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About Us

Once upon a time, in the heart of a little town called Dun Laoghaire, there was a certain building that stood out among the others. This magical little treasure trove was Marlin Academy Childcare.

It's a large staircase, adorned with flowers and friendly little creatures of all kinds to welcome you in. This was a place full of magic and wonder for all children who wished to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. One where their mental wellbeing would flourish within the walls of this unique zone of tranquillity.

Through the open windows, the sound of giggles could be heard echoing around the streets. Catching the attention of all who would pass by, the town-goers began to wonder how just one little place could bring so much joy to all the children of the surrounding areas. And thus, a group of the locals decided to take on the mission of discovering the building for themselves.

Coming face to face with the large black door, the locals hesitated momentarily before using the lion knocker to let the owner know they had arrived. They were welcomed with a warm flourish of light as Sabrina, the owner of the childcare facility, opened the door to greet them. “Please come in, we have been waiting for you.”

The walls were adorned with the art of the children who attended Marlin Academy Childcare, and the entire building lit up with all the different colours Sabrina had chosen to invoke a sense of calm and happiness within not only the children attending the service, but the staff members too.

Each room vibrated an aura that could not be easily replicated. Pure joy encapsulated within the entire building, from all the stories, hopes, and dreams put forth by the children who attended. From showing off their artistic talents to dancing among the cascade of ribbons and batons in the garden. The sun always shone on those who wished to feel nothing but complete comfort within the walls of Marlin Academy Childcare.
However, this childcare facility would not have been complete without Sabrina’s wish to install an area which would be devoted to the mental well-being of the child. “The Zen Den.”

This was a space, no matter your beliefs, where the children could come to unwind and have a few moments of peace for themselves. Whether it was Teddy Meddy, where they’d learn the importance of breathing techniques, or how to deal with a difficult situation, and the correct tools for navigating different emotions we may be feeling within ourselves each day.

The magic of the Zen Den can only be kept alive by the vibrancy of the children who attend Marlin Academy Childcare; however, that is why we welcome each child equally, no matter what their needs may be, and are a highly inclusive environment, with a no-tolerance policy for bullying/discrimination.

All children should have a space to socialise where they can feel completely at ease, and each day we aim to achieve this entirely at Marlin Academy Childcare.

In The News:

Our staff

At Marlin Academy Childcare in Dún Laoghaire, we believe that the heart of exceptional early years' education lies with our dedicated and passionate team. Our staff are not merely caregivers; they are highly skilled educators, mentors, and nurturers who create a warm, stimulating, and secure environment where every child can flourish. We are immensely proud of their commitment to fostering curiosity, promoting social-emotional development, and celebrating the unique potential within each child who walks through our doors. Their genuine love for working with children is evident in every interaction, from comforting a hesitant new arrival to cheering on a child mastering a new skill.

Our team at Marlin Academy is comprised of highly qualified professionals, holding recognised early childhood education qualifications as mandated by the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016. This commitment to professional excellence ensures that our educators are equipped with the latest pedagogical knowledge and best practices in early years' care and education. Beyond formal qualifications, we prioritise continuous professional development, with staff regularly engaging in training on areas such as Aistear (the National Curriculum Framework for children from birth to six years in Ireland), Síolta (the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education), first aid, manual handling, and specific child development areas. This ongoing learning ensures that our team remains at the forefront of early years' education.

The safety and well-being of the children in our care are paramount, and our staff recruitment process reflects this unwavering commitment. Every member of our team undergoes rigorous Garda Vetting (the Irish national vetting service) and comprehensive reference checks before joining Marlin Academy. Furthermore, all staff receive mandatory training in Children First national child protection guidance, ensuring they are fully aware of their responsibilities in safeguarding children and are empowered to identify and report any concerns. Our Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is always available to guide staff on child protection matters, reinforcing a culture where child safety is everyone's responsibility and the highest priority.

It is the collective expertise, unwavering dedication, and compassionate approach of our staff that truly sets Marlin Academy apart. They work collaboratively with parents, forming vital partnerships to ensure a consistent and supportive experience for each child. By fostering an atmosphere of respect, trust, and enthusiasm for learning, our team ensures that every day at Marlin Academy is an enriching and joyful experience, laying a strong foundation for children's future development and well-being.

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