Statement of Purpose and Function
Name of Service: Blossom’s Childcare
This Statement is available at all times and communicated to parents, guardians, and school age
children.
Purpose of the Service
The purpose of our School Age Service is to provide a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment
for children aged 4–15 years who are enrolled in primary or post-primary education. Our service
supports the holistic development of each child by offering high-quality, play-based, and age-
appropriate care during out-of-school hours, including before school, after school, and during school
holidays.
We are committed to providing a service that is inclusive, child-centred, and respectful of diversity,
in accordance with national policies and regulations. Our goal is to complement the home and
school environments by promoting each child’s emotional, social, physical, and intellectual well-
being.
Function of the Service
Our school age service operates to:
Support Working Families: By offering reliable and flexible care before and after school, and
during school breaks.
Provide a Safe and Secure Environment: Ensuring children are cared for in a protected,
nurturing setting that meets all relevant health, safety, and welfare standards.
Promote Child-Led Play and Learning: Through a wide range of structured and unstructured
play opportunities that foster creativity, cooperation, problem-solving, and independence.
Encourage Positive Relationships: Among children and between children and staff,
promoting respect, inclusion, and a sense of belonging.
Collaborate with Parents/Guardians: Maintaining open communication and involving
families in the development and review of service practices.
Uphold Regulatory Compliance: Operating in full compliance with the Child Care Act 1991
(Early Years Services) (Registration of School Age Services) Regulations 2018 and all
applicable Tusla standards.
Affinity Childcare Group Ltd T/A Blossoms Childcare
Service Details
Age Range of Children: 4–15 years
Hours of Operation: 1:30pm – 6:00pm, Monday to Friday during the school term; full days
during holidays.
Type of Provision: sessional, part-time, full-time, term-time, holidays.
Number of Children Catered For: 12 children (aged 4-15 years) per adult supervisor.
Staffing: All staff members are suitably qualified, and Garda vetted, with a commitment to
continuous professional development.
Our Ethos and Approach
We believe that every child has the right to rest, play, and engage in leisure activities in an
environment that values their individuality. We support children’s agency by listening to their voices,
encouraging their participation in decision-making, and ensuring they feel valued, safe, and
confident.
The service is guided by the principles of Síolta, Aistear, Children First: National Guidance, and Tusla
School-Age Childcare Regulations (2018). Our practices are also informed by national child
protection, inclusion, and health and safety standards.
Policies That Inform Our Work
1. Child Safeguarding Policy
2. Code of Behaviour and Positive Behaviour Management Policy
3. Anti-Bullying and Cyberbullying Policy
4. Admissions and Enrolment Policy
5. Drop-Off and Collection Policy
6. Health and Safety Policy
7. Infection Control Policy
8. First Aid and Medication Administration Policy
9. Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation Policy
10. Immunisation Records and Health Management Policy
11. Inclusion and Diversity Policy
12. Risk Management and Supervision Policy
13. Accident and Incident Policy
14. Uncollected Child and Missing Child Policy
15. Staff Recruitment, Vetting, and Training Policy
16. Confidentiality and Record-Keeping Policy
Affinity Childcare Group Ltd T/A Blossoms Childcare
17. Partnership with Parents Policy
18. Complaints and Feedback Policy
19. Technology and Online Safety Policy
20. Policy on Physical Intervention (if applicable)
This Statement of Purpose and Function will be reviewed annually and is available to all parents,
guardians, staff, and regulatory authorities.