Respond To Open New Early Learning and School Age Care Service in Cork

Cork, February 2025: Respond, one of Ireland’s leading providers of social and cost rental homes and community services, is preparing to open a new Early Learning and School Age Care (ELSAC) service in Cork.

The Millpark Early Years Service, located on Redforge Road, will provide 22 part-time pre-school places for children aged 2 years and 8 months to 6 years. The facility, which is Tusla-approved, has been purpose-built to offer a warm, inviting, and stimulating environment. Designed with children’s development in mind, it includes a secure outdoor area to ensure a balance of indoor and outdoor learning experiences.

Speaking about the new service, Lisa O’Rourke, Respond’s National Early Years Manager, said,

“At Respond, we believe every child deserves a safe and nurturing space where they can grow and thrive. Our new Millpark service is designed to meet the needs of local families and give a sense of belonging and connection to their community. With this addition, Respond now operates 17 Early Learning and School Age Care services nationwide, reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting children and families across Ireland.”

The Millpark Early Years Service, located in Respond’s Millpark development, will be open to all families living in the area and the wider community.

Job Opportunities at Respond’s Early Years Services

As part of its commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive services, Respond is currently recruiting staff for its Cork-based Early Years Services. Positions available include part-time roles for a Deputy Manager and Early Years Practitioner at Millpark, as well as full-time Early Years Practitioner roles in Respond’s Mallow and Carraig Liath services.

Respond’s Vision for Early Years Services
Respond’s Early Learning and School Age Care services are guided by the vision, “That every child knows their value and discovers their magic.” The organisation’s 17 services cater for children aged 9 months to 12 years, delivering a wide range of programmes from pre-school to school-age care.

For further information about Millpark Early Years Service, contact Leanne Leahy at RespondEYSMillpark@respond.ie or 087 221 9771.

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Contact: Niamh McGovern, Communications Officer, Respond, 087 409 8129.

About Respond

Respond, a construction-led Approved Housing Body and service provider, has been working all around Ireland for over 40 years. Our vision is that every family and individual in Ireland will have high‐quality housing as part of a vibrant and caring community. Housing and decent accommodation, in the areas where people want to live, are central to improving people’s lives and enhancing the health and well‐being of society.

18, 935 tenants live in 8611 properties across the 26 counties that we either own or manage. Respond also provide a range of services for families and individuals within our communities. This includes emergency accommodation with 24/7 support for families who are homeless in six Family Homeless Services, three Day Care Services for Older People, 15 Early Childhood Care and Education, Family Support and Refugee Resettlement services. Our aim is to provide person centred services to support people to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.