the den after school care mullingar

junior and senior

From Junior Infants to 6th Class, 1:30pm to 6:15pm, we collect your children from local National and Primary schools.

school pick up service &
after school care

THE DEN is our after school club where we look after your child for the afternoon.

We have age appropriate Junior and Senior Dens split across four classrooms. Below we have listed the schools we collect from.

To view our facilities, simply Book A Visit

JUNIOR
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

Junior Infants – Room 3
Senior Infants – Room 4

SENIOR
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

1st to 3rd Class – Room 5
4th to 6th Class – Room 6

DAYS &
OPENING HOURS

Monday to Friday
1:20pm to 6:15pm

1.
school
pick up

We collect children from Holy Family Primary School. Parents from other schools drop their children to us.

2.
nutritious
DINNER

On arrival the children are served a delicious and nutritious home cooked dinner prepared by our on site chef.

3.
supervised
homework

After dinner the children do their homework supervised and assisted (if required) by qualified teachers.

4.
play &
activities

With homework checked, the children can join in the organised play and activities outside on our Astro surface.

THE DEN

Our Homework & After School Care service is called ” The Den”.

It is Mullingar’s leading after school care service. The children are divided into groups by age, across 4 rooms in 2 buildings.

The children love the name ‘The Den’ as it reflects the fun atmosphere created for all the children to enjoy after school.

After dinner and homework the rest of the day is one of relaxation and enjoyment of many fun activities that take place here. Usually the children don’t want to go home from ”The Den”.

THE SCHOOLS

Mullingar National Schools we collect our “Den” attendees from – 2024/25

Holy Family Primary School Mullingar

We collect children from Holy Family Primary School with our “walking taxi”, as it is adjacaent to our campus. Parents from other schools drop their children to us. 

Daily Plan

junior
homework club

Classroom 3 is allocated for Junior Infants

Classroom 4 is allocated for Senior Infants

From 1:20pm the children arrive, a staff member checks each child in on arrival at the gate of The Den to ensure all are accounted for.

The Den children can attend for full days during July and August at our Summer Camp. 

junior & senior infants
after school club

A separate purpose built facility caters for all our Junior and Senior Infant children. 

The children receive a hot meal made in-house by our own chef. The children love the healthy dinner provided to each child.

They complete their homework under the supervision of fully qualified teachers. After the homework is complete there is a full range of indoor and outdoor activities for the children to enjoy.

Our aim is to create a caring, relaxing and enjoyment environment for the children to play, learn & grow.

CLICK ANY IMAGE TO OPEN PHOTO GALLERY BELOW

schedule

  • 1:20pm Collection Holy Family
  • 1:40pm Homework
  • 2:20pm Free Play
  • 3:00pm Dinner
  • 4:45pm Evening Snack
  • 5:00 to 6:15pm Free Play
  • By 6:15pm Children Collected

activities

Drama

Cooking

Arts and Crafts

Yoga

Lego Club

Daily Plan

senior
homework club

Classroom 5 is allocated for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Class

Classroom 6 is allocated for 4th, 5th and 6th Class

From 1:30pm the children arrive, a staff member checks each child in on arrival at the gate of The Den to ensure all are accounted for. 

The Den children can attend for full days during July and August at our Summer Camp. 

1st to 6th class
after school club

In 2016 we opened a new Homework & Afterschool Care purpose built facility. The building is surrounded by a purpose designed astro surface.

This outdoor facility includes an animal section where children pet and play with the rabbit and hens. 

There is a grass surface to play & explore which has a Hobbit and Playhouses and an astro surface for bikes, football and basketball.

Inside we play many activities such as board games, quizzes, table tennis and foosball. We do daily Arts & Crafts where amazing creative items are designed and made by the children.

