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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Review from H M (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Rays in Ballymena are fantastic! The staff have been wonderful and our two have been cared for so well since day one. Even when they were adjusting to going somewhere new, the staff were so good with them and helped them settle really quickly. My oldest is in preschool now and he loves it as
well. Nothing is too much trouble for the girls and the Manager is a fantastic manager - she knows the name of every child, which tells you a lot. I couldn’t give enough praise to this amazing group of caring staff and the building itself is a brilliant space. Love the app as well - especially as I was trying to stick to nap routines at the start.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you for the kind review, our team put their heart and soul into the care they provide. I'm so glad that your children enjoy their time in Little Rays!
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Review from PJ O (Father of Child) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent facilities and caring staff who have brought our son on from a shy baby to a talkative outgoing and confident toddler! His progress has been down to the 40 - 50 hours he spends at Little Rays each week!
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It's great to hear how our team has helped your son's confidence grow! Thank you for the review.
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Review from Kyle D (Father of Child) published on 23 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children have been attending Little Rays for a few months now, and honestly, I have nothing but good things to say about them. They have kept me up-to-date and in the loop about all developments in my children's care, the staff are all amazing and friendly people, and my children enjoy their time
there so much it cannot possibly be put into words in any language I know. I would happily and without hesitation recommend Little Rays to anyone and everyone I know, as the level of care they provide to the children in their charge is quite frankly nothing short of impeccable, and is more than deserving of any awards and recognition that may come their way as a result of their unparalleled enthusiasm and dedication to the care and education of those we as parents hold most dear.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thanks for the amazing review! Your family's positive experiences at Little Rays make all the hard work worthwhile.
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Review from Amanda M (Grandmother of Child) published on 23 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandson will be 2 next month. He has been at Little Rays for 1 year and really loves it. Loves going in each morning. Really thriving in this environment. Staff great and full of fun. Outdoor and indoor activities are age-appropriate and he enjoys activities and his little friends.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Your kind words about Little Rays are appreciated! We're so happy to hear your grandson is thriving with us.
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Review from Judith S (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been attending for almost a year. They are happy and well cared for during their time there and the staff have good communication with parents.
Very child-centred care and great activities planned.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It warms our hearts to know your child is having such positive experiences at Little Rays. Thank you for sharing your review!
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Review from C M (Mother of Child) published on 18 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent childcare facility. My child has attended for over 2 years from baby room right through to preschool. He has made some great friends and talks about the staff all the time. Can't recommend enough.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I hope your son continues to enjoy his time in Little Rays with all his friends!
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Review from Diana M (Mother of Child) published on 18 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Rays Childcare Nursery excels in nurturing and educating children. Its welcoming, creative environment is bolstered by exceptionally attentive staff who act as friends, ensuring personalised care. The nursery adopts a holistic approach, offering diverse activities like arts, storytelling, and
outdoor play, catering to various interests and learning styles. Academically, it prepares children for future learning, integrating key skills seamlessly. The children's happiness, active participation, and friendships attest to the positive impact of Little Rays, making it a safe, enriching space for growth and exploration.
A massive thank you to all the staff for making it such a fun place for my child.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for your review, it is lovely to hear the wealth of experiences your child has gained from Little Rays.
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Review from Bronagh G (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Rays provides such a caring environment to play and learn in. The staff are all lovely. My daughter has so much fun and is very well fed. She has grown in confidence and is making so many friends. Thank you for all that you do for GG!
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you for the kind review, I hope your daughter continues to thrive in Little Rays!
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Review from V T (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son loves going to nursery, he’s 1.5 and has never had any issues, runs in and out the door, the staff are incredible and how much they care really shows. Communication is always brilliant and staff and management couldn’t be more helpful. Could not speak more highly of this daycare, and the relief
it is as a parent to be able to send your child somewhere you know they are so happy and well cared for.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It is lovely to hear the positive experience you have had with us! I hope your son continues to enjoy his days in Little Rays, thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.
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Review from Clare T (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I find the staff extremely caring towards my son. They have dedicated so much time in teaching him how to socialise with other children, manners, patience, kindness, and the ability to learn new activities.
My son is thriving so I no longer have that 'mum guilt'. Without Little Rays Nursery my son
wouldn’t be, in my eyes, as outgoing and advanced for three. The activities range from learning about different seasons, counting, painting, nature, culture, music, reading, and various fun activities throughout each term.
The opening hours are ideal and the meals my son is provided with are very healthy and nutritional (with the odd wee ice cream cone, which really pleases my son).
I am truly thankful, so grateful and blessed to have such a first class nursery. Thank you Little Rays. Highly recommended.
