Little Rays Nursery Ballymena

83a Galgorm Road, Ballymena BT42 1AA
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9.2 106 Reviews
  • Little Rays Nursery Ballymena, Ballymena
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Funding & Fees

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

Contact Little Rays Nursery Ballymena to get a personalised quote.

Contact Little Rays Nursery Ballymena to get a personalised quote.

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

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 (106)

9.2

Little Rays Nursery Ballymena has a Review Score of 9.2 (9.238) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Little Rays Nursery Ballymena has 106 reviews.

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Total of 106, showing 61-80
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 BallymenaI'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 BallymenaWe 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 BallymenaThank 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 in our care!
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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 BallymenaThank 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 time with us before his journey into school!
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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 BallymenaIt 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 world to our team!
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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 BallymenaThank you so much for this kind review and good luck in big school. Keep in touch.
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Review from Emma O (Mother of Child) published on 5 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter absolutely loves little rays. Good variety of food, lots of activities to keep them entertained and just loves the staff like they are apart of our family. I will be forever grateful for the positive input they have all contributed to her life over the past 3 years she has attended.
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaThank you so much for this lovely review and for taking the time to submit it.
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Review from Rachel O (Mother of Child) published on 6 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son recently started Little Rays and has settled in really well. As a lockdown baby, he didn’t have a lot of socialising, so I am delighted that he is getting on so well. I have no doubt that this is down to the fun, stimulating and caring environment that he is in. I am confident that he is being
well looked after by the staff at Little Rays, and that he is getting a varied experience each day and making new friends. I have noticed a big development in him in the short time that he is been there.
Thanks to all the girls for their hard work!
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaThe whole team really appreciate the positive feedback given. Thank you for taking the time to write this.
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Review from S S (Grandmother of Child) published on 6 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is an excellent facility and the staff are extremely professional and qualified with such empathy for the children in their care. My grandchild is so happy at this nursery and runs into the facility on the days he goes there. This nursery in my opinion deserves the highest accolade.
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaIt's lovely to hear these comments from grandparents too. An extended family environment is so important to the little ones. Thank you.
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Review from Kelly W (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my boys attend Little Rays Nursery Ballymena, one is in the adventures room and the other in seekers. They have been going for almost a year and progressed through rooms.
I can not fault the girls at all, my boys love going and get excited once we reach the drop off area.
The girls are the most
hard working dedicated and patient people I know, I trust them and knowing my boys are happy makes me going to work easier.
Thank you all abs to anyone that helps and cares for our boys. Superstars the lot of them.
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaThanks so much for this lovely review, the staff really are so hard working and dedicated and this positivity will give them all an extra spring in their step.
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Review from Liza H (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I highly recommend Little Rays, Ballymena, the staff are exceptional and know the children so well. Both of my kids enjoy the variety of activities that they offer and they have developed so much during their time at Little Rays. Any time that I had (minor) concerns these were followed up and addressed
immediately and always to my satisfaction. My kids are both moving on to their next chapter of starting school but I will always remember how much they grew, developed, and loved being at Little Rays, Ballymena.
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaThank you so much for this positive and uplifting review, it really is appreciated.
All the team work so hard every day to make the children happy and help them develop to their full potential.
It’s sad when children we’ve known for so long move on but exciting at the same time.
I’m sure the children will thrive in their next stage and hopefully you will let us know how they’re getting on.
Good luck and thanks again.
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Review from Claire H (Mother of Child) published on 24 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
I recently had to remove both my children from the care of Little Rays. My younger child was left awake in a cot for 2 hours on his 2nd full day and on another occasion was awake for over 6 hours as staff said he did not appear tired. Following this, the staff did try and work with me to help assist
with his napping but I fundamentally disagree with leaving children to ‘self-settle' at a young age so I found an alternative nursery that has similar beliefs to mine.
My older child had started the nursery at around age two and was reasonably happy there until he needed surgery. Following the surgery the nursery refused to accommodate his return at the date agreed by his consultant, they would not accommodate a no ‘rough and tumble’ request and did not offer to draw up a care plan for his return. This left it unsafe for him to return. Again an alternative local nursery provided a care plan and prevented rough and tumble play until it was safe.
I do not recommend this nursery.
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaIt saddens me that these issues which you brought to us in March appear not to have been resolved as I believed they were.
Your younger child was only into his 3rd week of settling and progress had been reported. He was never left in a cot for 2 hours unattended. His nappy was changed during this time and he was checked on regularly but his new environment was still unfamiliar to him then. He also did not appear sleepy on the other occasion you mention and was content, therefore the staff would not force a child to go to a cot in these circumstances. He was still in the early stages of settling and sleeping patterns sometimes take weeks to be established, especially for breastfed babies.
Regarding your older son, we were delighted to hear he had come through his major surgery well and were looking forward to his return to nursery. As our policy states we requested a letter from the hospital to confirm he was ready to return but this was not produced. Unfortunately, negotiations to delay his start date by one week were not successful and he never returned to the nursery.
