About ERASMUS+
What is erasmus+
Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe.
What Is Erasmus+ and Why We Take Part
At our service, we are committed to giving children the best possible start—and that includes investing in the continuous professional development of our Early Years Educators. One of the ways we do this is through Erasmus+, a European Union programme that supports education, training, and cultural exchange across Europe.
So, what is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ provides funding for educators to take part in high-quality training, job shadowing, courses and collaboration with educators in other European countries. It offers a unique opportunity for our team to learn from international best practice, explore new approaches, and bring fresh ideas back to our preschool.
Why do we participate?
By taking part in Erasmus+, our educators can:
- Learn innovative teaching methods used across Europe
- Gain new perspectives on inclusive and child-centred practice
- Build confidence and professional skills through hands-on training
- Share knowledge and collaborate with educators from a wide range of backgrounds
- Bring home practical strategies that enrich our curriculum and benefit every child in our care
These experiences help ensure that our teaching remains current, creative, and responsive to children's needs. When our educators grow, our children and our community grow with them.
We are proud to be part of the Erasmus+ programme and to offer our team these valuable opportunities—because investing in our educators is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in your children.
Useful Links:
- Erasmus+ Official EU Website: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
- Léargas (Ireland’s National Agency for Erasmus+): https://www.leargas.ie
- Erasmus+ for School Education Overview: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/staff/school-education
- Information on Mobility Projects for School Staff: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-b/key-action-1/mobility-school-education-staff
Our Projects
reykjavik, Iceland 2024 - Individual Educational Needs and Inclusive Education STPM COURSE
In August, our Service Manager, Rebecca, and Early Years Educator, Cristina, travelled to Iceland for a professional development course with @smart_teachers_play_more.
The training focused on supporting children with Individual Educational Needs and promoting inclusive education.
Over the week, they worked alongside educators from across Europe, sharing experiences and taking part in hands-on activities designed to encourage neuroaffirmative teaching practices. The course was lively and interactive, with plenty of opportunities for teamwork, discussion, and playful learning. This gave everyone a chance to connect and learn from one another in a relaxed, supportive setting.
The course was led by Rachel Bennett, a British specialist in inclusive education with more than 25 years of experience. Her approach blends practical activities with guided reflection, helping educators develop effective strategies they can use in their own classrooms. The course explored communication techniques, community involvement, and creative methods to make learning more accessible.
One of the strongest messages from the course was the importance of self-care for educators — a reminder that “nobody can pour from an empty cup.” Rebecca and Cristina also learned about ‘The Calm Kit,’ a helpful resource for self-regulation and for creating a safe, soothing classroom environment. They’ve come back feeling inspired and equipped with new ideas and practical strategies to strengthen their teaching and support inclusive education — insights they’re excited to share with the rest of the team.
For more information about the course, please visit:
https://www.smartteachersplaymore.com/courses-iceland/special-needs-and-inclusive-education
bologna, Italy 2025 - Job shadowing with istituto Comprensivo 9 - Il Guercino
In April, Amanda and Becky, two of our Early Years Educators traveled to Bologna, Italy, for a week of job shadowing across three local schools: a middle school for students aged 11–13, a primary school for children aged 6–11, and a preschool for children aged 3–6. Each setting offered a unique perspective on teaching and learning in the Italian education system.
The staff and children were incredibly welcoming, creating a warm environment from the moment they arrived. In the middle school, older pupils were eager to ask questions about school life in Ireland, while primary-aged children confidently introduced themselves, shared their favourite foods, and talked about the animals they liked.
Their school visit provided a clear look at the daily routines and structures that support young learners. They joined circle time, helped teach numbers, and observed how children played an active role in shaping their own learning. Weekly themes were chosen based on the children’s interests and integrated into classroom activities, while monthly colour-coded learning portfolios helped foster independence and pride in their work.
A range of enriching activities were also observed, including P.E. sessions in small groups, a STEM workshop delivered by university students on computer input and output, and a play therapy session led by a visiting specialist. It was inspiring to see how these experiences balanced structure with child-led exploration—much like our own preschool approach, but with fresh ideas to bring home. The visit sparked several reflections on what could further enhance our own practice.
Overall, it was a fantastic and enriching experience, offering new perspectives, practical ideas, and a meaningful exchange with educators in another European community.