Laois Montessori school scoops national award

Sonya Duggan, Director of Kilminchy School House pictured with Margaret Considine (Outgoing AIBF President) & Kieran Ring (Vice-Chair AIBF Adjudication Board) as Kilminchy School House was honoure

placeholder image — Sonya Duggan, Director of Kilminchy School House pictured with Margaret Considine (Outgoing AIBF President) & Kieran Ring (Vice-Chair AIBF Adjudication Board) as Kilminchy School House was honoure

This is the Portlaoise business's fifth time to win this prestigious award

A Laois Montessori has won an All-Star Business award for the fifth consecutive year.

Portlaoise-based Kilminchy School House has been honoured with the prestigious title of Business All-Star Laois Early Learning Centre of The Year 2025.

This is the fifth time in a row that the business has been accredited by the All-Ireland Business Foundation.

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is a national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

This accreditation recognises the school’s dedication to providing exceptional early childhood education, along with its commitment to nurturing young learners in a caring and innovative environment.

Kilminchy School House Director Sonya Duggan expressed her delight at winning this fantastic award.

“We are honoured to receive this accolade and recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation," Ms Duggan said.

Pictured: The Kilminchy School House team in 2020, accepting their first All-Star Business award

"This accreditation affirms our dedication to early childhood education and our mission to help every child reach their fullest potential. We believe that the early years are vital in laying the groundwork for future success and this accreditation is a testament to the hard work of our entire team," she said.

The business have said that it prides itself on creating a learning environment that supports the unique needs and potential of every child.

"Its mission is to offer a stimulating and creative educational experience in a first-class setting, with high-quality staff and facilities," Ms Duggan said.

"The school's approach emphasises the critical importance of the early years, providing children with the tools they need to build a foundation for lifelong learning. Our philosophy centers on fostering confidence and competence in children, encouraging them to become enthusiastic, independent learners.

"Through positive reinforcement and a culture of respect, Kilminchy School House helps children develop vital social and emotional skills, as well as an enduring love of learning," Ms Duggan said.

Pictured: Sonya Duggan of Kilminchy School House in Portlaoise wins Laois Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023

Announcing the news of Kilminchy School House’s achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, recognised the achievement of recieving this award for five consecutive years.

“I am delighted to recognise Kilminchy School House for their outstanding achievement in receiving the Business All-Star Laois Early Learning Centre Of The Year 2025 Accreditation from the All-Ireland Business Foundation," Mr Ring said.

"This remarkable honour, marking their fifth consecutive year as an All-Star, reflects Kilminchy School House’s unwavering commitment to excellence in early childhood education, fostering a nurturing and supportive learning environment for children."

Kapil Khanna, Managing Director of the All-Ireland Business Foundation, commended the business for their work.

“Kilminchy School House has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to early childhood education, and we are delighted to award them the title of Laois Early Learning Centre of the Year 2024," he said.

"Their focus on helping children build strong foundations during these critical years is truly commendable, and this accolade is a reflection of their dedication to excellence. We evaluate a company’s background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors," Mr Khanna said.

"We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics," he finished.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish businesses. Companies that merit recognition based on an independent audit of their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in our programs.

The AIBF also hosts the annual All-Ireland Summit and monthly gatherings to promote peer learning and collaboration among its accredited companies. For more information please visit www.aibf.ie.