Have you ever thought about Training in a new sector or upskilling but money has been your one hurdle?  Then we have the perfect solution for you that could get you one step closer to your dream job.

Reports in todays Irish Times state that the points system for entry into 3rd Level programmes is to raise yet again this year, meaning the competition for places is extremely fierce.  Each year the points requirement for the more popular courses soars and last year the points for Sciene in UCD rocketed to over 500, leaving many students devasted as their dreams slipped away from them with a matter of points.

We are always encouraging our Montessori students to explore different ways of engaging with Children in education so we were extremely excited to have author of Greenieland Morag Kelly come in to speak to our students this week.  Morag has a huge love of nature and through her book Gordon goes to Greenieland she aims to inspire, engage and educate children in a fun and interactive way.

Our Montessori students were very excited for their guest lecture today as it was all about Lego Education.  Relatively new in Ireland  Lego Education is really big in Japan and the US and is a great way for children to learn through a fun and innovative curriculum using Lego pieces.

LauraLynn Children's Hospice are looking for Health Care Assistants to join there caring team so they can help more children.

Starting off the student year you want to look your best, but with new over heads such as accommodation, fees, books etc, funds can be tight.  Well hot foot it down to Jervis Shopping Centre tonight.  The centre has a Student Lock In for 1 night only from 6.30 to 9.30pm.  Lots of special discounts available from key stores in the Centre from New Look, Forever 21 and Topshop to name a few.  Get a hot new look at a fraction of the price -what's not to love?!

Have you ever thoght about working with children and considered training in Montessori?  Well don't miss out on the few remaining places on our part-time programmes in Dublin and regionally including Galway, Cork, Waterford and Athlone.

Montessori, Childcare and Special Needs are the most popular programmes we deliver outside the Dublin area.  Over the years Portobello Institute have been delivering these courses in Cork, Galway Waterford, Carlow and many more areas.  To ensure potential students are equiped with sufficient information about our courses for Autumn we are carrying out a number of regional open evenings in popular areas.  Portobello Institute prides itself on its dedicated and expert tutors. All of our childcare tutors have a true passion for this sector.  Individually they have vast amounts of knowledge to share with potential students and they will be on hand at the open evening to answer any questions you have about working in this challenging yet rewarding sector.  We are holidng open evenings in the folloing areas:

Occupational First Aid 3 day course is ideal for anyone wanting to up skill or refresh there first aid skills.The first Aid course will be delivered over a 3 day period on the 11th, 12th & 25th of August 2012.The course is recognised by the HSA and the PHECC (Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council). For further information >> Occupational First Aid - 3 day Course

Early Childhood Ireland are organising a study group to the Glen Outdoor School in Donegal on 19th May.  This is a fantasic opportunity for those working in childcare or own their own school to gain some insight into outdoor play.  On the day you will get a visit through the outdoor service, get ideas for your own outdoor space and get to network with other early childcare practicioners.

Over the years the staff of Portobello Institute have undertaken many trips to India to work with disadvantaged street chlidren in India, spending time in orphanges and working with the children on everyday activities.  One of the orphanages Portobello Institute staff spent time at is the BSSK orphanage.  Denise Flood Montessori expert and registrar for the college has carried out many trips to India and in March 2012 she travelled to Pune to visit BSSK again but this time to spend time with the staff educating them in the Montessori Method and setting up a Montessori school in BSSK.  The orphange supports up to 70 children aged 0 to 7.  The trip was lead by Dr Meere Oka, a lecturer at Portobello Institute and a Trustee of BSSK Orphanage.

The Glen Group, an organisation based in Balinteer Dublin are a group who organise summer camps for Teens/Adults with physical and intellectual disabilities and they kindly took time out to come into the college to deliver a guest lecture to our Special Needs and Health Education students.  They chatted in detail to our students about the opportunities of volunteering for the group and the great work that they have carried out over the years

Running your own business, whatever the industry takes great precision and organisational skills, whether its a start up business in the Beauty or Childcare industry or a growing business in Marketing or Finance.  Many students who pass through our doors ready to kick start their careers chose to go it alone.   While you may opt to employ someone to do your accounts or marketing for you while you concentrate on your own skill set it is strongly advisible to have general knowledge in definitive areas, allowing you to manage your business successfully and profitably.

