A new Early Years setting with a strong focus on outdoor learning is set to open in rural Wexford, offering families a new childcare and early education option in the Oulart area…
Winston & Willows Early Years is the newest addition to the established Carraig Briste & Killegney Early Years group, which has developed a reputation for placing outdoor play and learning at the heart of its approach.
Located on a family farm in Oulart, the new state-of-the-art facility has been designed to provide children with opportunities to learn, explore and play in a natural countryside setting. The centre officially opened in September 2026.
The facility takes its name from Winston and Willow, the family’s dogs who are described as an integral part of the organisation’s therapy team.
Winston & Willows is being managed by Ciara Donohoe, who has been part of the Carraig Briste team since 2015. The new setting joins the group’s existing facilities at Carraig Briste in Templescoby and Killegney Early Years in Clonroche.
Outdoor learning at the heart of the approach
Outdoor learning is a central feature of the group’s philosophy, with children encouraged to spend significant amounts of time outdoors as well as indoors.
Activities can include exploring nature, getting involved in gardening and growing fruit, herbs and vegetables, playing in mud, painting, and learning through games and discovery.
The organisation says its approach draws on a number of early childhood education philosophies, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, nature pedagogy and Forest Schools. The aim is to provide a child-centred environment where children can learn through play and develop at their own pace.
The countryside setting provides children with opportunities to interact with the natural environment, with the organisation highlighting activities such as discovering insects, feathers and leaves and enjoying outdoor play in different weather conditions.
The curriculum is founded on Ireland’s Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, with the organisation placing an emphasis on children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
A new addition for families in the area
The opening of Winston & Willows represents an expansion for Carraig Briste & Killegney Early Years, which describes its existing settings as award-winning outdoor learning centres in the Wexford countryside.
The new Oulart facility is currently welcoming enquiries and bookings from families interested in finding out more about the setting.
Winston & Willows Early Years is located in Oulart, Co. Wexford, with the Eircode Y25 Y4X0.
Families can find out more about the new setting, its approach and how to make an enquiry through the Carraig Briste & Killegney Early Years website.
Wexford Weekly
This article was published by a member of the Wexford Weekly team.
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