Little Rays Nursery Ballymena

83a Galgorm Road, Ballymena BT42 1AA
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Top 20 award
9.9 100 Reviews
  • Little Rays Nursery Ballymena, Ballymena
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Lesley Walker (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 37

Total Places for Children

  • 197

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • All fees are revised in April each year.
    Email for an updated price list!

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays
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Little Rays Nursery Ballymena Reviews (100)

9.9

Little Rays Nursery Ballymena has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.916) out of 10, based on 49 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Little Rays Nursery Ballymena has 100 reviews.

Overall Experience
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  • 49
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Reviewer Connection to Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
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Total of 100, showing 1-20
Review from Toni R (Mother of Child) published on 23 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 2 children age 1 & 2 go to the daycare once a week. They really love it and I wish I could afford to send them more. Staff are great with the kids and keep me well updated on their day. They do lots of fun activities with them and they are well looked after. Would definitely recommend
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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 2 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great nursery. Staff is amazing, helpful and always smiling. My daughters love to go there even on the weekends they are asking if they could go to Little Rays and that is the best what parent can hear from their children because this mean they feel good and comfortable there
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Review from Assumpta M (Mother of Child) published on 2 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would highly recommend Little Ray's. Our son loves going to nursery - he runs in without looking back! The staff are warm and caring and he clearly loves them from hearing him speak about them at home. The meals are nutritious and varied with a good balance of treats and healthy food. The outdoor
play areas are spacious and safe with plenty of toys and bikes. The range of activities is great, with arts and crafts and the children helping to prepare their own treats for baking. The children learn about wildlife and about the seasons, to name just a couple of things that our son talks about. Communication from staff is great - they'll always respond quickly to messages via the app and will be happy to make time to speak in person at pick up or drop off.
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Review from Sarah M (Mother of Child) published on 2 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children in Little Rays and the fact that they both are so eager to go each day is enough confirmation for me that it is a great nursery.
The staff are so warm and friendly and I can see how fond they are of the children and vice versa (my oldest frequently refers to them as his friends).
I
love getting to see the updates on the app throughout the day and to hear what they have been up to. I can visibly see how being at Little Rays helps my children with their social interactions and their development.
I have and will continue to recommend Little Rays to anyone. It is such a big deal for a parent to hand their children's care over to someone else but I know with Little Rays that I have nothing to worry about.
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Review from S C (Father of Child) published on 2 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child has been attending Little Rays since he was 10 months old. He is now 3 and has been in a number of different rooms.


The staff have been friendly, caring and our child never has a bad word to say about them. We have recently had another child and we had no hesistation in reserving them

a place for when my wife returns to work.


They were very supportive when our child was potty training and we credit the speed at which they potty trained in part to Little Rays.


Multiple updates are provided throughout the day and activities are varied and well planned. Food is also varied and our child eats well.

