Little Gems Private Day Nursery

1 Dunlady Road, Dundonald, Belfast BT16 1TT
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9.9 136 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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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.

Contact Little Gems Private Day Nursery to get a personalised quote.

Contact Little Gems Private Day Nursery to get a personalised quote.

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

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 (136)

9.9

Little Gems Private Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.913) out of 10, based on 26 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Little Gems Private Day Nursery has 136 reviews.

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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Little Gems Private Day Nursery
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Total of 136, showing 61-80
Review from Amy W (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Little Gems for two years.
She loves it and happily runs through the gate in the morning and is always full of chat about her day in the car on the way home.
The staff have always been excellent, friendly approachable and willing to help.
Wouldn't hesitate to recommend
Little Gems to anyone looking for excellent childcare.
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Review from Charlene M (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Little Gems is absolutely amazing, they really are considerate of your circumstances, I would definitely recommend little gems to friends and family.
The only thing I would say they could improve on is when the children are doing homework. It’s not a quiet environment which most of the time means
I have to do homework at home, which can be quite difficult.
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Review from Nikki A (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children attend here on a full time basis and seem to be happy here enjoying great relationships with the staff. They seem well stimulated and are constantly learning new things and the staff are friendly and approachable.
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Review from Jayne C (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two girls go to afterschool twice a week and absolutely love it. Because I work shifts I quite often have to swap their days about but Little Gems have always been so accommodating with this and they’re always so well organised with school pickups even with all these changes, I know I never have
to worry. Staff are friendly and the girls always come bouncing out having had a great time- I couldn’t be more pleased with the care.
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Review from A D (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been extremely pleased with Little Gems and our child has loved every room she has been in. The staff are fabulous and it's so clear at drop off/pick up time that they are very hands on and have a great relationship with the kids. The staff are very approachable and have been really helpful
anytime we've needed them. We always recommend it to friends who are looking for daycare.
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Review from J H (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a mother who doesn’t like to leave my son anywhere or with anyone. Going back to work was difficult. My son is also extremely attached to me so the fact that I am happy and content with him being at Little Gems Private Day nursery says a lot. The staff have went above and beyond for a little boy
who still cries leaving his mummy but has a great time while he is at the nursery. It has really helped both of us on our journey because the nursery is so wonderful. I can’t thank the staff enough for everything they do for us a family. My son also loves the staff members which speaks a thousand words and reassures me about his care there.
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Review from Louise M (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Being a first time mother during covid, I was apprehensive about putting my first born into nursery but from my very first contact with Little Gems I had no doubt in my mind that this was the nursery for me! Every single member of staff I have come into contact with have been polite, friendly and such
genuinely warm people. The staff in the baby room are incredible, always ready to give you the time and talk to you about your child and they really do leave you massively confident that you child is being well cared for. The fact my son runs to the door with a smile on his face every day says it all for me!
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Review from Cristina D (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two boys attend this nursery, and they couldn’t be happier.
The building and facilities are clean and modern, making them feel like home.
Great outdoor area too.
The staff are friendly and very informative.
If there’s something we miss, we receive information throughout the day through the
app as due to Covid, we are unable to go to their rooms and see them interacting.
Both kids learning and developing really well, thanks to them.
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Review from Susan M (Mother of Child) published on 14 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attended the day nursery then followed on with the nursery school that she attends at present. The care and the teaching there is fabulous. Every day she comes running out with a big smile on her face and something new that she did that day.
The staff are excellent. Very friendly, attentive
experienced and always willing to help. The outdoor and indoor facilities are excellent with lots of activities for the kids to do and learn. Management have gone over and above in providing assistance, help and a listening ear. The food she gets is first-rate, varied and healthy. I have no hesitation in recommending Little Gems Nursery as a fantastic facilities for the care and teaching of children.
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Review from Keith H (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having been at nursery for about 3 months now I can say I am very pleased in how they have dealt with my child in what has been testing times with Covid. The staff provide detailed updates each day and set our mind at ease - no easy task as this is our first child and he's spending all day in a room
we haven't even been able to go into ourselves. Can't speak highly enough of the staff. The only thing I would like is to be able to remotely check in on him and see what activities the staff are doing so we could continue to build on it at home - but there have been huge advances in his development already.
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Review from Laura R (Mother of Child) published on 8 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
