Business Details
Your Trusted Pre-School in Larne for Over 55 Years
Harbour Bears Pre-School has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in Larne for over 55 years, dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where children thrive. Our team of qualified professionals brings extensive expertise in early years education, with specialised training in child protection, first aid, and inclusive learning practices. We work in close partnership with parents to deliver a curriculum aligned with the six areas of the Pre-School Curriculum, ensuring each child's developmental needs are met through play-based learning. Our facilities feature a spacious playroom with diverse resources, and we maintain rigorous health and safety standards while prioritising individualised care. Recognised for excellence in recent NHSCT inspections, we combine structured planning with spontaneous exploration to create a holistic learning experience.As part of the DENI Pre-School Expansion Programme, we offer funded places while maintaining strong community ties through regular fundraising initiatives. Our commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in staff development programmes and adherence to regulatory standards. With a proven track record of preparing children for formal education, we focus on building confidence, social skills, and foundational knowledge. Our cross-community approach ensures inclusivity, and our committee-led governance model encourages parental involvement. This combination of experience, accreditation, and community engagement establishes Harbour Bears as a trusted leader in early years education.
Services
Pre-School Education
Early Childhood Development
Play-Based Learning
Curriculum Activities
Language Development
Mathematical Experiences
Creative Arts
Physical Development
Community Engagement
Parent Partnerships
Highlights and features
- We have over 55 years of experience in early childhood education
- Our team consists of certified experts with Level 3+ qualifications
- We maintain a 1:8 staff-to-child ratio for personalised attention
- Our curriculum aligns with all six areas of the Pre-School Curriculum
- We received excellent ratings in our 2024 NHSCT inspection report
What people say
Loved and cherished
Amazing staff team
Fantastic pre-school
Positive learning experience
Highly recommend
Services
Pre-School Education
Our comprehensive pre-school programme follows the Northern Ireland Pre-School Curriculum, focusing on six key developmental areas. Children engage in structured activities and free play to develop language, mathematical understanding, creativity, social skills, physical coordination, and environmental awareness. The curriculum is delivered through themed learning experiences tailored to children's interests and developmental stages.
Play-Based Learning
We implement a child-centred approach where learning occurs through purposeful play activities. Our environment features designated areas for imaginative play, construction, arts and crafts, and quiet reading, encouraging exploration and discovery. Staff facilitate learning moments during play while allowing children to develop at their own pace through hands-on experiences and peer interaction.
Child Development
Our qualified team creates individualised learning plans based on detailed observations of each child's progress. We focus on building self-confidence, social skills, and emotional regulation while supporting physical development through movement activities. Special educational needs are accommodated with tailored strategies developed in partnership with parents and external specialists when required.
Parent Partnership
We maintain regular communication with families through daily updates, formal meetings, and online portals. Parents receive detailed progress reports and are encouraged to participate in decision-making through our committee structure. Workshops and home-learning resources help extend educational experiences beyond the classroom environment.
Community Engagement
As Larne's longest-operating pre-school, we maintain strong community connections through fundraising initiatives and cross-community programmes. Our committee includes parent representatives who help shape policies and activities. We collaborate with local organisations to enhance learning experiences and ensure our service remains responsive to community needs.
People
Mrs Pamela Mulholland
Pre-School Leader and SENCO
With advanced qualifications in early years education, Mrs Mulholland leads our team with 15 years' experience in special educational needs coordination. She ensures curriculum implementation meets regulatory standards while maintaining daily oversight of educational practices and staff development.
Mrs Nicola McAdorey
Acting Deputy Leader
Mrs McAdorey brings extensive childcare expertise as a Level 3 qualified practitioner. She manages daily operations in the deputy role, focusing on staff mentoring and maintaining high standards in child protection practices and curriculum delivery.
Miss Shelley Wilson
Part-Time Assistant
Miss Wilson supports classroom activities with her Level 3 childcare qualification. She specialises in early literacy development and assists with implementing individualised learning plans while maintaining strong relationships with children and families.
Questions
What age children do you accept?
We provide pre-school education for children aged three years and above, with both full-time and part-time places available.
How do you support special educational needs?
Our SENCO coordinates individualised support plans with input from specialists, while our trained staff implement tailored strategies in the classroom environment.
What curriculum areas do you cover?
We address all six Pre-School Curriculum areas: language development, mathematical experiences, personal/social development, physical development, creative arts, and environmental awareness.
How are parents involved in their child's education?
We maintain regular communication through daily updates, formal reports, parent-teacher meetings, and a committee structure that includes family representatives.
What facilities do you offer?
Our spacious playroom features designated areas for imaginative play, arts and crafts, reading, and construction, with outdoor play facilities available.
How do you ensure child safety?
All staff hold current child protection certifications, with regular training updates. We maintain strict staff-to-child ratios and follow comprehensive safeguarding procedures.
Reviews (1)
Stephanie Howie
Sep 08, 2018
Report
Two of my three children have completed their pre-school education at Harbour Bears. My third child has his name down to attend in the future. Harbour Bears has a strong ethos with the children and their best interests at the centre of it. Fiona and the girls display excellent pastoral care and strive to help each child begin to grow into the best version of themselves.
