Little Gems Private Day Nursery

1 Dunlady Road, Dundonald, Belfast BT16 1TT
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9.9 125 Reviews
  • Little Gems Private Day Nursery, Belfast
Little Gems Private Day Nursery offers a loving homely environment for your child, having been part of the community for over 12 years with long established management and staff. Little Gems offers full day care for children aged 3months to 10years old. Each room is equipped with age appropriate resources and has a full programme of activities for a fun and stimulating day. Under 3s enjoy a weekly visit from Jo Jingles for music and dancing while Pre-school enjoy Spanish lessons and Debut Tots as part of the Pre-school curriculum. A large garden offers plenty of opportunity for exploring outside, gardening and outdoor toys. After-school care is available all year with a summer scheme and breakfast club. The nursery collects from Dundonald Primary and Brooklands Primary. Everyday carers strive to meet the individual needs of every child in their care, encouraging learning through play, covering all the areas of learning to develop independent and confident children.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Leah Morrow (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 38

Total Places for Children

  • 103

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Full Week - £314
    Full Day - £75
    Half Day - £52
    Two children – Full time - £531.50
    Afterschool - £35
    Morning & Afterschool - £36.00

  • Fees applicable from April 1st 2025.

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

  • Public Holidays

Little Gems Private Day Nursery Reviews (125)

9.9

Little Gems Private Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.923) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Little Gems Private Day Nursery has 125 reviews.

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Review from Jordan H (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An absolutely amazing preschool. Makes such a difference when your child runs in and enjoys every minute and that’s down to the staff and the efforts they go to, to ensure your child is happy and enjoying themselves. Cannot recommend it enough, amazing!
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Review from Nikki A (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two children have been going to Little Gems for 3 years and they both love it. The staff are friendly and helpful and take time to get to know the children and what works for each individual child to ensure their needs are met. The summer scheme was great and my children loved the activity programme.
Little Gems is part of their lives and they always get excited when we drive past and have made great memories, friends and relationships with staff there.
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Review from J M (Father of Child) published on 25 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found my experience with this nursery top-notch. They provide a caring atmosphere for my child (and wrap around for other child who was also enrolled). They both attended full time 5 days a week, with discount when both were enrolled. Level-headed when comes to sickness and personal phone calls
promptly when issues arise. Highly recommend and happy to continue sending my child there!
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Review from Jamie M (Father of Child) published on 25 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attends preschool at Little Gems, the staff have been more than helpful settling him into nursery life. He enjoys going each morning and comes home talking about all the fun activities he's done throughout the day. The communication between staff and ourselves has been great with handovers at
the drop-off and pick up, pictures and updates through the app and monthly newsletters. Great nursery all around!
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Review from M S (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
We had a disappointing experience here. Our daughter attended from age 2.5-4. We were told initially that they would have tv for about 15-20 min a day whilst staff cleared up from lunch. We discovered indirectly that this isn’t true - they keep the tv on for an hour. When we expressed concern that we
weren’t told this, they said they make other toys available during screen time. A couple of visits revealed that while toys may be available, the curtains are drawn and lights are out whilst the tv is on. Upon entering the after-school program, my four-year-old was playing video games and watching movies for well over an hour every day - we were never even informed that she would be introduced to video games in her daycare setting. The content is not educational - lots of trolls and videos of racing games.


I wish I had full visibility of their policies on screens and video games. The upside of Little Gems is the in room staff are very friendly and kind.

