Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Education in Belfast
St. Teresa's Nursery has been dedicated to providing high-quality early years education since 1994. As Northern Ireland's first nursery to achieve the Gold Rights Respecting School Award, we prioritise children's rights while delivering a curriculum that builds on individual strengths and interests. Our team of highly skilled practitioners specialises in language and communication support, holding the Silver Makaton Friendly Award since 2016. We maintain strong partnerships with local schools and international institutions, including our Forest School accreditation through NIFSA and six consecutive Eco Schools Green Flag awards.Our innovative approach combines outdoor learning with digital technology, preparing children for future challenges while maintaining a commitment to accessibility through Universal Design for Learning. With a maximum intake of 58 children, we ensure personalised attention within our purpose-built facility in West Belfast.
Services
Nursery education
Outdoor learning
Language support
Digital technology
Forest School
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- Northern Ireland's first nursery with Gold Rights Respecting School Award
- Six consecutive Eco Schools Green Flag awards
- Silver Makaton Friendly status since 2016
- Official Forest School with Northern Ireland Forest Schools Association
- Pioneers in AI and Ed tech for early years education
Associations and certifications
- Rights Respecting School Award (Gold)
- Makaton Friendly Award (Silver)
- Northern Ireland Forest Schools Association
- Eco Schools Green Flag
- Woodland Trust Green Tree Award (Gold)
What people say
Rights Respecting School Award
Forest School accreditation
Makaton communication support
Eco Schools recognition
Digital technology integration
Services
Nursery education
Our nursery education programme delivers high-quality early years learning through personalised curriculum planning. We focus on individual child development by observing behavioural patterns (schemas) and creating tailored activities that maximise engagement and learning potential. Our approach combines traditional teaching methods with innovative digital technology.
Outdoor learning
As an official Forest School and member of the Northern Ireland Forest Schools Association, we provide structured outdoor education that develops children's physical, social and emotional skills. Our outdoor programmes incorporate nature-based learning experiences that complement indoor educational activities.
Language support
We specialise in supporting children's language and communication needs through our Silver Makaton Friendly Award programme. Our staff use sign language and visual communication tools to enhance understanding and expression for children with diverse communication requirements.
Digital technology
Our pioneering use of educational technology prepares children for future learning through safe, interactive digital experiences. We integrate coding and AI elements into our curriculum while maintaining a balanced approach that combines technology with traditional learning methods.
Eco education
With six consecutive Eco Schools Green Flags, we incorporate sustainability education into daily activities. Our environmental programmes teach children about recycling, conservation and responsible resource use through practical, hands-on experiences that align with international environmental standards.
People
Clare Evans
Principal
Clare Evans has led St. Teresa's Nursery since its inception, championing rights-respecting education and innovative teaching methods. With extensive experience in early years education, she chairs the West Belfast Area Learning Community and drives continuous improvement across all aspects of nursery provision.
Fr. Gabriel Lyons
Board Member
Fr. Gabriel Lyons provides spiritual guidance and strategic oversight as a key member of our Board of Governors. He supports the school's Catholic ethos while ensuring alignment with modern educational standards and community needs.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We provide nursery education for pre-school children typically aged 3-5 years old.
What makes your nursery unique?
We combine rights-respecting education with Forest School principles, Makaton communication support, and digital innovation in a purpose-built facility.
How do you support children's communication needs?
Our Silver Makaton Friendly status ensures we provide tailored communication support using sign language and visual tools for all children.
What environmental initiatives do you have?
We hold six consecutive Eco Schools Green Flags and teach sustainability through practical activities aligned with Woodland Trust standards.
Do you offer outdoor learning?
Yes, as an official Forest School, we deliver structured outdoor education programmes through our Northern Ireland Forest Schools Association membership.
How do you integrate technology?
We pioneer age-appropriate Ed tech and coding activities that prepare children for future learning while maintaining balanced educational approaches.
