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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Date Published
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  • 10
  • 49
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Reviewer Connection to Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
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Total of 100, showing 21-40
Review from Emma C (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a wonderful nursery. Lovely staff who go above and beyond for our 2 boys. We have sent our boys here for childcare for the last year, and are super happy with the level of care, and effort put in by all staff. It’s so nice to receive daily pictures and updates, especially as both my husband and
I work full-time. Thank you to everyone at Little Rays, you do an amazing job.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear your boys are enjoying their time at Little Rays.
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Review from Lorraine O (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Little Rays for 8 months now and she absolutely adores the place and the staff. On the way to nursery she talks about the staff in her room and gets excited when she sees them. The social skills she is gaining here are amazing. We couldn't be happier with how she has settled
and the relationships she has made.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It sounds like she is thriving in the nursery and that she has settled well into nursery life! Thank you for sharing your positive experience!
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Review from L D (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Rays has been great for our girls, the staff are brilliant and very in tune with the children's needs, the variety of activities they do with them is fantastic and so good for their development. A really great nursery that I would strongly recommend to anyone with small children.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It's great to know that the nursery team are caring for your children's needs. Thanks for the review!
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Review from S M (Father of Child) published on 8 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friendly staff that care for the children in their care. Helpful and have put together great programs for children, I know that mine always look forward to going whether that’s in daycare or preschool.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It means the world to us to know that you find our staff friendly and caring. We take pride in creating a warm and welcoming environment. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a kind…read more
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Review from J C (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves going to Little Rays each day. They have a jam-packed schedule of things to do and I'm very confident she is being kept busy and engaged throughout her week. This is much more than a room with other kids and toys. My child is obviously very engaged in the nursery community; she has
her own little friends and a genuine connection with the staff. My younger child will be starting Little Rays soon and I would recommend it to anyone needing childcare in the area.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review. I'm so glad your daughter enjoys her time in Little Rays and we look forward to welcoming your younger child soon!
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Review from L A (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my kids have been to Little Rays and we can’t fault them! The girls are so lovely and very welcoming! My little girl is there at the moment and she loves it. The updates on the app are great! I can see that they get her involved in lots of different activities! Thank you.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Your kind words about our nursery mean so much!
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Review from L A (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been in Little Rays for 18 months and absolutely loves it, we’ve never had any problems whatsoever. Good indoor and outdoor play facilities and he is really enjoying the current ‘Space’ topic in the preschool. The staff are very friendly and helpful, the app is updated live with meals and
images of what has been happening throughout the day, I can check in at any time to see how is he. Would recommend it to anyone currently looking for childcare and/or preschool options.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It's great to hear that your child absolutely loves their time in Little Rays! Your kind words mean a lot to us!
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Review from Adrian Tonny P (Father of Child) published on 8 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Rays has been a delightful place for my 18-month-old. The caring staff creates a warm atmosphere, and the tailored activities foster his development. The emphasis on safety and hygiene adds to my peace of mind. I appreciate the personalised attention, making it a wonderful start to his learning
journey.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Your kind words about our caring staff and engaging activities mean a lot to us! Thank you for the review!
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Review from Eva D (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Little Rays since he was 9 months (now 20 months) my older son also went to Little Rays right through to preschool provision. The standard of care the staff give to my child is fantastic, all staff are so friendly and chat about my son's day when we collect him. They are very
accommodating to any needs that arise, I feel I can always chat to them about anything and anything I say or ask will be taken on board and dealt with in a positive manner. They are meticulous in terms of care and hygiene. I love that my child gets freshly cooked healthy meals and snacks. Little Rays nurture the opportunity for children's development and it's a great sign when your child is smiling and clapping when we drive through the gates. I would recommend Little Rays to any parent.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
We are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care so it's great to hear that your children benefit from this! Thanks for the glowing review!
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Review from Alex T (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended since she was 1 and she is about to start the preschool unit in the nursery. The nursery staff are all fantastic, from management and room staff right through to the cleaner and maintenance man- it is such a lovely, warm and welcoming environment and everyone will stop to say
hello!
My daughter runs in the door in the mornings and sometimes forgets to give us a hug before she goes she’s so excited! At home time she is full of chat about her fun day with her teachers and friends!
Thank you to all of the staff for everything you do for her!
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It was lovely to read your kind words regarding our team, I'm glad that you and your daughter are happy with the care in Little Rays! Thank you very much for taking the time to review us!
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Review from Natalie S (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My oldest girl has been going to Little Rays since she was 9 months old and is 3 now. She absolutely loves it there, my youngest has now just started there too and has settled really well. The team are friendly and supportive! They always have activities and themes every week to keep them busy and entertained.
It really is like a home from home for them. I am kept updated via an app to see what they have been up to throughout the day. Couldn’t recommend Little Rays enough!