Choices the Education, Skills and Careers fair is back again.  This year the exhibition takes place at the RDS and will showcase the best in Educational providers and potential employers.  Over the course of the 3 days Portobello Institute will be exhibitiing (stand no 82) at Choices.  Our course advisors will be on hand to guide you through the range of programes the College has to offer for 2012 from Sports Therpay and Personal Trainer through to Fashion and Beauty Therapy.  The Choices exhibition is the ideal opportunity for those looking to seek out a new career or upskill in their chosen area.  The exhibition is perfect for school leavers, Third level students and graduates looking to further their knowlege in specific target sectors.  In addition to the many exhibitors taking part, there will also be  numerous seminars taking place delivered by industry experts. The career clinic is a definite visit where you can get all manner of adivise on your next career move and how to be successful in gaining your next big role. 

At the end of January the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald announced that in 2012 Ireland will see the development of Irelands first National Early Years strategy for children ages 0-6 years.  The primitive years are the most important for the development of children and Minister Fitzgerald stated "Early-intervention in childrens lives and quality childhood experiences are cruticial to a childs emotional, cognetive and social development". 

Over the years Portobello Institute has dedicated a lot of time working with charities in India spending time with slum children in schools and orphanages.  Denise Flood, Head of the Early Years Department has visited Pune many times devoting her time to street children and accessing how she could make a change to the quality of their lives using her years of experinece within Montessori and Chlidcare.  Her empathetic approach towards these children has led her to further develop education facilites and with this in mind 2012 will see Portobello Institute embark on a new project in India by setting up a Montessori school in Pune.  Experiencing first hand Denise has seen how spending quality time with the children ensuring they are stimulated in every day skills has steadily improved their cognitive and social skills.  In the short time she spend in Pune she saw a dramatic improvement in some of the childrens responses.  In these poor slum areas many children are sent out to beg on the streets as familes are extremely poor.  Portobello Institute aim to open a school which will be able to provide a warm and welcoming environment for these children.  Using the Montessori method Denise and her team will set about encouraging learning and developing the individual childrens potential.

The Montessori method of pre-school education has been around since the 1800's and a role as a teacher within a school can be extremely rewarding. The freedom of movement for children is the main ethos behind this method whereby the child comes first, the environment second and the teacher observes and guides the child.  This organic approach encourages independence at an early age and sets the foundation for learning in later years.

After all the hard work and hours of study and dedication our full and part-time students from 2010 graduated at the Concert Hall, RDS.  Over 200 students attended on the day to receive their well deserved Diplomas which will lead them onto the first step of their career ladders in their chosen sectors.

Portobello Institute are excited to execute their first Fire Legislation workshop which is CDP approved by Engineers Ireland tomorrow, 16th September. We are fortunate to have industry expert Michael Lyons delivering this workshop.  Michael Lyons is a Chartered Engineer and a member of Engineers Ireland.  He has vast amounts of experience in this area having worked as a Fire Safety consultant and consulting engineer since 2000, and Portobello Institute are honoured to have him on-board for this specific workshop. 

If you are thinking of upskilling or changing your career then Which Course at the RDS next weekend, 27th + 28th August is the ideal starting point in your search for a new you.  Portobello Institute will be exhibiting over the course of the weekend and our expert course advisors will be on hand to answer all your questions about our part-time and full time programmes.  We offer courses in Fashion, Makeup and Beauty to name a few.  A one year Fetac or Itec certificate or Diploma will provide you with a solid foundation on which to start a career in a new sector.  In association with Which Course Portobello Institute will be offering the chance to win a place on our popular Facial Makeup course which starts in October. The course is a great introduction to makeup and skin care, teaching you the techniques required to be a successful makeup artist. To be in with a chance to win and start an exciting career in makeup simply register with Which Course at www.whichcourse.ie

On May 21st at St Marys Church, Dawson Street Portobello Institute held their summer 2011 Graduation Ceremony.  The church is the ideal venue with its beautiful interior and furnishings.  On the day the college were extremely proud of its graduates which were a mix of Montessori, Fashion Buying and Merchandising, Make-up and Beauty students who were all there to proudly receive their hard earned Diplomas.  The ceremony began with an opening speech from the college director Rebakah Lyons who congratulated the students on their achievements to date and wished them the very best in their chosen career paths. Once the students had all received their Diplomas the ceremony continued with additional awards for Student of the Year from each sector.