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Review from Claire B (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't say enough great things about Little Rays Nursery, Ballymena. The staff are incredibly warm, nurturing, and attentive to each child's needs. From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed and reassured that our son would be in a safe and loving environment.
The activities are well-planned,
engaging, and help children learn through play. The facilities are clean, well-maintained, and equipped with everything needed for a fun and educational experience. We've seen such amazing growth in our son's confidence, social skills, and development since joining.
Communication is excellent, with regular updates and photos through the app, which really help put our minds at ease. It's clear that the team genuinely cares about every child, and we are so grateful to have found such a wonderful nursery. Highly recommend to any parent looking for a nurturing and enriching place for their children.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for your review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that you and your son have had such a positive experience at Little Rays Ballymena. We're proud of our dedicated team and are…read more
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Review from N M (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has recently started to attend little rays within the last 6 months and I have really enjoyed seeing them bond with the staff.
My child used to fight me going in, but now they go to the staff & take their hand.
I'm sent regular photos throughout the day which I absolutely love and the fact
I can communicate with the room via the app is great
I've seen improvements in my child's abilities and speech since attending little rays & just from my own experience would recommend it to others.
Thank you all for the hard work & effort you put in to provide an excellent level of care
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience! We're delighted to hear your child has settled in so well and is bonding with our team! Thanks again for your kind words!
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Review from Alex M (Father of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the smiles and warmth that greet our son, every morning, to the detailed updates we receive throughout the day. Little Rays is second to none! The staff are simply incredible which makes leaving our little one all the easier.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're so proud of our incredible team and are delighted that they make your drop offs easier!
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Review from Amy J (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Little Rays for close to 3 years. She has been looked after in almost every room during that time. The level of care given to her has been exceptional throughout this time. The planning of activities is amazing, most notably in the searchers/seekers room. Themed days/weeks,
outside activities and so much more! The room leaders care so much about the children - special mention to two members of staff in particular! My daughter come home talking about her leaders and friends every day. All information is shared on the app, which allows me to feel up to date about my daughter's day. I would highly recommend Little Rays to anyone, because i have no doubt they will be well cared for.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
We're delighted to hear your daughter has thrived at Little Rays over the past three years. We're proud of our team's dedication and the engaging activities they provide. Thank you for your…read more
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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely and caring staff and nursery provides a nice and safe environment away from home. App is great and keeps parents updated throughout the day on what the kids are getting upto, all the fun and educational activities planned and meals they offer. The initial transition and settling into nursery
was very well organised and supportive for both kids and parents.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for your review! We're delighted to hear that you and your children feel so supported at Little Rays. We're proud of our caring staff and their commitment to providing a safe,…read more
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Review from Shaun O (Father of Child) published on 11 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience has been nothing short of phenomenal. I have a 3-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter who both attend. The staff are fantastic, go the extra mile every single day and I have no worries at all. The day is filled with fun learning activities and both my children have developed so much.
The staff are highly skilled, motivated and nothing is too much trouble. My daughter has Down syndrome and started the nursery 6 months ago with a feeding tube and unable to move from her seat (after major heart surgery). 6 months later and she is eating all her meals, on all fours crawling, sitting independently, interacting and engaging and has developed beyond all recognition - this is all thanks to the brilliantly skilled staff and we are so grateful. The staff have helped so much and gone the extra mile every day and learned new skills.
If you want your child to be safe, thrive, develop and have lots of fun - this is the place. Fantastic place and staff. I cannot recommend it enough.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you for taking the time to share such a heartwarming and emotional review. I'm so glad our team in Ballymena has been able to create a loving and nurturing environment for your children!
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Review from Amanda W (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been using Little Rays for 10 years now with 2 children in the setting. The staff are lovely and treat the children as family and the girls love to go. They put on a wide range of activities for the children, including baking, painting, arts and crafts and much more. We are kept well up to date
on the app and what the children have been doing and eating.
Any issue that I have raised (about 2 in 10 years) has been resolved swiftly by management but never had a grievance with the nursery or staff.
Overall I am happy that the girls are well looked after in the facility and get to have plenty of fun including time outside in the enclosed space.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this heartwarming review! We are incredibly grateful for your trust and confidence in us over the past ten years and hope it continues!
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Review from C M (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is coming 4 and has been at Little Rays since she was 10 months old. It has always been the easiest drop-off as she just loves all the girls. The amount and range of activities is fantastic, always celebrating different occasions. Would highly recommend it to anyone needing childcare.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you for your positive review of Little Rays! The team work hard to provide a stimulating and inclusive environment, I'm so glad your daughter loves to be a part of it.
