Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Preschool Education in Ballymena
Established in 1967, Ballymena Nursery has dedicated over five decades to providing high-quality preschool education in a nurturing environment. Our play-based curriculum, designed to stimulate curiosity and foster holistic development, serves 104 children annually through four part-time classes with a 1:13 staff-to-child ratio. Our team of experienced educators utilises regular observations to tailor learning experiences, ensuring each child's unique needs are met.We maintain strong partnerships with external agencies and adhere to frameworks such as the Curricular Guidance for pre-school education, while our historical connection to the Adair Castle estate continues to inspire our themed learning environments. With a focus on safety, inclusivity, and community engagement, we prepare children for school readiness through innovative teaching methods and a commitment to excellence in early childhood education.
Services
Preschool Education
Play-Based Curriculum
SEN Support
Parent Resources
ICT Integration
Child Protection Services
Community Relations
Curriculum Development
After-School Care
Educational Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- Established preschool education provider since 1967 with 57 years of experience
- Maintains 1:13 staff-to-child ratio for personalised attention
- Accredited by Department of Education Northern Ireland frameworks
- Offers SEN support with dedicated learning support assistants
- Collaborates with Controlled Schools Support Council for quality assurance
What people say
Fantastic staff
Loved it
Excellent start
Highly recommend
Wonderful experience
Services
Preschool Education
Our structured preschool programme delivers age-appropriate education for 3-4 year olds through play-based learning. With 1:13 staff ratios and four daily sessions, we focus on developing foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social interaction while maintaining a 57-year legacy of educational excellence.
SEN Support
Tailored educational support for children with special educational needs includes dedicated learning assistants and individualised plans. Our inclusive approach ensures all children participate fully in activities while receiving appropriate accommodations aligned with current educational frameworks and policies.
Parent Resources
We provide comprehensive resources including digital access to policies, newsletters, and the Nursery Tapestry App for observation tracking. Parents receive regular updates through 760 annual classroom sessions and 4,940 snack-time interactions, fostering strong home-school communication and engagement.
Curriculum Development
Our curriculum integrates six key areas: personal development, physical activities, arts, environmental awareness, mathematical concepts, and language skills. Staff utilise professional judgement to balance ICT integration with traditional learning methods, ensuring compliance with our ICT policy and educational standards.
Child Protection Services
Comprehensive child protection measures include designated officers, staff training, and strict disciplinary policies prohibiting corporal punishment. We maintain secure environments with controlled access and collaborate with local authorities to ensure children's safety and wellbeing at all times.
People
Mrs McGall
Acting Principal
Experienced educational leader with responsibility for child protection and SEN coordination. Oversees morning classes and implements policies ensuring quality education standards across all nursery operations.
Mrs Kennedy
Teacher
Dedicated afternoon class teacher with expertise in early years education. Focuses on creating stimulating learning environments that promote children's social and academic development through structured play activities.
Mrs Viki Craig
School Secretary
Manages administrative operations and parent communications while supporting school policies implementation. Ensures smooth daily operations and maintains records for 104 annual enrolments.
Mr Smyth
Building Supervisor
Maintains safe and welcoming facilities across the nursery grounds. Ensures compliance with health and safety standards while preserving the historical character of the school's castle-themed environment.
Mrs Minhas
Teacher
Dual-role educator managing both morning and afternoon sessions. Implements child protection policies and contributes to curriculum development while maintaining strong parent engagement through regular communication.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We provide preschool education for children aged 3 to 4 years old.
How many children do you accommodate daily?
Our nursery serves 104 children annually through four part-time daily sessions.
Do you offer special educational needs support?
Yes, we have dedicated SENCO staff and learning support assistants for children with additional needs.
Can parents visit the nursery?
We welcome prospective parents to attend open days or schedule individual visits to view our facilities.
What curriculum do you follow?
Our play-based curriculum aligns with Northern Ireland's pre-school educational guidelines and includes six key learning areas.
Are there after-school care options?
We offer morning and afternoon sessions but do not provide extended childcare beyond scheduled hours.
Videos
Reviews (2)
Margaret Willis
Oct 09, 2018
Report
My Daughter Lily-Rose attended this nursery when she was 3 & she loved it. Staff are so friendly & they are willing to answer any querries or concerns. The enviroment is relaxed and pleasant. Staff really invest in the children who attend here. All children are equal and encouraged to do their best. The drive to & from Antrim every day was defy worth it.
Colin Downes
Nov 09, 2017
Report
I cannot praise enough the work and care that this little gem of a nursery school puts into looking after and educating my daughter. I feel safe in the knowledge that for 3 hours a day my daughter is warm safe well educated and happy.
