The founder of the Dangan based Kilmacow Montessori School, Helen Murphy-Walsh has been named Business All-Star Early Years Education Business Person Of The Year 2023 by the All Ireland Business Foundation.

Helen’s impact on quality and standards in Irish early years education has been recognised by the AIBF whose adjudication board praised the Kilmacow founder for her dedication to her role and her service to her community.

Kilmacow Montessori is a rural school with unspoilt views of the Comeragh Mountains. The school is fortunate to have such a beautiful natural environment with scenes of cattle-grazing or rabbits playing, an everyday occurrence.

The school’s focus on the natural world is essential as it allows students’ education to extend far beyond the limits of the classroom walls.

Kilmacow Montessori School, recognised for its outstanding performance in the areas of trust, performance and student-centricity, has itself achieved Business All-Star Accreditation for three consecutive years.

Speaking at the announcement, Deputy Chair of the Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said:

Helen Murphy-Walsh Founder Of Kilmacow Montessori School has achieved Business All-Star Early Years Education Business Person Of The Year 2023 Accreditation. Helen Murphy-Walsh is an informed opinion leader and the go-to person in the early education field. Helen is a trusted source who moves and inspires people with innovative ideas, Helen turns ideas into reality, and knows and shows how to replicate her success. Helen Murphy-Walsh Of Kilmacow Montessori School is hereby included in the AIBF Register of Irish Business Excellence.

Reacting to the announcement Kilmacow Montessori School Founder, Helen Murphy-Walsh said:

I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the Business All-Star Early Years Education Business Person 2023 accreditation. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Kilmacow Montessori team. We are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential. This recognition motivates us to continue our mission of delivering the highest quality early years education and care.

Managing Director of the All-Ireland Business Foundation Kapil Khanna said: The accreditation, which is now held by over 500 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.

He said: We evaluate a company’s background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses. As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish businesses. Companies that merit recognition based on an independent audit of their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust

Currently, there are over 650 companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in our programs.

The AIBF also hosts the annual All-Ireland Summit and monthly gatherings to promote peer-learning and collaboration among its accredited companies.

To learn more about Kilmacow Montessori School, visit their All-Star showcase page.