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County Clare

Live online workshops for Clare

Clare is covered by live online workshops rather than in-person visits, with an on-site setting day possible only where travel and an overnight are covered.

Clare services from Ennis and Shannon out to Kilrush and Ennistymon tend to ask about language and conflict, often in the same breath. It makes sense: a great deal of what looks like fighting between young children is really two people without enough words, trying to solve a problem about a truck at speed. Give them the language and the problem gets smaller.

The sessions take that practically. What does an adult say in the ten seconds after a grab, and what is better left unsaid? How do you narrate play without turning it into a quiz? Which four feeling words does a room agree to use consistently, so a child hears the same thing from every adult? Emotional literacy resources are made rather than described, so a team or a parent finishes the hour with something usable rather than a list of intentions.

There is a clear boundary in this material and it is stated in every session: this is early years practice, not therapy. Amy holds a Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care and is studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, but she is not a qualified play therapist, and children who need a speech and language or clinical referral should get one. On delivery, Clare is served online — the west is beyond regular travel from Gorey — and Clare County Childcare Committee is the local point of contact for funding and registration.

For settings

Staff development for crèches, preschools and ECCE rooms across Clare — setting packages from €399.

For parents

Evening online sessions for Clare parents — join from home once the children are settled.

Private sessions

One-to-one from €25 for 30 minutes, or a private group around your own schedule.

Most requested by Clare groups

Towns in Clare we hear from

Parents and educators book from Ennis, Shannon, Kilrush, Ennistymon, Sixmilebridge and right across the county. Because these sessions run live online, where you are in the county makes no difference to whether you can take part.

Local support in Clare

For funding, registration and local early years supports, Clare County Childcare Committee is the first port of call for settings and childminders in the county. Visit Clare County Childcare Committee

What attendees say

“Planning made simple, broken down and fun to discuss.”
Maria · Workshop attendee
“Amy made supporting children through child-led activities and emergent interests so much easier to understand. She sat in the room with us completely non-judgmental and offered guidance that in turn sparked our own ideas.”
Chloe · Room leader, early years setting
“Amy's love for children shines through and her passion is contagious. If you want your fire reignited, Amy will most definitely help you light the match.”
Margaret · Parent

Clare questions

Can a Clare setting and its parent group both benefit from one booking?
They often do it as two bookings a fortnight apart — one session for the team, one evening session for the parents on the same theme. When both groups are using the same words for feelings and the same approach to conflict, children get consistency across home and setting, which is where the real gain is.
Is the language session about speech therapy?
No, and that distinction matters. It is about how everyday play, narration, waiting and turn-taking build language in a room or at home. Amy is an early years educator with a Level 8 degree, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy — she is not a speech and language therapist, and a child with a suspected delay should be referred appropriately.
How far in advance should a Clare setting book?
Public online dates are listed on the booking page and can be taken up to the day before if places remain. Private groups and setting packages are usually arranged two to four weeks ahead so the content can be shaped around what your rooms actually need.
Is there VAT on top of the price?
No. Roots of Wonder is not VAT registered, so the price you see is the price you pay. A public online ticket is €20 per person, in person is €35, and a setting package is €399, €599 or €799 as a flat fee for the whole setting. Nothing is added at checkout.
Are there booking fees?
No booking fees, no card surcharge and no per-person admin charge. You pay the ticket or package price only. An itemised receipt is emailed to you the moment payment goes through, and settings can request a formal invoice before booking so it can go through your own accounts process first.
Do staff get certificates, and do they count towards a Quality Action Plan?
Every participant receives a dated certificate of attendance naming the workshop, the date and the hour completed. Settings routinely file these as evidence of ongoing professional development in a Síolta Quality Action Plan. They are not CPD points, because that requires separate registration with an awarding body.
How long is a workshop and what is included?
One hour, with a take-home booklet for every participant and a dated certificate of attendance for educators. Online sessions are €20 per person and in-person sessions are €35, with €5 off when booked at least two weeks in advance. Private groups and full setting packages are also available.
See dates & book Ask about Clare

Workshop topics for Clare

Other counties

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More for Clare and nearby

Trusted early years resources

Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

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