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Review from R T (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Little Rays for over a year now. Since his first day, he has been so well looked after. All staff show they care and are always happy to chat with us at the end of the day. The manager is always available if we have any questions or need advice. My little boy always comes home
happy and is excited to go to Little Rays each morning! I am delighted with the care he has received.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review of Little Rays! We're incredibly grateful for your trust and confidence in us, it drives us to continue to provide top-quality childcare.
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Review from Kerry O (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two sons attended Little Rays since they were a year old. This was made easy with the Amazing and friendly staff that care for them. The interaction and activities they do are great for a child's development. Lovely atmosphere and my son loves attending. Highly recommend
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review! We're very grateful for your kind words and thrilled to hear that your sons have had such positive experiences at Little Rays!
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Review from Laura C (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two girls have been attending Little Rays for a while now - my eldest 2 and a half years and my youngest just over a year!
They both love their nursery! The staff are all so lovely and my eldest is always telling me about her "teacher friends" in nursery - especially two members of staff in particular!
We
especially love the app - the wee updates and pictures you get throughout the day are just great. Over the last year I have seen even more improvements with fundraising days, more details on what topics the kids are learning about and now COVID restrictions are lifted it's great being able to actually go into the building to collect the girls.
I feel my kids are very safe here, with closed in outdoor areas, locked front doors to the staff ensuring all policy and procedures are followed especially when it comes to who is collecting the girls.
I would definitely recommend Little Rays to any friends or family.
Keep up the great work everyone - you're all fab!
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It makes our day to hear such positive feedback about your experience with us. Our staff take great pride in creating a fun and nurturing environment for all our children!
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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter initially struggled to settle in daycare having been home or with me for over the first year of her life - but the staff were so patient and thoughtful with her, and worked with her to settle her alongside myself and my husband - their support was fantastic. Now 8 months later she is delighted
to head into the staff, telling us all the fun she is having. Communication is excellent and the staff really know my daughter, her likes and dislikes and work with her in this! Really grateful for all they do.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you for taking the time to share your review! It's wonderful to know your daughter is thriving and having fun!
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Review from Aoife M (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Little Rays since 2022 and she has loved every minute of it. She has bonded with every single staff member as they like to get to know every child on a personal level. I love how much the staff are involved with the parents just as much as they are with the children. The Manager
has always helped me through anything I needed help with! My daughter has progressed so much through all the activities that Little Rays Nursery have for the children every day. They always focus on what is best for every child in their room, no matter how many there are! Always will recommend this nursery to my friends and family!
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you for sharing your kind words about our team and their dedication to each child and their family, it truly means the world to us.
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Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending Little Rays for just over a year now. He started at 9 months in the baby room. The care he has received has been fantastic. We are always kept up to date with his daily activities and he looks forward to nursery. Food is varied each day. The staff are friendly and clearly
take care and time in getting to know each child. I couldn't recommend this nursery enough!
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you for the wonderful review! It's fantastic to hear your son loves Little Rays since he started in the baby room.
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Review from Kate C (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Little Rays for 2 years. It is a great facility, providing him with a welcoming environment and endless activities to stimulate him. He gets a variety of nutritious meals every day. The staff are brilliant, always greeting him with a smile every morning and caring for him so
well. They have really helped in his development especially in terms of speech and potty training. He loves going every day! I would recommend Little Rays to anyone.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
We're thrilled your son loves Little Rays! The team take a lot of pride in caring for each child. Thank you for your review.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.916)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.916) out of 10 for Little Rays Nursery Ballymena is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 49 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 49 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.916 for Little Rays Nursery Ballymena is calculated as follows: ( (542 Excellents x 5) + (37 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 585 Ratings = 4.916
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little Rays Nursery Ballymena is based on 49 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 197 number of registered child places is 39.4, which has been reached with 49 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Frequently Asked Questions about Little Rays Nursery Ballymena

What is the Age Range of Children that Little Rays Nursery Ballymena accepts?

Little Rays Nursery Ballymena accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Little Rays Nursery Ballymena Open?

Little Rays Nursery Ballymena is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Little Rays Nursery Ballymena have capacity for?

Little Rays Nursery Ballymena has capacity for a total of 197 Children.

How far is Little Rays Nursery Ballymena to the centre of Ballymena?

0.8 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Little Rays Nursery Ballymena to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Little Rays Nursery Ballymena has an Basic Service - more info.