Nurturing curiosity, independence & compassion
Barbara Gaffney Montessori provides child-centred learning in a warm, safe space where each child is respected and supported to learn at their own pace. We run morning sessions, additional ECCE hours, after-school care and school collections.
Our approach
We follow the Montessori philosophy: learning through hands-on experiences, fostering independence, and encouraging a love of learning. Our rooms are prepared with age-appropriate materials and calm, respectful routines.
Our Team
At Barbara Gaffney’s Montessori Schools, we have two locations — one in Douglas and one in Ballinlough. We are committed to providing a pre-school service of the highest standard, alongside an after-school programme that offers the highest standard of care.
Our trained, motivated, and friendly staff are the cornerstone of our preschool. We actively encourage a strong teamwork approach to support our shared objectives and provide the best possible experience for children and families.
We are committed to equal opportunity in employment. We provide an excellent service for up to 44 children in our Douglas school and 55 children in our Shalom school. Our aim is to create the perfect environment for children to develop their social, personal, and educational skills through a Montessori curriculum and play-based approach.
Above all, your child’s welfare and your peace of mind are most important to us. We provide a warm, loving, home-from-home environment where each child is treated with respect and supported to develop and learn as an individual while feeling safe and secure.
We are notified and inspected by Tusla – The Child and Family Agency.
“The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one — the period from birth to the age of six.”
Meet Our Team
Barbara Gaffney
B.A. Humanities & Montessori Education
LINC Co-Ordinator · ASD & ADHD Experienced
Owner & Manager — Shalom Montessori
Owner — St. Columba’s Montessori
Barbara has over 25 years of experience working with children. She is passionate about creating a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating environment where every child feels valued and supported.
WhatsApp: 086 397 0477
Patricia Shaw
B.A. Early Years Education
LINC Co-Ordinator · FAR Trained · LÁMH Trained
Manager — St. Columba’s Montessori
Patricia has over 20 years of experience working in Early Years education. She has significant experience in preparing for and supporting inspection processes and ensures all required documentation is maintained to a consistently high standard.
Patricia works closely with the staff team to promote inclusive, high-quality, and consistent practice. She is committed to providing a structured, nurturing, and supportive learning environment that supports each child’s development, wellbeing, and potential.
Locations
Shalom — Ballinlough, Cork
Ballinlough, Cork
T12 ET7E
St. Columba’s Montessori — Cork
West Douglas, Douglas, Cork
T12 WK3D
Services & Opening Hours
Shalom — Key Information
• Two years free ECCE.
• Additional hours available for ECCE children.
• NCS available to all parents using additional hours.
• After-school service for children.
• Collections from local schools in the Ballinlough area.
- ECCE — 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
- Additional hours — 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
- After-school care — 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM (Mon–Thu); 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM (Fri)
- School runs alongside the primary school calendar.
St. Columba’s — Key Information
• Two years free ECCE.
• Additional hours available for ECCE children.
• NCS available to all children using additional hours.
• After-school care with collections from St. Columba Girls and Boys School.
- Children walked to school — 8:40 AM
- ECCE — 8:45 AM to 11:45 AM
- Additional hours — 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM
- After-school care — 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM (Mon–Thu); 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM (Fri)
- School runs alongside the primary school calendar.
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