How Kids at Play Began
Kids at Play grew from an early interest in supporting children with diverse needs and from hands-on experience working closely with children and families. During my college years, I began spending time with children who needed a more individualised and understanding approach, and it quickly became clear to me how important the right environment can be in a child’s life. Those early experiences shaped not only my passion for this work, but also my understanding of what meaningful support should look like.
As time went on, more families began reaching out looking for something they had struggled to find elsewhere. Many were searching for a setting where their child would be genuinely understood, supported appropriately, and given the space to feel comfortable and be themselves. Again and again, I heard from parents that existing childcare options often did not meet their child’s needs, whether because the environment felt overwhelming, the approach was not flexible enough, or the right understanding and experience were not in place.
What began on a small scale gradually grew through word of mouth and trust from families. As more children joined us, so too did the sense that something important was being built — not just a service, but a space where children could feel safe, enjoy connection, and take part in ways that worked for them. Anna joined me along the way, and together we began shaping a service that was thoughtful, responsive and centred around the children in front of us.
In 2019, we moved into a space in Waterford City and opened a play and social skills group for children with diverse needs. Demand grew quickly, and with it came a strong sense of community among the children and families attending. We worked to create a space that reflected what the children needed: a place that was inclusive, welcoming, and built around play, connection and positive experiences.
In 2021, we moved to our current space in Carnglas Court and restructured the service as a childcare service. As we grew, it was important to us that we maintained the play-based approach that had always been at the heart of Kids at Play, while also placing strong emphasis on meaningful development. Our aim was never simply to provide supervision, but to create an environment where children could feel safe, supported and genuinely engaged in experiences that helped them grow.
What began with one child has grown into a service supporting many children and families each week, and I am incredibly proud of what Kids at Play has become. At the centre of it all is a simple belief: every child deserves a space where they feel safe, valued and free to be themselves. That belief continues to guide our work every day, and we remain deeply grateful to the families who have trusted us and grown alongside us.
Play. Learn. Belong.