Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Nursery School in Carrickfergus for Early Childhood Education
Sunnylands Nursery School has been providing high-quality early years education since 1975. Our purpose-built facility in Carrickfergus offers a structured yet nurturing environment where children develop confidence, independence, and a love for learning through play-based activities. Our qualified staff deliver a curriculum focused on literacy, numeracy, scientific exploration, and creative expression, supported by continuous professional development. We prioritise parental involvement through open communication and collaborative partnerships, ensuring each child's unique needs are met.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our well-resourced classrooms, outdoor spaces, and a teaching philosophy that combines high expectations with compassionate guidance. As part of the Department of Education's funded provision, we maintain rigorous standards while fostering a joyful, inclusive atmosphere where children thrive academically and socially.
Services
Early Years Education
Play-Based Learning
Curriculum Development
Parental Involvement
Special Educational Needs
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We provide purpose-built facilities designed specifically for early years education
- Our teachers hold professional qualifications and prioritise continuous development
- We implement a play-based curriculum aligned with educational best practices
- We maintain small class sizes for individualised attention
- We offer mid-day meal provision for full-time students
What people say
Nurturing staff
Excellent facilities
Engaging curriculum
Strong parental involvement
Well-structured days
Services
Early Years Education
Our structured early years programme focuses on holistic child development through play-based learning. Qualified teachers deliver age-appropriate activities that build literacy, numeracy, and social skills while nurturing creativity and curiosity in a safe, stimulating environment.
Play-Based Learning
We implement evidence-based play methodologies that encourage independent discovery and problem-solving. Our purpose-designed indoor and outdoor spaces feature resources that promote physical development, imaginative play, and sensory exploration tailored to early childhood needs.
Special Educational Needs
Our staff receive regular training to identify and address diverse learning requirements. We work closely with families and external specialists to create individualised support plans, ensuring all children access our curriculum through appropriate adaptations and interventions.
Parental Involvement
We maintain open communication channels through regular meetings, progress updates, and home-learning activities. Our open-door policy encourages parental participation in school events, decision-making processes, and their child's educational journey.
Curriculum Development
Our evolving curriculum aligns with national standards while incorporating innovative teaching approaches. Staff collaborate on lesson planning, integrating creative arts, technology, and environmental education to prepare children for future academic success.
People
Mrs Morrow
Teacher
Mrs Morrow brings extensive early years experience to our team, specialising in play-based pedagogy. She focuses on creating engaging learning environments that foster children's natural curiosity and developmental progress.
Mrs McQuillan
Teacher
Mrs McQuillan contributes expertise in special educational needs provision. She works closely with families to implement individualised support strategies, ensuring all children achieve their full potential within our inclusive setting.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We provide nursery education for children aged 3-4 years, with full-time places starting from age 3.
What are your operating hours?
Our school day runs from 9:00am to 1:30pm Monday to Friday during term time.
Is mid-day meal provision available?
Yes, we provide a mid-day meal as part of our full-time nursery programme.
How do you support special educational needs?
Our staff receive regular SEN training and work with external specialists to create individualised support plans tailored to each child's requirements.
What is your curriculum approach?
We use play-based learning combined with structured activities to develop literacy, numeracy, creativity, and social skills in a purpose-built environment.
How can parents get involved?
We encourage parental participation through regular communication, home-learning activities, and our open-door policy for discussions and school events.