Daycare Nursery & Centre for Child Development:Tir Na n-Og

Tir na n-Og (the magical “land of the young” in Celtic mythology) is a non-profitmaking nursery founded by Bangor University and is open to all sectors of the community. Located in a tranquil, rural setting overlooking Bangor, the nursery is nevertheless only a few minutes walk from the city centre.

It provides a unique resource for researchers in the School of Psychology: the nursery is equipped with special facilities, such as an observation lounge and video cameras. Subject to the consent of the children's parents or guardians, observations can be made to further understanding of language, learning, and development.

The main nursery has 50 childcare places, 20 for infants from 3 months of age and 30 for pre-school toddlers. In addition, for 5-11 year olds, the nursery complex includes an After School Centre; this also serves as the hub of the Holiday Play Scheme during school term breaks.

The defining feature of Tir na n-Og is its focus on high quality care:

Nursery staff are highly trained, and their good working conditions ensure continuity of stimulating and nurturing carer-child relationships. Within the consistent day-to-day family groups, the carer engages with each child in the language chosen by his/her parent(s).
Tir na n-Og has a unique, carefully written curriculum designed to meet the National Standards for the Desired Outcomes for Pre-School Children drawn up by the Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales. Daily play and more structured learning activities are not only designed to dove-tail with the National Curriculum Key Stage 1; they also to provide all-round gains in children’s physical, social, emotional, linguistic, scientific, and cultural development.
Within the nursery each indoor play room is furnished and equipped to provide an age-appropriate, well-planned balance between the comfortingly familiar and the enticingly novel—a perfect environment in which to happily learn new skills and develop friendships.
Tir na n-Og offers extensive opportunities for outdoor play. Children develop their dexterity, balance, and co-ordination, and enjoy themselves in a secure, beautifully equipped adventure playground sited on deep bark safety surfacing. Nature walks in the adjacent countryside are also a regular feature of their outdoor activities. After School and Holiday Play Scheme children take trips further afield to museums, parks, beaches, nature reserves, sports centres, and so on.
Nursery staff ensure that the children in their care eat at least five fruit and vegetables per day, the World health Organisation recommended dietary health target. These and other fresh foods are provided in the form of nutritious snacks and imaginative main meals prepared each day by the nursery cook in a spatious, hygienic and well-equipped kitchen.
Staff from the School of Psychology contribute considerably to the expertise of the nursery staff; they monitor the nursery’s activities with the aim of improving standards of childcare and enhancing children’s learning and development.

For further information contact:
Mrs S. Kennedy
01248 370742

Tir na n-Og Day Nursery