Marlin Academy Childcare
Dun Laoghaire

Following the deeply sad passing of our beloved Sabrina Lindsay-O'Connor after her courageous battle with cancer, Oliver O'Connor has taken over the leadership and management of Marlin Academy Childcare. Previously our dedicated Executive Assistant and holding a Diploma in Childcare, Oliver played a crucial role behind the scenes ensuring that the administrative and organisational aspects of our academy ran seamlessly. His professional qualifications, meticulous attention to detail, and deep familiarity with our academy are invaluable in maintaining the high standards of care and efficiency Sabrina championed, allowing our educators to continue focusing entirely on what they do best: nurturing and teaching the children in our care.
Oliver's academic background, with a Bachelor's Degree in English with Creative Writing from University College Dublin (UCD), brings a unique perspective to his role. This foundation has honed his excellent communication abilities, precision in language, and capacity for clear, organised thought – all vital assets in managing diverse administrative tasks. Whether it's drafting important communications, preparing reports, or streamlining processes, Oliver's analytical and articulate approach ensures clarity and professionalism in all of Marlin Academy's operations.

Furthermore, Oliver is highly proficient in a range of essential office technologies. He holds an ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) qualification and is expert in all Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. His advanced skills in forming complex spreadsheets are particularly beneficial for managing records, tracking important data, and supporting the academy's operational needs with accuracy and efficiency. Oliver's technological prowess ensures that Marlin Academy's administrative systems are modern, robust, and supportive of our commitment to excellence.

Oliver's quiet dedication and organisational acumen are fundamental to Marlin Academy's daily rhythm. He is an indispensable part of the team, enabling Sabrina Lindsay to focus on her leadership and therapeutic roles, and empowering our educators to create an enriching environment for the children. His commitment to behind-the-scenes excellence directly contributes to the overall smooth running and success of Marlin Academy Childcare

At Marlin Academy Childcare, the warmth, expertise, and dedication of our educators are paramount to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for every child. We are delighted to introduce Tina Thorpe, a highly valued member of our team, whose genuine passion for early years education shines through in her daily interactions. Tina's commitment to fostering a positive and engaging atmosphere ensures that children feel secure, happy, and eager to explore, making her a wonderful asset to our Dún Laoghaire centre.

Tina's professional foundation is built upon a solid Diploma in Childcare, a qualification that equips her with comprehensive knowledge of child development, pedagogical approaches, and best practices in early years' settings. This academic grounding ensures that her interactions with children are informed, purposeful, and aligned with the national curriculum frameworks of Aistear and Síolta. She is skilled in creating enriching learning experiences that cater to diverse developmental stages, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and social interaction among the children in her care.

Beyond her core childcare qualification, Tina holds crucial certifications that underscore her dedication to child safety and well-being. She is qualified as a First Aid Responder (FAR), an advanced qualification that encompasses comprehensive First Aid skills. This means Tina is expertly trained to provide immediate and effective emergency care, a vital skill that brings immense reassurance to both parents and our team. Furthermore, her Manual Handling qualification ensures she applies safe practices in all physical aspects of her role, from assisting children to moving equipment, prioritising safety for both herself and the children. Tina's robust set of qualifications reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and protection at Marlin Academy Childcare

We are incredibly fortunate to have Gillian O'Brien as a dedicated and integral member of the Marlin Academy Childcare team. Gillian brings a vibrant energy and a profound commitment to early childhood development, consistently creating a dynamic and supportive atmosphere for the children in her care. Her natural ability to connect with each child, understanding their individual needs and sparking their enthusiasm for learning, makes her an invaluable presence within our Dún Laoghaire centre.

Gillian's professional expertise is firmly rooted in her Diploma in Childcare, a qualification that provides her with a comprehensive understanding of child psychology, developmental milestones, and effective educational methodologies. This strong academic background empowers her to design and implement engaging activities that stimulate cognitive growth, foster creativity, and enhance social skills, all while aligning with Ireland's national early years' frameworks, Aistear and Síolta. Her thoughtful approach ensures that every child's learning journey is meaningful and tailored to their unique pace.

The safety and well-being of the children are always Gillian's top priority, demonstrated by her critical certifications. She is a qualified First Aid Responder (FAR), signifying her advanced training and competence in providing immediate and comprehensive first aid in any emergency situation. This vital skill set offers immense reassurance to families and colleagues alike. Additionally, Gillian's Manual Handling qualification reflects her dedication to safe practices in all aspects of her role, from facilitating playtime to assisting children, ensuring a secure environment for everyone. Gillian's blend of educational expertise and practical safety qualifications exemplifies the high standards we uphold at Marlin Academy Childcare.

Jancy is an invaluable member of our team, bringing a wonderful blend of care, creativity, and organization to her role. Having successfully achieved her Diploma in Childcare, she demonstrates a strong commitment to professional excellence and the well-being of the children. Looking ahead, Jancy is working toward becoming our fully established Montessori teacher once we have begun the process of registration.

As a caring individual, Jancy fosters a nurturing and supportive environment for all the children. She is the main organiser and driving force behind our popular Chess Club, encouraging strategic thinking and friendly competition among the participants.

Her artistic flair and organizational skills shine as one of the leading people responsible for scheduling the weekly arts and crafts activities. Jancy ensures the children always have engaging, diverse, and stimulating creative projects to look forward to.