Reply from Lesley Walker, Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for your kind words about our setting. We really appreciate you taking the time to write such lovely words. We adore having your little one in the nursery, he is a great wee boy. We…read more
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Review from Rory S (Father of Child) published on 3 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We enrolled our 2-year-old son in Little Rays at the start of the year to try to bring on his speech and social skills. The staff at Little Rays were very understanding and fantastic at putting us at ease during the induction period. The staff are so engaging and friendly, our son doesn't want to leave
at the end of the day! Receiving regular updates throughout the day shows us how much the staff do with the children and our son surprised us all by spontaneously bursting into song one evening. For parents worried about meeting his milestones that was an incredible moment that we credit entirely to the staff of Little Rays.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for your kind review and sharing your son's journey, we will be sure to pass this onto the team!
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Review from Michaela C (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing and friendly staff that care for my daughter and always smiling. The interaction and activities they do are so beneficial for a child's development. Lovely atmosphere and my daughter loves attending.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It's great to hear that your daughter enjoys her time at Little Rays! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review!
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Review from Emma K (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic after school, my 10-year-old loves going. She has so much fun and loves the team. She always comes home buzzing and they are extremely kind to the kids. My daughter loves the leaders. They are always very welcoming. Little Rays is like home from home.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It's great to hear that your daughter loves our afterschool! Thank you for your kind review and support of Little Rays!
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Review from Claire H (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Super nursery. My daughter has been attending for almost two years. She is very happy and well cared for. Staff are incredibly friendly and she has developed strong relationships with them and the other little kids in her pre-school.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It's great to hear that your daughter is building friendships with her peers and our team! Thank you for your support of the nursery and for taking the time to leave us a review!
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Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children who both have pleasant experiences attending Little Rays. Much to my older child's devastation, she is now too old to attend but would still have a wonderful connection with the team when helping me collect her younger sibling. Little Rays provide a high-quality standard when caring
for the children. With updates on how my child's day is going, the app gives me a window into the fun they are having while I'm at work. I love seeing what snacks they had or what creative activity the team has set up for them to do that day. The picture updates makes missing them that bit easier. My child also comes home with homework completed, which helps with the busy evenings to get ready for the next school day. The staff go above and beyond during school holidays to ensure the children's days are packed full of fun activities.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
I'm so glad your children have both enjoyed their time in Little Rays! It's great to hear that the team also help to make your home life that little bit easier by helping with the dreaded homework!
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Review from Philip L (Foster Parent of Child) published on 11 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It's always a good sign when you hear ' yes! Little Rays today!' From our boy. If he is happy then I am happy. Our boy looks forward to each day he is there. He comes out at the end of the day, smiling and full of the biz about what went on each day. He even gets excited when he sees the Little Ray's
cars when we are out and about and has to get waving at whoever is driving.
The staff are lovely, friendly and professional. You know your child is safe in their care and you can have peace of mind leaving them there.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
We love to hear these kind of stories - I'm glad he is so excited to come to nursery everyday! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and for your support!
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Review from Hope O (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have 2 kids at the nursery, the younger one started at 7 months of age and really, I cannot complain. He settled in well and the baby room team are just class! My older kid loves the nursery and has only great things to say about the staff, all of whom are fantastic. As one with a busy schedule and
a long drive to the nursery from work, the team has been very very accommodating. They also do take concerns seriously and address any worries that arise. Communicating with the team resolves any concerns. Would I recommend the nursery? Over and over again, yes! Thank you for all you do.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you very much it is lovely to hear how your kids both love Little Rays! This is such a pat on the back for our team and recognises all the hard work they put in daily to caring for the children…read more
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Review from V G (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending since aged 20 months his social and educational development has benefited massively. He is sociable and comes home having learnt new songs, words and behaviours. He genuinely looks forward to going to see friends and staff and talks about everyone from nursery at home. Staff
are friendly and have always communicated and worked well with us from settling in, napping and toilet training, taking feedback from us and listening to our views to do what works. He will be sad to leave when the time comes for school but I am glad the Little Rays Nursery setting will have him well prepared with confidence and social skills.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for your very kind words, we believe that the care our team provides is second to none and we are so happy that your son reaps the benefit of that! I hope he enjoys the rest of his…read more
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Review from Georgiana Z (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have my daughter there from when she was two years old now she is four. She developed a lot of skills and she has learnt a lot of things. This nursery is the best I could choose for my daughter and in the future for my son.
Reply from Ashleigh McCrum, Area Manager at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
It is great to hear how your daughter has been learning and enjoying her time with us! We will look forward to welcoming your son to Little Rays. Thank you for your support and praise, it means the…read more
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Review from L B (Mother of Child) published on 7 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has just finished Little Rays Nursery to begin main stream school and I cannot recommend Little Rays enough. He has come on leaps and bounds with his speech, social skills and general development since beginning in Ballymena a year ago. Also while waiting on an ASD assessment nothing was a
bother. The nurturing care he has received is next to none.
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery Ballymena
Thank you so much for this kind review and good luck in big school. Keep in touch.
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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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