One of my boys has come the whole way through the private day care and is now in preschool. He has loved his time at Little Gems Private Day Nursery. He has made great friends through the years there. The staff are very attentive to his needs and provide a very supportive environment with plenty of
opportunities to learn and grow. My youngest son is currently in the wobbler room and has enjoyed his time at Little Gems Private Day Nursery too, albeit more limited due to lockdown. Despite the current pandemic, the staff have continued to provide excellent care and attention to the children which we as parents have so greatly appreciated.
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Review from E M (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has attended Little Gems Day Nursery in a full-time capacity for over a year now. She loves it and sometimes cries when it's time to go home and every morning she runs in happily! I know that whilst at Little Gems she is safe, well-cared for and stimulated. Staff are all fabulous and
a huge help with things such as potty training. Management are excellent and during the initial COVID-19 lockdown, they couldn't have done more to keep parents informed. They were great during a worrying time and set up a great Facebook page. 1, 150%, recommend.
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Review from Nicole S (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a first time mum, I was naturally very nervous about my little one starting nursery, but the staff in the baby room have made it a lovely transition for me and my baby. She loves coming into nursery every morning and she enjoys interacting with the other children in her room.
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Review from Jennie C (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Little Gems have been great in helping my daughter in settling into daycare following closures during the pandemic. She appears happy each day when going into nursery and has a great relationship with the staff. Although she doesn't eat the lunches provided (hot meals) they ensure she has
alternatives throughout the day. I cannot fully comment on resources and activities completed as we always remain outside the building but are provided with an update on what my daughter has done throughout each day by the staff upon collection. My daughter has shown visible signs of development in her speech and cognitive development since returning to nursery and getting key interactions with other children.
I would thoroughly recommend Little Gems to others and feel that the staff are doing a great job to support my daughter during a difficult time.
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Review from Nicola E (Mother of Child) published on 8 January 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Little Gems highly enoughg. My daughter has attended for two and a half years and the facilities are second to none. The staff in every room have been outstanding, providing my daughter with superb encouragement, love and support throughout her journey.
My daughter loves attending
Little Gems, she talks about her teachers and friends all the time and can't wait to get back after every weekend.
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Review from Laura T (Mother of Child) published on 8 January 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter loves going to Little Gems. She is always excited when we arrive and is always playing away or being read a story when we go to collect her. The girls show so much love and care, we know she is in great hands. I would 100% recommend sending your child here.
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Review from Michelle (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little girl absolutely loves Little Gems. We are more than happy with the nursery and definitely made the right choice in placing our little one here. The staff are all super friendly and really care about the children. The activities are great fun and educational. Our little girl has progressed
so well during her time in the Baby Room.
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Review from Hannah G (Mother of Child) published on 4 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot speak highly enough of Little Gems and their staff! Both our children, aged 3 and 1 attend 3 days a week and my son attends the preschool - they've had so much consistency with their key workers, there is very little staff turnover, and I feel that the staff truly dote on our kids and know
them so well! The staff are always trying new fun activities, are upbeat and kind, and the preschool has been so good for my son - he has learned a lot and grown significantly in his confidence/independence.
My son also has a lung condition and is on oxygen full time, and from the beginning, they have taken so much care to understand his condition, feed back to us and manage his needs well. It was a big decision for us as to whether I could go even back to work, and it has been such a reassurance to see how supported he is! We never once felt that he wasn't welcome or his needs were too big. It's invaluable to us. Highly recommend to any parents who have children with additional needs!
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Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 4 December 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been a part of the Little Gem community since she was two years and nine months old. She is almost six years old now. In every group she has been through there has been at least one, but not limited to, staff member that my daughter has been extremely fond of. As a parent, knowing your
child feels safe with hile you cannot be with them, is everything. Thanks Little Gems.
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Review from Velichka S (Mother of Child) published on 23 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started attended Little Gems since she was 9 months old. She went through baby’s room, wobbler‘s room, toddler’s room and junior pre-school room. She loved attending all rooms. All practitioners are very experienced, nice and always with a smile on their faces. They helped my daughter to
gain her milestones in her development in a really warm, nice and educating environment. I strongly recommend Little Gems to everyone who wants to see their child happy and confident.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.913)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.913) 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 26 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 26 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 4.913 for Little Gems Private Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (286 Excellents x 5) + (22 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 310 Ratings = 4.913
  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 26 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 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 26 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.