Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

27 Upper Lisburn Road, Finaghy, Belfast BT10 0GX
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Top 20 award
9.9 41 Reviews
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Type of Service

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

Person in charge

  • Carolyn Heading (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 14

Total Places for Children

  • 50

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays, Christmas & Easter 2 days
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Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral Reviews (41)

Total of 41, showing 1-20
9.9

Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.940) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral has 41 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Aoife M (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We send our two children to Rascals. Having never been to daycare before we were apprehensive but they have both settled in so well. The facilities are lovely and staff always friendly. Staff make lovely developmental observations on the children which are recorded on the app. I have noticed my little
boys confidence soar since he's started attending.
My little girl has an allergy and I have found the care and communication around this excellent. Recently they both came home with an Easter treat. An allergy friendly option was sent home with my little girl, which meant a lot to us, they are really inclusive.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you for such a positive review which really does mean a lot to staff. We do strive to include all of the children as much as possible on special occasions and I hope that they enjoyed them!

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Review from Marianna M (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My twins went to rascals starting before they were one. The building and facilities are very impressive; lots of space for little ones, a variety of nice toys and activities and wonderful outdoor space. The daycare was always clean and there was a chef who made their meals. I'm very satisfied with the
care they received. There wasn't the constant turnaround of staff that there appears to be in some day cares and there was a high level of organization I felt informed and also listened to for example, if there was a change in routine I needed staff to implement. After a natural settling in period, the twins ran in and never looked back for me (even though they attended part time). They were happy to be there. Whilst it's pricey, I have no hesitation recommending Rascals.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you for such a lovely review, it was a pleasure to look after the twins. I wish you all the very best for the future.

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Review from Victoria T (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I had my older son in Rascals, and now the baby is attending it too. Great staff, clean rooms, the baby settled in really quickly. Enjoys staying there and is happy whenever I drop him off. The staff is very kind and responsive to any enquiry. Thank you to the whole team in Rascals!

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you so much for such a positive review.

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Review from Jade M (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Son has attended Rascals for past 2 years, I have nothing but praise for all the staff.
The staff are incredibly caring, attentive, and professional, always going above and beyond to ensure my son feels comfortable, safe, and loved. The nurturing environment they've created has truly helped him
grow and thrive in ways I couldn't have imagined.
The activities and learning opportunities they provide are both fun and educational, allowing my son to explore and develop. It's clear that the team is dedicated to fostering each child's individual growth, and my son has made incredible progress since joining.
I'm so grateful for the peace of mind knowing my son is in such capable hands. He absolutely loves going to nursery (his work) every day, and it's wonderful to see how happy and confident he is as a result of the care he receives.
From a communication point, all queries are always dealt with straight away, and the app is updated regularly.
Keep up the great work!

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you for such a lovely review which I will ensure is passed on to the team, we have had a fantastic journey with you all in the past 2 years!

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Review from V H (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son joined Rascals at 10 months old and has enjoyed every minute of being there. The whole team have been thoroughly fantastic from the start and it was only a matter of time before everyone knew his name.
I would credit Rascals with helping my child become so well-adapted, social, polite and curious.
Staff
at Rascals show genuine care for the children and this is apparent every single day.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you for such an amazing review. This is a great way to ensure our staff are aware of the great job that they do!

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Review from Elaine B (Mother of Child) published on 31 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attended Rascals from the age of 7 months to just after her fourth Birthday. She loved every minute of it and still talks about how she misses the staff and friends that she made!
It was amazing to see how her development came on so quickly after starting at Rascals. Another bonus was
the quality of food provided by their own in-house chef - everything was made from scratch. My son now attends and has settled in very well. I'm sure he will enjoy it as much as his sister!

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you so much for this amazing review and we hope that your son has the same positive experience with us as his sister.

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Review from Nicoleta S (Mother of Child) published on 24 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter started in Rascals at 6 months and stayed with Rascals until the age of 3. We had a fabulous experience not only in terms of the care that was given to our daughter but also because the nursery is very well organized and communication is always great!
The opening times are very convenient
(07.30-6 pm) and food is made on-site, which was also an added bonus for us!
Thank you everyone in Rascals!

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you for this amazing review! Our staff team strives to ensure the best possible care at all times! We wish you all the best for the future!