Here is your chance to showcase your best family photo.  Dun laoghaire-Rathdown County Childcare Committee are organising a photography competition with the theme "Celerbrating Inclusion - Families in Photos".  They are asking people to submit their best family photos by Friday 16th September. An exhibition of the best photos will be shown during  Social Inclusion Week in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils pop up shop in Dun Laoghaire on 8th -15th October.

As part of their Child Health and Wellbeing module the second year Montessori Teaching students have set about researching health and fitness for the pre school years.  It is extremely important that young children include light exercise in their daily routine and that they are provided with a healthy and nutritional diet in the early years.  Portobello Institute have their own Montessori school that facilitates over 20 children throughout the day.  The students were fortunate to be given the task of devising and implementing a health, nutrition and fitness programme for the school and the children.  This is a fantastic opportunity for our students and they are really looking forward to the fun task which will see them working closely with both the children, staff and management of Portobello Montessori school.  Initially the students set up some simple excercises for the children in the school such as hop scotch and putting hoops around cones.  The students also carried out an arts and crafts session with pictures and painting of fruit and vegetables. Movement and balance are important at this stage of childhood encouraging freedom, balance, activity and most importantly fun.

Are you looking to upskill, learn something completely new or simply trial a new area?  With our new Summer schedule there is something for everyone.  In addition to our part-time courses in areas such as Fashion, Beauty, Sports, Business and Childcare Portobello have devised a comprehensive portfolio of short courses and workshops across all sectors.  These workshops are the ideal addition to working professionals, or those who are thinking of moving into a new area and want to trial  it with shorter/taster programmes.

Holocaust Educational Trust will visit the Montessori students on 1st June as part of their History module, revealing how events in the past have impacted life today. The holocaust plays an integral role in our history and the Educational Trust aims to educate and inform people about the Holocaust in order to combat all forms of racism and intolerance in Ireland. The Trust promotes Holocaust awareness as a contribution to educational and cultural programmes that address issues of racism, bigotry and prejudice.

Have you ever sat down to watch the Apprentice and feel yourself screaming at the TV in frustration thinking you could do a better job than the latest contestants.  Do you think you have what it takes to make your stance in the board room in front of Bill Cullen and his side kicks Jackie and Brian and be the next big thing?  Well this is your chance to make a change in your ilfe as series Four is looking for contestants to take part in the Apprentice 2011.  This year there is a twist with Bill offering the winner a fantastic opportunity to launch thier own business under the mentorship of Bill and his team.  The winner receives the extremely enticing and rewarding six figure sum of €100,000 in additin to another €100,000 cash prize to kick start your business plan.  Bill is looking for enthusiastic, passionate individuals who have excellent Business acumen and skill to ensure thier business performs and is a success, be it a catering company, a marketing company or a digital online firm.  So if you think you have a staminer, attidue and business mindset to outshine the rest then get ready to set into Bills boardroom.

The Glen Group in Balinteer, Dublin are a voluntary organisation who run a summer camp for young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities age 16+.  The camp which runs during the montth of July is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help out this summer.  Glen Group offer a number activites ranging from horse riding, sea safari, arts and crafts, absailing and much more. In addition they organize meals out and concerts.  If you are looking to get involved and want to gain some experience with young adults in this area then please contact Michael Brogan on 087 912 8014 or michael.glengroup@gmail.com

Fancy getting away this summer yet still working within childcare then this could be for you.  An Irish/Belgian couple are looking for an au-pair for the summer months (May -  August 2011) for their daughter who is 3 months.  The family live  in a quiet village 30 minutes from Brussels in the French speaking part of Belgium.  The train station is 10 mintues away so ideal for getting around.  The au pair is required the child from 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday.  Your evenings and weekends are free.  In addition there aer several bank holidays in Belgium over the summer months where you will be free to visit Belgium or Europe.

Denise Flood and Sinead Matson from our Montessori and Childcare department were fortunate to visit Pen Green training centre in Northamptonshire in March.  The centre specialises in training and research for the early child years   Their vision is for the research base to be an important resource for those working in the early years field.  In doing so the centre is able to help practicioners and childcare professionals learn and improve their services.