Reply from Audrey McCracken, Nursery Director at Little Gems Private Day Nursery
We apologise for any miscommunication regarding our screen time policies. All of our policies are provided to our parents on induction but we are happy to address any concerns regarding these policies…read more
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Review from J B (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are absolutely fantastic. So welcoming to parents and it makes such a difference when your child runs into little gems. It makes being a working parent.
There is a great variety of activities for the children
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Review from Jenna C (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been very impressed with Little Gems, having sent our eldest son and now our daughter. The staff are friendly and really go the extra mile to help our daughter meet her full potential. We are always greeted with a smile each day and as parents, we couldn't ask for more. It is clear they really
care for the children throughout the various stages of the nursery. The introduction of the app has been a lovely new addition as it enables us to see the fun daily activities and also tracks our daughter's development through observations.
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Review from Claire J (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my son and daughter attend Little Gems and love it. Our son moved from the baby room to the toddler recently, and the move was smooth - he loves the activities, and we enjoy seeing the photos of what he gets up to. Similarly, with our older daughter - she really enjoys all the fun and learning
new things. Attending Littel Gems has definitely helped with both their development in terms of speech and conversations. Both my son and daughter have had food allergies, and not only were Little Gems great about alternative meals but snacks and food in activities such as king buns and making top hats were separate, so we had no concerns or worries.
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Review from Lee N (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my girls have attended Little Gems Private Day Nursery since they were 9 months and they are now in Afterschool and about to move to Pre-School. Through the ups and downs as they have grown up, the staff have always supported them and provided a warm and caring environment which has made any transitions
easier for the girls to make. The staff are all very friendly to both us as parents and most importantly to the kids, and with the activities they put on to teach and entertain - they make it a fun place to go!
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Review from Gail C (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two daughters who have been with Little Gems Private Day Nursery since Wobblers and Babies respectively; they are currently in the after school wraparound now they are at school. We have had a positive experience through all the rooms though covid caused a lot of disruption which staff/management
did their best to minimise. Staff are helpful and patient in working through different developmental stages with the children and parents. They are friendly and speak to my girls when we see them out and about as well as at nursery. The girls are always quite happy to go in and enjoy their Little Gems days. There is a good range of activities for them to choose from in after school and a great outdoor area. The staff do their best to get the kids outside when the weather is suitable, which I appreciate as I think it's important. They both attended the preschool which was fantastic and my children learned a lot of very useful skills and information. The care is excellent and I recommend Little Gems.
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Review from Ashleigh C (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is currently in the Cubs room, and I cannot praise the staff enough. She enjoys going to Little Gems every day and participates in a vast range of learning activities, such as music and dancing, art, outdoor learning, baking, and so much more. After being born with various medical conditions,
my daughter was behind with her development but has fully caught up and is doing great with her speech and social skills, thanks to Little Gems.
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Review from D M (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little girl has been attending Little Gems Private Day Nursery since October 2020 and we cannot fault the dedication, commitment and support the staff have shown us throughout this time. Our little girl has thrived in the nurturing environment provided by everyone involved in her care and is more
than ready for preschool next year. Cannot recommend Little Gems enough!
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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started nursery there this month and so far we've only had a great experience with the place - the staff are very friendly and caring, happy to help, talk to you and give you peace of mind and assurance everything is in the hands of professionals. My baby girl is still getting through her
adjustment period there but it's not long after I leave her there I found out they help her to settle well and happy to stay there for the entire day.
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Review from Paul H (Father of Child) published on 7 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Love it. Have sent all 3 of our kids there. They all loved it. I wouldn't go anywhere else. Lovely staff, very engaged and helpful. A happy and caring environment. My two older children have very happy memories.
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Review from Eimear W (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In September 2022 I went to view the nursery and could not fault it. The staff are amazing and so friendly. Looking forward to sending my son there in July. It's a lovely nursery for him to go to when I return to work from maternity leave.
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Review from Emma W (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended Little Gems since he was in the baby room, and he's now in the Pre-School room. He absolutely loves it! The staff go above and beyond and it's clear how much they care about each child. They are so friendly, approachable and kind and nothing is ever too much trouble. The managers
have been so helpful and accommodating too. We have been absolutely delighted with the care he has received and we honestly only have good things to say! The facilities are great and the children enjoy lots of outside play, fun activities and trips. The staff are so gentle and encouraging and have really helped my son to develop his confidence and social skills.


My older son has also attended Little Gems after-school and loved it. He was picked up from school (always on time) and spent the afternoons having great fun with friends, doing homework or activities, or just relaxing! It really was a home from home.


We would highly recommend Little Gems to anyone!

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Review from Lyndsay S (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A home-from-home experience, my daughter has thrived under the care of the girls in Little Gems. As full-time working parents, quality childcare is gold and that is what Little Gems provides. Highly recommend!
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Review from Sharon C (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves going to nursery / preschool. He has been going to Little Gems for a few years now and thoroughly enjoyed each room. The attention to detail is brilliant with lots of activities going on as well as extra themed activities such as Christmas/ Easter/ Mothers Day etc. I like the addition of
the app as I can see different pictures during the day and makes pick up quicker. My son has a great relationship with all the staff who are fantastic. Would recommend this nursery!
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Review from Alan D (Father of Child) published on 7 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending Little Gems for 18 months (daycare, preschool and afterschool), and it's been a fantastic experience for her.
Her communication and social skills have come on in leaps and bounds, and she has loved going in every day to play with all her new friends.
The staff are
super helpful and friendly, and they really care about the welfare of the children - we get a full rundown of everything we need to know when we go to collect her from the nursery.
It's great that Little Gems is so flexible on the odd occasions when our daughter needs to use the breakfast club or get picked up from school outside the usual routine.
Highly recommended to any parent!
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Review from Eister F (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We absolutely loved the friendly, supportive environment for our daughter at Little Gems. She was always happy to go to nursery, running in the door with a big smile. The staff are brilliant. We always got a thorough update at pick up. I liked that she had space to play outside as well as lots to do
inside too! We had a big folder full of all her arts and crafts and lovely photos of her when we left (moving to another country, otherwise, we'd still be there!). Thank you for everything.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.923)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.923) out of 10 for Little Gems Private Day Nursery 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 24 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 24 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 4.923 for Little Gems Private Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (264 Excellents x 5) + (20 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 285 Ratings = 4.923
  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 Gems Private Day Nursery is based on 24 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 103 number of registered child places is 20.6, which has been reached with 24 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

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (17)

Meet the Team (1)

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Leah Morrow

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2008

Leah Morrow has been our manager at Little Gems since July 2022 and previously held the manager position in our Greendale nursery.

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