CLICK ANY IMAGE TO OPEN PHOTO GALLERY BELOW

schedule

  • 2:20pm Collect & Walk to Den
  • 2:40pm Homework
  • 3:30pm Hot Dinner
  • 4:45pm Evening Snack
  • 5:00pm Free Play
  • By 6:15pm Children Collected

activities

Crafts and Cooking

Sports

Oral Irish

Board Games

Lego Club + Arts & Crafts

AFTER SCHOOL

service
summary

Below we summarise the stages of the after school service

  • Arrival
  • Dinner
  • Homework
  • Recreation

NUTRITIOUS DINNER BY IN HOUSE CHEF

The children then receive a freshly prepared hot dinner by our onsite chef who will cater for any dietary needs.
Our cook ensures  its a well balanced meal and the menu changes daily with proper portion sizes for children.

SUPERVISED HOMEWORK BY QUALIFIED TEACHERS

Then they complete their homework with supervison by qualified staff.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION

When homework is complete we then have a full range of activities that the children "can" take part in or they can just chill and "hang out", it's whatever they desire.

Testimonials

PARENTS
GOOGLE REVIEWS

In their own words

  • Some kind words from our pupils parents.
  • Many of whom attended themselves as children.
  • They have availed of Ecce, Part-time and Full Time Montessori, After School Club “The Den” and Summer Camp.
Cliona Olwell
Cliona Olwell
"ALL THE STAFF ARE LOVELY"

"I can highly recommend Mullingar Montessori & The Den After School Care service.

Our 2 girls attend The Den and they so enjoy it there.

They get a nice little walk down from Holy Family school, chatting to their friends, then do their homework in a warm caring environment before enjoying some creative play time.

They are full of news about the day at collection time and it’s lovely to hear all about the fun they have at the Den.

And of course all about Bernie’s wonderful delicious meals keeping tummies full and satisfied!

All the staff are lovely. We are lucky to have to have this wonderful service in Mullingar."

Jeanette McDonnell
Jeanette McDonnell
"SHE HAS MADE MANY FRIENDS"

"My daughter attended Montessori at age 3, she learned so much here, and continues to attend After School now.

She has made many friends there too.

The staff are so good, and very friendly and attentive to all the children."

Sharon Ennis
Sharon Ennis
"CHLOE LOVES BERNIES COOKING"

"My daughter has been going to The Den After School for the last 4 years and is very happy there.

Has lots of friends and the staff are lovely and Chloe loves Bernie’s cooking even tough Chloe is a very fussy eater.

She also goes during summer holidays to Summer Camp and over Easter.

Huge outdoor area for playtime with lots of different arts and crafts etc.

Would highly recommend The Den."

Veronica Mangan
Veronica Mangan
"VERY ENJOYABLE AFTER SCHOOL CARE"

"Our boy and two girls attend Ursula Keenan's Mullingar Montessori and After School Care part time and it is a great reliable service.

Very well run by lovely caring and very kind staff who provide yummy after school dinner.

Great homework assistance as well as art and singing and much much more.

A very enjoyable after school care for all which I would highly recommend."

Sorca
Sorca
"EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH QUALITY"

"Wonderful, quality early years educators!.

From the attention the children receive, the staff, the pleasant atmosphere and the facilities available, the service is of exceptionally high quality.

My younger children love going, love the dinners and have made some great friends too."

Sylwia Golonka
Sylwia Golonka
"SHE IS REALLY HAPPY"

"My daughter is going to The Den After School, she is very happy.

The staff are very nice, friendly and helpful, really recommended."

Lisa Fagan
Lisa Fagan
"GAMES THEY PLAY OUTSIDE"

"Ursula Keenan and her staff are fabulous!!

Our Daughter has been attending The Den After School service for a few years and she thoroughly enjoys going there.

She is always coming home with art work and telling us about the games they play outside.

She also tells us the food is delicious!!

I would definitely recommend The Den After School service."

Claire Ryan
Claire Ryan
"LOVED HER TEACHERS THERE"

"My daughter started in the toddler room age two and has gone through ECCE Year 1 & 2 and is now in After School.

