PALS Afterschool has been established for 20 years, having first opened in 2006. I originally set it up to work around my own children, who were school age at the time. We are now in competition with school-based afterschool services. We appreciate that these services are very suitable for many parents, and there was a real need for more places. It also means that we now mainly cater to parents who have chosen us as their first preference.
Below, I would like to outline why PALS could be your first preference too. At the end, I have included a list of questions that I believe parents should consider when comparing afterschool services.
We have some great strengths which I would like to explain to parents.
- When I set up PALS Afterschool, I felt very strongly that children needed outdoor space and free play, and I think this is even more important in 2026. We have invested heavily over the years in creating a beautiful environment that is welcoming and fun. Because we cater only for school-age children, all of our facilities are geared towards that age group. Children do not need to adapt to preschool furnishings and toys or sit in the same classroom all afternoon.
- Our staff are well settled and enjoy their work, creating a stable and supportive environment for your children. They are well qualified and enthusiastic about what they do.
- As a parent, you can rely on us to cover those awkward half-days, staff training days and strike days. Better still, the children will look forward to attending.
- Our holiday camps are tremendous fun and have often been described by some children as their favourite camp of the summer. Children can still attend other camps, but parents do not need to feel stressed about how to cover all those weeks. The core camp day runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm, with the option to arrive from 7:45am and stay until 5:30pm.
- We are an independent childcare service and are not part of the State’s Core Funding programme; however, we do offer NCS.
- PALS Afterschool is more expensive than some school-based services because:
- All of our infrastructure and staffing are dedicated entirely to your child and their friends.
- Children are given a hot, tasty meal between 3:30pm and 4:00pm, which some parents say is a godsend when their children have training or other activities soon afterwards.
- Younger children receive assistance with homework, while older children are encouraged to become more independent, with adults available if they need help.
- Children are not simply supervised in the same room all afternoon. They have the freedom to move around, choose activities that interest them and enjoy different areas of the service.
- Staffing is organised by area, and we generally operate at a ratio of approximately 8 children to 1 adult, unless a staff member is out sick. The Tusla regulation is 12 children to 1 adult.
- Holiday camps are very reasonably priced because they are subsidised by the fees paid throughout the year. They are operated on a not-for-profit basis and, for this reason, are only open to children who attend PALS during the year.
- PALS children are happy, content and active. They spend time playing with friends, developing their social skills and growing into confident, well-rounded individuals.
- PALS parents can relax knowing that awkward days and school holidays are covered. When their children are happy, family life becomes that little bit less stressful.
Questions to ask when choosing an afterschool for your child
- How much of the afternoon does my child spend sitting at a table in one room?
- Are the activities mainly table-top activities?
- Do the children go outdoors, for how long and at what time of day?
- How many children are accommodated in each room?
- If the room is also used as a preschool room, how is it adapted for older children?
- How many adults are supervising in the room?
- What is the adult-to-child ratio?
- Will my child have the same staff supervising them throughout the year?
- How are half-days, school closures and holidays covered?
- Will my child actually want to attend on their days off?
– Teresa O Mahony, Owner & Founder of PALS Afterschool
