Investing in Early Potential: Clancourt’s Ongoing Support for ParentChild+ in Limerick

At Clancourt, we believe in building strong foundations, both in the places we develop and the communities we support. Since 2017, we’ve proudly partnered with the Early Learning Initiative (ELI) at the National College of Ireland to fund the ParentChild+ programme in Limerick, contributing nearly €250,000 over the years.

The ParentChild+ programme is a home-based literacy and parenting initiative that empowers parents to support their child’s learning journey through regular, guided play and reading sessions. Delivered by trained Home Visitors, it equips families with the tools and confidence to create a nurturing, language-rich environment at home, ensuring children start school ready to learn and thrive.

Our focus from the outset has been to expand access to this proven programme in areas of Limerick that need it most. Working with Garryowen Community Development, our support has helped sustain and grow one of the largest ParentChild+ sites outside Dublin. Staring with 6 families in 2016, we have helped grow the number of families to 57 annually, with 10 families currently supported each year through Clancourt’s contribution alone.

But it’s not just about numbers. The outcomes tell a powerful story. Since the programme began in Garryowen:

• 80 families have participated due to Clancourt’s support, with 32 completing the full 92-visit cycle and many others benefiting significantly despite early exits.

• Children’s cognitive, behavioural, and language development has improved dramatically over the course of the programme, with an 81% increase in developmental milestones achieved in cognition.

• Parents’ confidence, consistency, and engagement in their child’s learning journey have grown steadily, demonstrating that when parents are supported, children flourish.

Behind each of these outcomes are real families, many facing complex challenges, from housing insecurity to developmental diagnoses. The impact of the programme is perhaps best captured in the words of a parent whose child began the programme non-verbal and socially withdrawn. Today, that same child sings nursery rhymes, counts to twenty, and is thriving in pre-school. As the parent put it, “It’s given me hope for him. In one year, there’s been such a drastic change”.

“Clancourt’s long-term sustainable commitment to ParentChild+ in Limerick has been critical in the development and expansion of the programme. It has supported the employment and upskilling of local Home Visitors to deliver the programme as well as supporting vulnerable parents through challenging times and enabling at-risk children to start school ready for success in education. Clancourt’s sustenance for ParentChild+ is really needed in Limerick. With waiting lists for assessments and services for children with developmental delays and disabilities increasing all the time, Clancourt Group has helped families cope with the stress of waiting through their engagement in educational activities that improve their children’s learning and skills. Our partnership with Clancourt in Limerick is much appreciated by ELI, Garryowen Community Development and the families involved.”

—Dr Josephine Bleach, Director, Early Learning Initiative, National College of Ireland

Clancourt’s ongoing support also helps build capacity in the region by funding the employment and upskilling of local Home Visitors, whose commitment and expertise are instrumental to the programme’s success.

We’re proud to play a part in this important work, and we remain committed to supporting the Early Learning Initiative and Garryowen Community Development as they continue to empower parents, unlock potential, and create brighter futures for children in Limerick.

To learn more about the Early Learning Initiative and the ParentChild+ programme, visit www.ncirl.ie/ELI.