She has loved every one of her teachers there and went into junior infants 100% prepared.

The staff are amazing including Bernie who has the magic touch at getting kids to eat their healthy dinners.

She has made life long friends and already has 1000’s of memories having fun, playing with the pet animals and learning lots of skills."

Tallie Dubois
Tallie Dubois
"HAPPY, ACTIVE AND LOOKED AFTER"

"Couldn’t recommend a better Montessori & After School Care service.

Our children love it here and we appreciate the staff so much who are always professional and kind in their communications.

The facilities are amazing. you can tell some amount of time, investment, and creativity goes into keeping the children happy, active, & looked after.

Our kids especially love playing alongside chickens & rabbits on the playground.

They look forward to summer camp & Christmas time festivities the den offers as well."

Michelle Hearnes
Michelle Hearnes
"SO PLEASANT TO DEAL WITH"

"Ursula and staff are so pleasant to deal with, never an issue to phone to check things.

Lovely facility and well maintained with regular updates and upgrades during my sons time there."

David Devereaux
David Devereaux
"VERY CARING STAFF"

"I would highly recommend Mullingar Montessori and The Den After School.

All three of our children have attended, between their Toddler Service, the ECCE Service,

Full Day Care and now the After School Care Service. We have only had a good experience over the years.

They have a fantastic facility with very caring staff and Ursula Keenan keeps improving it year on year.

Their Christmas Show is just the sweetest thing you’ll ever see, and it astounds me every year how the staff manage to direct such little kids in such a fun and entertaining way.

I would definitely give Mullingar Montessori five stars. It’s great to know your children are being so well looked after and are learning whilst making friends and enjoying themselves. You couldn’t ask for more. "

Linda Evans
Linda Evans
"PROGRESSED SO MUCH"

"My daughter started her ECCE in September 2022.

From the day we looked around the school, from the day she started, the support from Ursula and her staff have been exceptional.

They go out of there way for each child.

My daughter has progressed so much in the time she's been there.

I couldn't recommend Mullingar Montessori enough."

Nina Maria Byrne
Nina Maria Byrne
"ATTENTION TO DETAIL"

"Cannot recommend Mullingar Montessori & After school care enough.

Simply put it is the amazing staff that makes it so exceptional.

Plus Ursula's experience, expertise and attention to detail underpins my child's development and most importantly it is FUN!!"

Edel Boles
Edel Boles
"GREAT CHILDCARE SERVICE"

"Our daughter has been attending The Den after-school for a number of years.

Ursula Keenan runs a great childcare service.

The staff are great, so supportive and kind and there is so much to do for the kids, with plenty of space for outside play too.

Bernie does a great job on the dinners, which are really popular, and they even have a Christmas dinner each year. I would recommend."

Emma Heduan
Emma Heduan
"AMAZING OUTDOOR FACILITIES"

"My boys attend Mullingar Montessori and they really enjoy it there.

They have made wonderful little friends in a learning and supportive environment.

The staff are super caring, patient and lots of fun.

They have amazing outdoor play facilities for all sessions.

The staff go over and beyond for the kid’s graduation show!!!

It’s just wonderful to watch and experience. During Covid 19, they followed all procedures and guidelines to ensure our little ones and their staff were kept safe and healthy, while still maintaining an atmosphere of fun! It was a credit to all the staff during a very difficult time."

Fionnuala Edmonds
Fionnuala Edmonds
"OUR CHILDREN LOVE IT"

"Great facilities at Mullingar Montessori and The Den.

The Staff are very caring and wonderful at what they do with plenty of learning opportunities for children and an emphasis on fun and play along the way.

Our children love it!"

