Why Join Recreate? One member’s view

At ReCreate, over 25% of our members are made up of early childhood services. We wanted to chat with some of our members to gain an insight as to what attracts them to our facility. We had a chat with Valerie from Creative Kids Preschool in Walkinstown, who has been a long-standing member of ReCreate (Our 4th ever member to be exact!) to see what benefits she finds ReCreate adds to her service.

Q. How long have you been a member of ReCreate?
A: We have been members of ReCreate since it opened in 2014.

Q. How do you feel a ReCreate membership benefits your service?
A: Recreate benefits the service as we have access to materials on a regular basis that we might otherwise not have access to. It allows the staff to plan for creativity and allows us to provide lots of open ended activities for the children.

Q. Do you feel that ReCreate materials have a positive impact on the children in your setting?
A: Absolutely, the children can use all of their senses to explore and create at their own free will.

Q. Would you say you have made many cost savings by being a ReCreate member?
A: I don’t think I have made a cost saving per se, as I don’t think I would have access to materials like this without Recreate, but I have probably made a saving in that I would not buy as much craft making materials.

Q. What advice would you give anyone thinking about taking out a membership?
A: Go for it! It will change your practice. You will become so much more creative as you explore the materials. You will be able to create fabulous sensory activities for the children and the children will be able to use open ended materials and create and play and use materials they would not otherwise have access to.

Q. Has your setting ever taken part in any of the other services ReCreate offer such as a workshop for children or staff?
A: We don’t have the ability to free up staff during the day for workshops. I am sure they might attend evening workshops. We took part in the sensory project which was fabulous and gave the staff great ideas which they use every day in the setting.

We really enjoyed having the opportunity to hear from our members and will continue to meet with more member groups going forward. If you would like to get in touch about your service featuring in the next edition, feel free to email Kevin at kmcloughlin@recreate.ie. 

Don’t forget we have just moved into a brand new bigger and better warehouse, just around the corner from our old space. We currently have a great offer in place for ECI members also, offering 15 months membership for the price of 12 to all new members joining ReCreate this October!