The Launch of the ‘Principles for Engaging in the Arts: A Guide for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Settings’ at The Ark

"Children need somewhere like this, where no matter what they say, what they wear, what the colour of their skin is, they will be respected" - Minister O Donovan speaking about The Ark.

It was an exciting morning at The Ark yesterday as Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley and Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan launched the ‘Principles for Engaging in the Arts: A Guide for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Settings’. They were welcomed by our Board Chair Carol Fawsitt and Director Aideen Howard.

The Principles for Engaging with the Arts are designed to inspire and support meaningful arts experiences for children in early learning and care and school-age childcare settings across Ireland. The principles are closely aligned with the principles underpinning both Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, and the National Quality Guidelines for School Age Childcare Services.


The Plan is implemented by the all-of-Government Creative Ireland Programme based in the Department Culture, Communications and Sport in partnership with the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Arts Council.

We are delighted to announce that The Ark is a recipient of The Arts in Early Learning and Childcare Scheme.

This scheme allows us to partner with eligible services to develop opportunities for babies, toddlers, young children, and children attending school-age childcare, to explore and enjoy the arts. It focuses on collaboration between artists, early years educators, school-age practitioners, families and carers to develop their capacity in this area.

The scheme is co-funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality the Arts Council Ireland and allows us to continue to uphold our vision of #artsforEVERYchild.