Lorraine Turner
Lorraine Turner
"HE ADORES HIS TEACHER"

"My son joined year 2 room 6 Montessori in September and I have to say he's just at the end of his first term and he's the happiest little boy ever.

he looks forward to attending every day and cries when he can't attend if he's unwell.. he's almost writing his name where as he couldn't even hold a pencil before this.

He's reading books at home .. before .. he wouldn't take his books out ...

The Montessori itself is every child's dream equipped with the most beautiful and high standard facilities.

The Staff are wonderful, helpful, kind and caring .. Sean Is loving every moment of his time here.. he's a very happy and lucky boy.. he adores his teacher Ann Marie .. well done to Ursula and all the staff that make this Montessori a magical and educational environment for our children .. highly recommended and 5 stars from Mum Dad and Seán Turner"

Clementine Bund
Clementine Bund
"KIDS LOVE GOING IN THERE"

"Having put 4 of my kids in so far I couldn’t be more happy to have them there.

The staff are so helpful and my kids love going in there, always aware of what is happening and knowing what your kiddos do for the month getting pics and making sure they settle well.

I couldn’t recommend the Montessori enough.

Ursula will go above and beyond to accommodate all your needs and help with any issues that would arise.

Lots of hard work on everyone side and you know your little one would be ready for big school when the day comes.

Thanks so much for always looking so well after them and us when needed."

Aileen Cassells
Aileen Cassells
"LOVE IT"

"Brilliant staff and professionally run.

Amazing garden and facilities for the children outside. My 3 children have attended for ECCE and love it!"

Airinga Stralkutė
Airinga Stralkutė
"STAFF ARE THE BEST"

"I do recommend Mullingar Montessori and the den to everyone I know!

My two babies loves it so much.

Ursula is the best role model, the atmosphere she made, the play ground and the staff are the best.

Thank you Ursula Keenan and all the staff that work so hard."

Nia Richardson
Nia Richardson
"WONDERFUL PLACE"

"My children are so happy here.

The staff are always on hand to help with homework, if they need a snack and all the multitude of things a kid looks for and asks for.

Wonderful place."

Reviews

PARENTS
TESTIMONIALS

In their own words

  • Some kind words from our pupils parents.
  • Many of whom attended themselves as children.
  • They have availed of Ecce, Part-time and Full Time Montessori, After School Club “The Den” and Summer Camp.
Olivia-Callaghan.jpg

OLIVIA CALLAGHAN

"Ursula and the staff truly love and care for the children, you can just feel it in the atmosphere and hear the joy and laughter"

Debbie-Halligan.jpg

DEBBIE HALLIGAN

"Our kids have happy memories for life from Mullingar Montessori, I would highly recommend to any family"

Phillips.jpg

SUE ANN PHILLIPS

"The level of care and attention that he receives on a daily basis is second to none. He just loves attending every day"

Cave-McDonagh-.jpg

ELEANOR MCDONAGH

“The structured play and social focus is second to none, there is always lots of fun to be had in a very safe and creative space“

Canning-Children.jpg

YVONNE CANNING

“The Den is bustling with activity, fun and laughter. She learns and develops in afterschool through the range of fun activities“

Marie-Clarke.jpg

MARIE CLARKE

“He has such a great time and makes lots of new friends. When he finishes he absolutely cannot wait for the next camp to start!“

Features

benefits
for children

For children and Parents we have a lot to offer…

Because we are a family run, single location school, we are fully in control of maintaining the highest of standards in our setting.

walking taxi

We have a walking taxi to and from Holy Family Primary School for Before School and The Den members.

safe and secure

The facility has been purpose built for child care with safety and security a priority indoors and out, in a bright and joyful setting.

family run school

Founder Ursula Keenan manages day to day activities and curriculum on site, ensuring professional and personal care for every single child.

nutritious meals

We have an onsite chef and custom food prep kitchen. The menu changes every day on a weekly cycle. All our children's meals are prepared by hand from fresh ingredients.

