Mayor officially opens Stepping Stones creche

Northern Ireland’s oldest crèche relocated to Portstewart last summer and recently Alderman Maura Hickey cut the ribbon on the new premises.

She spoke warmly of the bright, modern facility and enjoyed the opportunity to read stories and have refreshments with some of the 21 staff and 58 babies, toddlers and pre-school pupils using the facility.

Dr Emeir McSorley, Chair of the Board of Directors was delighted at the Mayor’s visit.

“This is a really exciting time in Stepping Stones’ history,” she said.

“As a cross-community, not-for-profit childcare facility, we have been serving the community for 43 years, originally on the Ulster University campus. Alderman Hickey has supported us at every stage of our move to Portstewart so it was wonderful to get the chance to show her the new facility. We were also able to discuss our development plans, including after-school childcare and summer scheme care.”

Manager Christina McFarland is thrilled with the plans for Stepping Stones. ‘Having safe, high quality, affordable childcare makes life much simpler for parents and because Stepping Stones is a registered charity, all money made is invested straight back into facilities for the children.”

Any parents or carers interested in visiting Stepping Stones should contact Christina on (028) 7083 3200 or email [email protected].