There are many obstacles facing people with intellectual disabilities including communication.  Sign language aids the gap for communication between adults and children giving both parties a tool in which to understand each other and form a converstaion.  LAMH is an Irish sign language which has been around since the 80's and has proved to be an invaluable asset to parents with children to have hearing or intellectual disabilities.  LAMH is taught at St Michaeals House and this week a representative from the organisation took the time to deliver a guest lecture to our Childcare and Special Needs students informing them of this advantageous form of signing with young children.  The simple signs in LAMH were developed to allow practitioners and families to communcate with their children until the child learns to speak.  Many preschoolers find it is an excellent tool within thier settings for children with lots of different learning delays.  Signs can be used a primary method of communication.  Many LAMH signs have been adapted from Irish Sign Language (ISL).  However, LAMH uses a smaller number of signs than ISL and the hand positions are complex.  Many of our students who go on to work with children with intellectual disabilities will find LAMH a fundemental tool when working in this sector. 

Are you part of a parent and toddler group or are looking to set up a group in the Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown area but are struggling with equipment or training costs?  Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council Childcare Committee are inviting existing groups as well as parents who are looking to set up a group to apply for a grant under the  Parent and Toddler Group Initiative 2011.  Small grands from €100 to €600 are availalbe for various areas such as toys, equipment, arts & crafts, music, or indeed help towards insurance, rent or training.  Application are available on-line and should be submitted by 8th April 2011

Do you love children and have a childcare qualification?  Fancy working abroad for the next 9 months?  Then this could be the role for you.  A French family are currently seeking a live in nanny to look after their two children (4 1/2 & 3) from August/September 2011 for a 9 month period.  The family are based in the South of France in Marseille, just 5 minutes from the beach.  Working hours would be 30 hrs per week with 1 or 2 evenings per week.  You would be required to bring the the children to and from school, prepare meals, organise activties and outings and do the childrens laundry.  Salary is €100 per week with a room and meals provided for you.  Candidates must have a childcare qualification with good references, be honest, loyal and most importanly patient.  Speaking French is not necessary.

Childrens charity Barnardos came into the college at the end of last year to deliver a guest lecture to Portobello's Montessori students.  Enlightented and enthused by the charities notable and continued work the students took it upon themselves to raise some money to contribute to the charity.  The students organized two hampers packed with goodies to raffle just in time for Christmas.  Raising over €2,000 the students proudly presented the cheque to a Barnardos represetative earlier in the month.

Portobello Institute have a long standing relationship with childrens charity zest4kidz having made trips to Belarus and India in the last few years.  The charity founded by husband and wife team Stuart and Maggie Wilson started in 2006.  Their philosophy is to bring love and attention into the lives of those less fortunate.  The Charity work and support three different areas - child soldiers in Africa, children in slums in the streets in India and children in prisions and ophanages in Eastern Europe.

Barnardos launched a new publcation this week to support those working in pre-schools in creches, Montessori schools, after school clubs and summer camp settings.  The book acts as a guide for careers to understand their responsibilites regarding child protection and to maximise the safety and welfare of the children while in their care and to report child protection concerns in accordance with the Government's protection guidelines Chilldren First.

The Montessori students will embrace their artistic flair as they make a trip to the Pine forest in Glencullen.  The Pine Forest Art Centre at Glencullen, in the Dublin Mountains, has been providing creative and educational Art and Craft for over 35 years. The Art Centre is set in beautiful rural scenery surrounded by mountains, woods, and streams.  The students will spend a day learning various arts and crafts projects to which they can then pass on to their students.

The Irish Society for the Prevention of cruelty to children delivered a guest lecture to the Montessori students on child protection and the work that the charity carries out. The charity which was founded in 1889 is Irelands oldest and most well-known children's charity. It has a long, proud history of service delivery and advocacy on behalf of children. There 3 main purposes are to ensure all children are given the chance to feel love and happiness, to stop discrimination and exclusion of children and to end cruelty and injustice to children.

Looking to work in a warmer climate?  A family from Oman are looking to recruit a skilled montessori teacher for their four children who will be home schooled.  The family are relocating to the Seychelles in the new year and are looking for a teacher to move with them in March 2011.  Accommodation will be provided and the children are ages 10, 7, 5 and 3.

Irish children and family organization Barnardos visited Portobello Institute on the 17th November and delivered a guest lecture to the current Montessori students. They talked to the students about the organization as a whole, its mission and future development and current projects that the students can get involved with both personally and professionally. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain a real insight into the successful work of Barnardos from child protection through to training programmes for those in childcare.

Music Therapy Ireland held an information evening at Portobello Institute on 14th October, enlightening both Montessori students and childcare bodies on the many benefits of this type of therapy. The company originating from Limerick aim to educate and build awareness of this method of therapy in Ireland. Their mission is to promote and encourage further development and growth in a space that is creative, safe and non-judgmental.