outdoor play area's

The school includes segregated outdoor play areas, with enclosed garden, chicken coup and rabbit hutch, astro surface play area, sand boxes, tricycles and tractors.

full day care

We have a range of services that can care for your child from 8:00am to 6.15pm Monday to Friday 51 weeks per year. School Drop Off and Homework Clubs, Montessori, Creche.

range of activities

Our teachers are highly trained in providing a wide range of activities for our pupils. This all helps to refine social and motor skills. We invest a lot of money in our equipment.

qualified teachers

All our staff are highly qualified in Montessori and child care. We select only the very best candidates who have a genuine passion for children and education.

open all year round

Modern family life means often both parents are working. We only close for Xmas which means that you can have your child taken care of Mon to Fri whenever suits you.

The facility has been purpose built for child care with safety and security a priority indoors and out, in a bright and joyful setting.

Founder Ursula Keenan manages day to day activities and curriculum on site, ensuring professional and personal care for every single child.

We have an onsite chef and custom food prep kitchen. The menu changes every day on a 3 week cycle. All our children’s meals are prepared by hand from fresh ingredients.

The school includes segregated outdoor play areas, with enclosed garden, chicken coup and rabbit hutch, astro surface play area, sand boxes, tricycles and tractors.

We have a range of services that can care for your child from 8:00am to 6.15pm Monday to Friday 51 weeks per year. Breakfast and Homework clubs, Montessori, Creche.

Our teachers are highly trained in providing a wide range of activities for our pupils. This all helps to refine social and motor skills. We invest a lot of money in our equipment.

All our staff are highly qualified in Montessori and child care. We select only the very best candidates who have a genuine passion for children and education.

Modern family life means often both parents are working. We only close for Xmas which means that you can have your child taken care of Mon to Fri whenever suits you

view our school

book
a visit
to our school

Interested in Enroling? Then you and your child/children are invited to book a visit to our school.

Come and see for yourself all the amazing facilities and activities we have to offer with a guided tour.

Once we receive your form submission we will contact you regarding availability of the requested date and time.

We look forward to meeting you.
URSULA KEENAN
School Director



“Every child has a different learning style and pace.
Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also capable of succeeding.”

MARIA MONTESSORI

two boys reading on a yellow couch at after school care mullingar the den

School Calendar

calendars 2024/25
mullingar montessori
& The den

Closed Dates, School Holidays, Bank Holidays

These are important dates throughout the school year to help parents plan ahead.

We have listed three calendars, one for each service.

The calendar is subject to change in the case of unforeseen circumstances.

In such events we will inform parents in advance.

CLICK ANY CALENDAR TO SHOW DATES

AUGUST 2024
– 26th August Monday
ECCE Year commences

SEPTEMBER 
– School open every day

OCTOBER
– 28th Oct Monday
School Closed Bank Holiday
– 29th to 31st Oct Tuesday to Thursday
School Closed Halloween Mid Term Break
Attendance for mornings available upon request. (Additional fees applies)
Full Day Care remains in place all week.

NOVEMBER
– 1st Nov Friday
School Closed Halloween Mid Term Break
Attendance for mornings available upon request. (Additional fees applies)
Full Day Care remains in place all week.
– 4th Nov Monday
School re-opens After Halloween Break

DECEMBER
– 23rd Dec Monday to 31st Tuesday
School Closed Christmas Break

2025

JANUARY
– 1st Jan Wednesday to 3rd Friday
School Closed for ECCE and Part Time morning children
– 6th Jan Monday
School Re-Opens

FEBRUARY
– 3rd Feb Monday
School Closed Bank Holiday
– 20th Feb Thursday and 21st Friday
School Closed February mid term break
(School remains open for full day care children)

MARCH
–  17th Mar Monday
School closed re St. Patricks Day

APRIL
– 14th Apr Monday to 25th Friday
School Closed Easter Mid Term Break
Attendance for mornings during Easter midterm available upon request. (Additional fees applies)
– 18th Friday
School Closed for all children Good Friday
– 21st Apr Monday
School closed for all children Bank Holiday

