Limerick creche becomes first childcare facility in Ireland certified as a great place to work

A CRECHE in Roxboro has become the first creche or childcare facility in Ireland to achieve Great Place to Work certification.

This recognises the commitment of Family Tree Creche, a Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership (LEDP) to creating a positive and supportive work environment.

Welcoming the achievement, Niall O'Callaghan, Chief Executive of LEDP, said: “We are extremely proud of the entire team at Family Tree Crèche for achieving this recognition and particularly delighted that they are the first childcare facility in Ireland to do so.

“This certification is especially meaningful because it's based on feedback from the staff themselves. It reflects the progress made in creating a positive workplace where people feel valued and respected.

“We know that when our people feel supported and valued, it benefits everyone, particularly the children in their care.”

Having first engaged in the programme in 2023, the not-for-profit childcare facility, which has been serving families in Limerick since 2005, has now achieved certification following positive improvements to its workplace culture and the experiences of its staff.

The achievement comes at a time when the early-years sector continues to face significant challenges in attracting and retaining qualified childcare professionals.

Family Tree Crèche's certification demonstrates the importance of investing in staff wellbeing, professional development and a workplace culture built on trust, respect and collaboration.

The childcare facility plays an important role in supporting working families and the wider Limerick community.

Its commitment to providing high-quality early-years care is underpinned by the belief that investing in the people who deliver that care is fundamental to the long-term sustainability and success of the service.

Established by LEDP in 2005, Family Tree Crèche provides childcare for children aged six months to five years.

In 2024, LEDP completed a significant refurbishment of the facility, including improvements to staff amenities and children's facilities, as part of its ongoing investment in the service.

The Great Place to Work certification is a national employer-recognition programme that validates company culture based on direct employee feedback.

The certification follows a confidential staff survey, known as the Trust Index, which assesses employees' experiences across areas including trust in management, respect, fairness, pride and teamwork.