Siobhan Duane-O’Connor pictured with Miriam O’Callaghn after winning an award at the at the Inspiring Women in Business 2019 Small Business Star Awards in Cork last weekend.
Host Miriam O’Callaghan named Buttevant’s Siobhán Duane-O’Connor and Eden Childcare as winners of the Inspiring Women in Business 2019 Small Business Star Award last Saturday. The awards dinner, organised by No. 1 Media, was held at the Inspiring Pavilion at the Clayton Silver Springs Hotel Convention Centre and celebrated the achievements of Irish women in business. Announcing the winner of the Small Business Star Award, RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan stated, “They have extensive policies and procedures in place to protect each child in their care. Professionalism, with a caring approach, is what makes her business a winner.”
Being recognised amongst all of the business women in Ireland came as both a surprise and a unique honour for Siobhan. “I’m thrilled that the judges recognised all of the hard work that goes into running our childcare centre,” said, Siobhan. “I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my husband and family who have been incredibly supportive over the years, my staff, the parents, and all the incredible children whom we have had the pleasure of caring for at Eden Childcare,” she continued.
Next year, Eden Childcare will celebrate its 10th anniversary in business. A native of Buttevant, Siobhan left her career as a Registered Nurse and founded Eden Childcare in Buttevant in 2010. Beginning with only 2 children, and growing to 12 children within a few months, Eden Childcare quickly established itself as an innovative, quality childcare option for people in North Cork. Today, Siobhán supervises 12 staff in a new, purpose-built childcare facility serving over 80 families. Eden Childcare also offers care for babies to children in sixth class to assist families with all their childcare needs. This ethos of Eden is to encourage the active participation of all children using a Strength-Based Approach to encourage and develop each child’s interests. Learning is more meaningful, motivating and enjoyable for children when based on their skills, strengths and intertest and the uniqueness of each child can allow us as Early Years Educators to recognise each child’s needs, strengths and interests.