Hello and welcome to The Purple Bell. A School Aged Childcare service proudly based in Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir, catering for both the Gaelscoil and Carysfort National School in Arklow, Co. Wicklow.
The Purple Bell is a school-age childcare service rooted in the heart of the Arklow community, founded by Laura Pierce, who has worked with local children and families for many years. The Purple Bell offers a service that will go above and beyond in creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, valued, and will have the freedom to be themselves. Laura believes that the primary school years are a key stage in a child’s development and a time where friendships, confidence and a child’s identity begin to grow.
The Purple Bell will create environments that will ensure a child-led, inclusive, and play-based approach is celebrated throughout. The Purple Bell will provide homework supports, and lots of structured and free play activities that will be designed around the children’s own ideas and needs. There will be lots of community involvement too!
The Purple Bell currently caters for children attending Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir and Carysfort National School in Arklow, and are proudly based on-site at Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir. This central location allows us to maintain strong relationships with the school community and offer a convenient, reliable service for local families. Laura and her team will place great importance on building strong, respectful relationships with families and the wider community. They will work closely with parents to ensure each child feels supported while in their care. Regular communication, open dialogue, and mutual trust will be at the heart of everything they do.
My name is Laura Pierce, and I’m incredibly proud to be opening this service in a town that means so much to me. For the past 18 years, I’ve had the great privilege of working closely with amazing families throughout Arklow. It’s been an honour to be a part of so many children’s early years journey and to have built such strong, lasting relationships within the community. I truly feel fortunate to have been welcomed into the lives of so many wonderful families and many of whom I now consider lifelong friends.
I hold a First-Class Honours Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care and through many years of studying various courses, I’ve gained a deep understanding of what children and families need from a childcare service. My experiences in working in other beautiful services has given me not just knowledge, but a heartfelt appreciation for the trust families place in those who care for their children.
Now feels like the right time to take everything I’ve learned and create something of my own. A warm, supportive, and enriching environment for school aged children. The Purple Bell is more than just a school aged childcare service, it’s about providing a space where children can feel safe, unwind, build friendships, and explore their interests in a relaxed and caring setting that is created just for them.
I believe that school aged childcare plays a vital role in a child’s well-being and in supporting families. My goal for The Purple Bell, is to become a trusted and positive presence in our community. A place where parents feel confident leaving their children and more importantly where children feel happy coming in every day.
I’m so excited for this new chapter and I look forward to welcoming you to The Purple Bell.
My name is Niamh Quigley, I have been working in Childcare for 2 years now and I am someone who loves to combine creativity, fun, and a little bit of sweetness in everything I do.
Baking is one of my favorite hobbies there's just something magical about turning simple ingredients into something delicious and comforting. From cookies to cupcakes, and all their favourites, we will definitely have little masterclasses in baking on our Friday treat days.
I also have a big heart for working with kids. Whether it's planning fun, hands-on activities or creating memorable experiences, I love helping kids learn, explore, and just enjoy being themselves. Seeing their excitement and imagination at work is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.