A new daycare has opened in Armagh with a unique ‘family-centred approach’ that has convenience and quality care at its core.
Owned and managed by Armagh mum-of-four, Julie Morton The Little Orchard is a daycare that thinks about its parents just as much as its children.
The apple county-inspired centre, based at Formation Works on the Edenaveys Road, takes a holistic approach to childcare.
Julie has not only drawn on 14 years of professional experience within the Southern Trust but has also taken learnings from her own experiences as a busy, working parent to create a space that meets the needs of the entire family.
Speaking to Armagh I, Julie explained: “We had two children within 13 months and found it very difficult to get childcare that suited our four children’s needs when I was returning to work.
“Looking after a toddler and baby and doing school runs for our older children made finding a provider difficult. This resulted in my husband taking two children in one direction and I took the other two to a separate facility.
“As you can imagine, for an already busy household this caused added stress and pressure to our daily lives.”
Photo credit: Conor Ross
Instinctively, she might have known the steps to take to make life easier for parents but it wasn’t until she found the venue that the idea really took shape.
Julie saw within the building and its unique location, a potential that many others may have easily overlooked.
“I felt the venue would help make day-to-day life easier for parents. Let’s be honest that’s what every parent needs!” said Julie.
“Numerous roads have easy access, there is onsite car parking, we provide a ‘wrap around service’ for children aged six weeks to P7, there is lots of outside play space and no need to worry about the traffic within Armagh.”
Photo credit: Conor Ross
Together with her husband Richard, the pair set the wheels in motion in 2021 and received planning permission in February of this year – wasting no time – their contractor started work the very next day.
Julie had a vision of work being completed for commencement of the new school year in September and thanks to a “great team” of tradesmen her dream become a reality with work finalised in August.
Of the entire process, Julie said: “The process of getting registered with social services has also been a lengthy and detailed process, understandably to ensure all the correct standards are met to enable us to provide the best care possible.
“Recruitment was also a major factor in getting the crèche prepared for opening and I am very happy with the team I have.”
Photo credit: Conor Ross
Undoubtedly, they have created a space that serves their business model of caring for the entire family.
Said Julie: “We are purpose built modern facility. I feel location is a key factor in making us unique.
“Parents can drop their little ones off and bypass Armagh completely.
“We provide a home-from-home care and wrap around service so little ones can have a steady routine and stay with us throughout their childhood.”
The Little Orchard caters for four age groups including babies/newborn to two years old, toddlers from two to three years old, preschool children aged three to five years and after school children from five to 11 years old.
The children of the Little Orchard are encouraged to play and explore, all the while learning and growing under the watchful eye of Julie’s highly-skilled team of staff.
Photo credit: Conor Ross
Of their facilities and approach to learning, Julie said: “Our outside facilities ensure that we can get the kids out in all weather conditions.
“Our child-centred approach focuses on education, social interaction and fun for babies through to after school age.
“We commit to flexibility and daily feedback to ensure parents do not miss out on this part of their child’s journey.”
And, in providing that feedback it gives Julie and the team a chance to foster a rapport with their families.
“My favourite part is the children and getting to know the families,” said Julie. “I am very hands on, and love getting to know the children and provide an extra cuddle when required.
“Every day is full of fun and seeing the children’s personalities develop over the last seven weeks has been an absolute joy!
“The most precious thing a parent has is their children, my hope is that parents will continue to see The Little Orchard as a facility where they can leave their children and where they will be well cared for and happy which in return makes life easier for them.
“The support we have received from the local community has been overwhelming and I am very grateful!”
Photo credit: Conor Ross
While the last seven weeks have been wholly enjoyable for the team and their new families Julie is already thinking forward.
Her aim for now, and for the future, is to continue to build upon three core principles: to provide a “safe, happy, caring, secure and stimulating environment” for their children, to enable all children to “develop their capabilities as successful learners and help them to become confident individuals” and “to help all children grow and prepare for the future.”
The Little Orchard is open from 7.30am – 6pm and they provide a range of options from full day care to half days for two years of age plus to school pick up.
Parents who enrol their little ones at The Little Orchard can expect:
- Wrap around service from age six weeks – P7.
- An app that shows parents how their child’s day is and to receive photographs.
- Their child enjoys plenty of stimulation and fun through activities, art and crafts and messy play.
- After school pick up service around Armagh city area.
- Earlier and later opening times – creating greater parent flexibility to daily routines.
- Dedicated and qualified staff.
- Home-cooked meals prepared by onsite cook.
- Onsite car parking.
The Little Orchard can be contacted through their website or email on info@littleorcharddaycare.co.uk or telephone on 02837607025.