MAY
– 5th May Monday
School Closed Bank Holiday

JUNE
– 2nd Jun Monday
School Closed – Bank Holiday
18th Jun Wednesday
Last day of ECCE School Year 2024/25

JULY
Summer Camps begin & run for 8 weeks

JULY 2024
– 1st Jul Monday
Toddler Morning & Full Day Care commences

AUGUST
– 5th Aug Monday
School Closed Bank Holiday

SEPTEMBER 
– School open every day

OCTOBER
– 28th Oct Monday
School Closed Bank Holiday

NOVEMBER
– School open every day

DECEMBER
– 24th Dec Tuesday to 31st Tuesday
School Closed Christmas Break

2025

JANUARY 2025
– 1st Jan Wednesday
School Closed New Years Day
– 2nd Jan Thursday
School Re-Opens

FEBRUARY
– 3rd Feb Monday
School Closed Bank Holiday

MARCH
– 17th Mar Monday
School closed re St. Patrick’s Day

APRIL
– 18th Friday
School Closed Good Friday
– 21st Apr Monday
School closed Bank Holiday

MAY
– 5th May Monday
School Closed Bank Holiday

JUNE
– 2nd Jun Monday
School Closed – Bank Holiday

JULY
School open every day

AUGUST
– 4th Aug Mon
Bank Holiday School Closed
– 29th Friday
Last Day of Toddler Room 2024/25 term

AUGUST 2024
– 26th Aug Monday
Afternoons available on request

SEPTEMBER 
– 2nd Sep Monday 
The Den After School commences for 2024/25

OCTOBER
– 28th Oct Monday
School Closed Bank Holiday
– 29th Tuesday to 31st Thursday
School Closed Halloween Midterm Break 
Attendance for afternoons available based upon request.
Attendance for mornings available upon request. (Additional fees applies)

NOVEMBER
– 1st Nov Friday
School Closed Halloween Midterm Break 
Attendance for afternoons available based upon request.
Attendance for mornings available upon request. (Additional fees applies)

DECEMBER 
– 24th Dec Tuesday to 31st Tuesday
School Closed Christmas Break
(Scheduled afternoon remain available on Monday 23rd December 2024)

2025

JANUARY
– 1st Jan Wednesday
School Closed New Years Day
– 2nd Jan Tuesday
School Re-Opens
(Scheduled afternoons remain available Thursday 2nd & Friday 3rd January 2025)

FEBRUARY
– 3rd Feb Monday
School Closed Bank Holiday
– 20th Feb Thursday and 21st Friday
School Closed February mid term break
(Scheduled afternoons remain available)

MARCH
– 17th Mar Friday
School closed re St. Patricks Day

APRIL
– 14th Apr Monday to 25th Friday
School Closed Easter Mid Term Break
Scheduled afternoons remain available when we are open. (Advance confirmation or attendance required)
Attendance for mornings during Easter midterm available upon request. (Additional fees applies)
– 18th Friday
School Closed for all children Good Friday
– 21st Apr Monday
School closed for all children Bank Holiday

MAY
– 5th May Monday
School Closed Bank Holiday

JUNE
– 2nd Jun Monday
School Closed – Bank Holiday
– 27th June Friday
Last day of The Den

JULY
Summer Camps begin & run for 8 weeks

 

FOR YOUR CHILD

our
services

OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

We offer a full and flexible range of loving care for your child, 51 weeks per year.

  • Creche
  • Part Time
  • Full Day Care
  • Ecce Montessori
  • School Drop Off
  • After School Pick Up + Dinner + Homework
  • Summer Camp

Click any service below to open…

NEWS

OUR
SCHOOL BLOG

Click any image or heading below to open

Mullingar Montessori is a hive of activity.
Keep up with all that’s happening on our School Blog!