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for your wonderful review of Little Rays! Your kind words motivate us to continue providing the best possible care at Little Rays.
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Review from A R (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has attended the nursery since he was in the baby room. The staff have been nothing but outstanding. Meeting his allergy needs and helping with his eczema. He learns so much in his room and enjoys all the different topics. My other little boy is starting the nursery and the support from
management is incredible, giving me so much reassurance and making the process so easy.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review of our nursery! Your kind words about the staff and how they cared for the additional medical needs of you son mean a lot to us.
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Review from Sabrina M (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Rays is a brilliant nursery with lovely caring staff. They provide plenty of creative activities all year round with great outdoor space. I know my LO is in safe hands and it made the transition of going back to work easier.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. It means a lot that your child is enjoying their time at Little Rays!
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Review from Danielle C (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Always a first-class service when it comes to the nurturing and development of my two children.
All the staff are fantastic. My eldest even mentions them outside of nursery as his friends. They support the decisions you as a parent make for your child and really take fantastic care of them.
Communication
channels are great and responses are timely and informative. The information provided to parents on a daily basis via the app is comprehensive.
The facilities are brilliant. There are specific play areas based on the class the child is placed in and it matches their development markers for that age e.g. imaginative play and a certain level of physical input (trikes and see-saws).
The menu is great including potential allergens marked out.
Overall it is a great nursery.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
I am thrilled to hear how our team supported you and your children. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review!
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Review from Laura M (Mother of Child) published on 31 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter started Little Rays when she was nearly 9 months old and has been there now for nearly a year. In that time she has thrived and flourished. She thoroughly enjoys going there and has become a confident and friendly child. The girls have been brilliant with her in the baby room. They respected
the routine we had in place with her with regard to naps and bottles and never forced a change on her (dropping a nap). They tried and if she or I wasn’t happy then they went straight back to the original routine until she was ready to try again. Something I have appreciated as a mum. I cannot sing the girl's praises highly enough. They helped settle my daughter into a strange environment amazingly and as such took a lot of worries away from me as a first-time mum. They have also been very supportive of my child’s milk allergy and helping us with the milk ladder.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! It's great to hear the positive experience you've had at Little Rays.
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Review from Mikey S (Father of Child) published on 31 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had multiple children at the nursery for several years from baby onwards and Little Rays have been amazing. The facilities and activities keep them entertained and developing but what sets Little Rays apart is the staff. Each staff member knows you and your child and the individual care that
is provided is second to none. Thanks, Little Rays! Would recommend this nursery to anyone!
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It's wonderful to hear about the positive experience you have had in Little Rays with each of your children! Your kind words really brighten our day!
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Review from R C (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Rays Ballymena have looked after both my children. The youngest still being in the preschool room. The staff are so friendly and really take the time to get to know each individual child and their own needs. I have experienced all staff from the toddler room up (children didn’t attend the baby
room) they are so friendly and go above and beyond. The preschool room is fantastic with my little one regularly coming home to say what she has learned today, e.g. all about space
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Your children's positive experiences at Little Rays make all the hard work worthwhile! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review!
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Review from Jennifer M (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending for just over a year and she absolutely loves going in every morning. The girls genuinely seem happy to see her every day and she reciprocates this totally. Her speech development and social development have been amazing during her time in Little Rays and I attribute this
to the wonderful work by all of the staff who work with her. Saorlaith has had a great experience and I am so grateful and thankful for everything the nursery and the staff have done for her. We travel from Derry each day and I feel content and peaceful leaving her off and heading to work.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It's wonderful to know that Little Rays is playing a role in your daughter's development. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback!
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Review from Patrick M (Father of Child) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our wee boy loves his nursery. The staff are excellent with him and also with us in terms of communication. The variety of food is very good and there are a wide range of activities each day, including as much outdoor play as possible. Couldn’t recommend the nursery enough!! 10/10
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. It's amazing to hear that your son is getting so many positive experiences from Little Rays!
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Review from Joanne H (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is my second time using Little Rays for my children, I sent my son many years ago when he was a baby right up until he went to playgroup, and my daughter has been attending the nursery since I went back to work from maternity leave. I can't fault the staff, they are always so attentive and extremely
accommodating to anything my daughter needs. She loves going there and playing, and she really enjoys seeing all the staff that she has bonded with. I know that the staff are committed to making sure the children are always engaged and learning. I am a nervous mum and they do everything to put my mind at ease and are always there to answer any questions or accommodate any requests I may have, which I appreciate so much. I wouldn't send my children anywhere else as I know I can have peace of mind when I send them to Little Rays! Thank you to all the staff for being so attentive, and caring and doing their best to be a home away from home for all the children.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
I'm so glad you have peace of mind knowing that your daughter is being well cared for! Thanks for your kind 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.

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