Training

Training Calendar 2011/2012

Click here for a list of courses FNT will be running during the 2011/2012 school year.

If you wish to attend any of these courses, please send a completed application form with the relevant fee to FNT. If you have any questions about course content, please contact Seán.

Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta's Intensive training course

All those who wish to work as Naíonra Leaders must complete the Intensive Course. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of all that is involved in the setting up and running of a Naíonra. Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta awards certificates to those who complete all aspects of the course.

Training courses are organised around the country, depending on demand.

If you would like to attend this course, application forms are available for download above under 'Training Calendar'. Applications should be printed and sent by post to FNT along with the relevant fee.

If you are interested in attending the next Intensive Course, send an email to , alternatively you can contact Laura on (01) 853 5198. Please provide your contact details and the part of the country in which you are based.

Grants will not be paid to any Naíonra whose Stiúrthóir (Naíonra Director) has not fully* completed FNT's Intensive Course.

*The course is not complete until the Work Report (previously 'Work Diary') has been fully corrected.
**This course is not accredited.

The Intensive Course can be broken down into four parts:

Irish Language Interview –
1. Based on Lámhleabhar do Stiúrthóirí Naíonraí (The Naíonra Directors Handbook)
2. Must show a minimum standard of Irish (B2 - TEG)
3. A letter of recommendation from the main Director vouching for the applicant’s standard of Irish (minimum B2 - TEG)
Intensive Course – 30 hour course comprising of workshops and lectures including a visit to a Naíonra
Two week work experience (10 days) in an established FNT Naíonra*, agreed with FNT
Work Report – This demonstrates that the person in question has a comprehensive understanding of work in a Naíonra and that he/she is capable of applying the skills and practices from the week-long course in a Naíonra. It is assessed on the basis of a pass being equal to 40% or higher. The applicant will be given the chance to re-submit a revised Work Report based on recommended amendments from the office. When the Work Diary is completed to a satisfactory standard, the applicant will be qualified as a Naíonra Director.

*Established for at least three years and the Dianchúrsa (Intensive Course) having been completed by the main Director.

FETAC courses

Recognised Training

We also provide FETAC Childcare Level 5 and 6 courses through the medium of Irish.

Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta is a FETAC recognised training centre.

*By 1 September 2012, every Stiúrthóir in charge of a Naíonra will be required to hold FETAC Level 5 as a minimum qualification. FNT sent a letter early in the year to each Stiúrthóir and Stiúrthóir Cúnta detailing this information. That letter is available here for download (as Gaeilge).

Level 5

FETAC Level 5 enables learners to develop a broad range of skills, which are vocational specific and require a general theoretical understanding. They are enabled to work independently/subject to general direction.The majority of certificate/module holders at Level 5 take up positions of employment.

They are also deemed to have met the minimum entry requirements for a range of higher level education institutions/courses.

The FETAC Level 5 certificate will be awarded to a candidate who reaches the required standard in modules whose total value are at least 8 and which include:

5 Vocational modules (including mandatory and elective modules)
2 General Studies modules (one of which must be Communications)
1 Work Experience module

The modules which are available (subject to demand), through Irish, at FETAC Level 5 from Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta are:

Using Irish with Young Children
Sociolinguistics and the Child
Early Childhood Education
Caring for Children (0-6 years)
Working in Childcare
Child Development
Communications
Work Experience

If you are interested in attending any of the modules, application forms are available here for download. Please contact Laura on for further information.

Level 6

The FETAC Level 6 award enables learners to develop a comprehensive range of skills, which may be vocational specific and/or of a general supervisory nature, and require detailed theoretical understanding. Modules include advanced vocational/occupational skills, enabling certificate holders to work independently. The majority of certificate/module holders at Level 6 take up positions of employment, some of whom may be self-employed.

The modules which are available (subject to demand), through Irish, at FETAC Level 6 from Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta are :

Supervision in Childcare
Child Development
Early Childhood Programmes
Social and Legal Issues in Childcare
Language Planning in the Childcare Centre

If you are interested in attending any of the modules, application forms are available here for download. Please contact Laura on for further information.

Workshops/Seminars/Events

Early Years Joint Seminar - Síolta, Aistear and the Primary School Curriculam

FNT and Gaelscoileanna Teo. organised a joint seminar in the Alexander Hotel, Dublin, on Saturday, 12 March 2011. Present on the day were Stiúrthóirí Naíonraí, teachers and principals from Irish medium primary schools, and others with an interest in the subject area.

We are extremely grateful to all the speakers who gave very interesting talks, which got us all thinking about many different issues. The group work segment was also very worthwhile, as it gave Stiúrthóirí and teachers the chance to discuss various topics and to better understand the work they each undertake. It was through this that we found out that unfortunately, the opportunity to get together and have such discussions is rarely, if ever, possible.

Subjects covered during the seminar:

Dr. Máire Mhic Mhathúna, D.I.T. - Ag Aistriú ón Naíonra go dtí an Ghaelscoil
Máire Uí Rianaigh, NCCA - Aistear: Creatchuraclam na Luathóige sa chomhthéacs Naíonra agus bunscoile
Catherine Hynes, EYEPU - Síolta

Other material from the day:

Programme
List of subjects discussed in the discussion groups
Photos
Guidelines (An Traein) based on the subject discussed by Dr. Máire Mhic Mhathúna during the joint seminar, as well as complete background paper, are now available for download. (as Gaeilge)