The local Social Services team were kept up to date throughout and were happy with how the nursery dealt with the situations.
I would like to wish you and your family all the best for the future and am happy to hear you have found childcare solutions that work for you.
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Review from Adele R (Mother of Child) published on 5 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 2 children attend Little Rays Nursery Ballymena and love going in to see their friends. The staff always put a lot of effort in to make sure the children have a fun day. They love getting outside and my son really enjoys playing in the sand and water. I would highly recommend Little Rays and have
recommended them to my friends and family.
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaThank you so much for taking the time to write this review.
The staff work so hard to provide quality care to all the children and it is appreciated when they get the recognition for doing so.
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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The working relationship between staff, management and parents has to be praised within this setting. My son, with complex needs, was not only welcomed but there are assigned staff with training in his individual needs. Staff also attended further training, worked alongside other outside agencies and
NHS health care professionals to ensure his care plan worked for him within their setting. I have since had a second child join this setting and I am equally delighted with their approach. I feel content knowing that my child is safe, in a nurturing environment and supported in any way that is needed. I would highly recommend Little Rays Nursery Ballymena.
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaThank you, I'm so happy to hear that our team have gone above and beyond to meet the needs of your children. Each child's individual needs are so important and by meeting them it gives reassurance to parents.
Deserved high praise for the whole team at Little Rays, Ballymena.
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Review from William D (Father of Child) published on 19 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot compliment Little Rays Nursery Ballymena and their staff enough on the phenomenal care my son receives there. From the attention of the very dedicated staff to the quality of home cooked meals he receives daily, his development since being there has been immense. From his speech, progression
and general social interaction. In my opinion, this is all due to the work that the staff put in with their care of the children and the various daily activities they participate in. He regularly comes home talking about the staff by name in a very happy and positive manner, this is a reflection of how they look after him. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Little Rays Nursery Ballymena to anyone and look forward to my son having more time there. As my wife and I are both key workers, the support of the nursery over the last twelve months has been invaluable.
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaThe staff team really are so dedicated, I'm so happy to hear they have offered reassurance and support to you and your wife during the difficult year we have all had.
Thanks for this positive review, it really does lift everyone's spirits.
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Review from Sarah W (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children have been attending Little Rays Ballymena for many years, my oldest child is now 9, and I have always recommended Little Rays to friends and family members looking for childcare. The staff are friendly, caring and attentive, and it's clear that they genuinely care about the children in their
care and love what they do. They take part in lots of different activities and get as much outdoor playtime as possible which is great. My children always come home smiling after another day at Little Rays! Having the parent app is also great peace of mind and it's great to be able to log in during the day and see photos of what they have been doing. Keep up the good work, and thank you for all that you do!
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaThank you so much for this. Word of mouth is the best recommendation we can get and we really appreciate this.
The staff team really are so good and genuinely love the children in their care.
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Review from Sam B (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Rays Nursery Ballymena is more than I could have imagined for my daughter. The updates of her day is a fantastic bonus! The staff are amazing and have been fantastic with my daughter. I can’t thank them enough for helping turn my daughter into such a social butterfly.
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaSocial butterflies are our speciality! It's so nice to hear your daughter is thriving in her environment and that is a huge credit to the team.
Thank you!
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Review from Eve M (Grandmother of Child) published on 18 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My granddaughter attends the preschool and she loves going every day. She talks about her friends and the activities she is provided with. She loves outside play. The staff are all so friendly and kind. She is looking forward to the after schools in September.
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaIt's great to hear the good news is being passed through the generations. Family involvement is such an important part of a child's life and it's good to be a part of that too.
Thank you!
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Review from Donna B (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has attended since he was ten months old. The staff are excellent, my son is happy and very well settled. They have been a great help in helping us as a family get through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaThe last year has been difficult and stressful for many of us but providing a bit of normality to children and their families has been a privilege.
Thank you!
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Review from Mary P (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Could not recommend highly enough. My son has loved the nursery since day one. I’ve never felt a reason to complain. He talks about his teachers extremely positively and has a fabulous attachment to them. I love the app and the sharing of pictures and activities. The meals provided are substantial and
healthy. Credit to all staff who work there.
Reply from Michelle Rea, Company Director at Little Rays Nursery BallymenaIt's nice to hear we got off to a good start and have continued that way! We intend to keep on doing what we do best!
Thank you!
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Current Review Score: 9.2 (9.238)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.2 (9.238) 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 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.3 out of 5 from 16 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 4.932 for Little Rays Nursery Ballymena is calculated as follows: ( (178 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 190 Ratings = 4.932
  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 4.306 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little Rays Nursery Ballymena is based on 16 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.9
    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. 16 Positive Reviews ÷ 39.4 = 0.406
  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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