided Level 7 support for children who have gone on to thrive in school.
We urge you to find a solution that does not leave 98 children without care and education. Our families need your immediate attention to this matter.
Early years education plays a vital role in identifying children who may need additional support or early intervention, and The Wombles has been instrumental in ensuring children receive the help they need from an early age. Over the past decade, they have provided Level 7 support for children who have gone on to thrive in school.
We urge you to find a solution that does not leave 98 children without care and education. Our families need your immediate attention to this matter.