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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at Rascals from 7 months until she turned 3 and she has loved every second all the staff are so caring and we're a big part of her life for so long. They have the best team of ladies and they all work to the highest standards. The building is so homely and inviting and they really
make all the children feel like it's a second home couldn't recommend anywhere else.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you so much for such a positive review which I will pass on to the team.

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Review from Chelsea C (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl attended Rascals from August 24 to January 25. During her time there, we have only had a positive experience. Right from the start during our viewing, the staff were fantastic with us as first-time parents, giving us all the information we didn't know we needed and supporting us in making
a decision. After meeting the team and seeing the facilities, it was a no-brainer that our choice was Rascals. I couldn't recommend the amazing team enough. During every drop off I felt at ease and confident leaving my daughter for the day, knowing she will be completely taken care of while I work. We are sorry to leave but would recommend Rascals Balmoral (Upper Lisburn Road) to anyone!
A massive massive thank you to all the staff that looked after my daughter.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you so much for the review it really does mean a lot to the team. We wish you all the very best for the future!

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Review from Ciara S (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our first son joined Rascals Day Care at the start of 2022. It was at the tail end of Covid and there was still a lot of government legislation and restrictions in place making this milestone of starting a nursery even more difficult and daunting but from the very first email, the team at Rascal have
shown why they are rated 10/10. From the baby room right up to preschool the staff were incredible and really went above and beyond with making every day engaging, fun and safe. They were always so accommodating when it came to us adding an extra day when an emergency popped up etc. We now have another son at nursery stage and the experience has been just as positive with him. Highly recommend 10/10!

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you for such a positive review, this means a lot to our staff team!

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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter spent over a year in Rascals, since she was 8 months old, and only left because we had to move away. Myself and my husband can not speak highly enough of Rascals and all their staff. My daughter loved every day she spent there, and was so excited knowing she was going there in the mornings.
Her development came on hugely as soon as she started, both physically and verbally. The staff are all so caring, we had 100% trust that she was safe and happy while in their care. They always keep the children busy with fun and educational games and activities. We were always delighted at the artwork she would come home with for all the big holidays. They also really make a big effort to keep the parents informed of themes and activities each month. It's truly a wonderful environment for your little ones.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you for such a lovely, positive review which I will pass on to all the team!

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Review from Nicola C (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been going to Rascals for over 3 years. The staff are friendly and extremely supportive. They have a behavioural therapist which we use. Nothing is too much trouble and I would definitely recommend Rascals Day Nursery to any mummy.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you for such a lovely review for out team here at Balmoral Rascals.

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Review from G B (Father of Child) published on 8 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little girl loves her time at Rascals. She has thrived socially, especially after covid lockdowns impacted her early years. She is taught new things every day. From a very early age able to count, say the alphabet, colours etc and this is all down to the team at Rascals. We could not recommend the
team here enough. If only they could stay there forever.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you so much for your review, it means a lot to our staff when we get such positive feedback!

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Review from Zara B (Mother of Child) published on 11 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son recently started Rascals Balmoral a few weeks ago and he absolutely loves going to Rascals and in such a short time his development has come on loads. The staff are so friendly and helpful and the manager is very helpful and easy to talk to if I had any concerns with my son. He is always greeted
with a great big hello in the morning and my reason for picking Rascals was that it’s long-established which is very important when choosing somewhere for your child and plenty of great recommendations from friends in our baby clubs we attend and the family app they run is 5star with updates of what he doing throughout his day and photo uploads that puts me at ease when at work that my son is having a great day. I feel reassured leaving him.

Reply from Roger D'Arcy, Managing Director at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Dear Zara, Thank you so much for that lovely review. We all really appreciate positive feedback. Rascals.

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Review from Andrew M (Father of Child) published on 6 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife and I highly recommend this day nursery, the manager and staff are fantastic, they are attentive and always ready to help out. The facilities are great and our son loves going the staff and manager know all the children and parents by name and are caring and supportive, 11 out of 10.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you for such a positive review, we are pleased that you are enjoying your time with us.

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Review from Sarah C (Mother of Child) published on 4 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had such a fantastic experience with Rascals since joining in August 2023. Every member of staff greets you with a warm smile and makes you feel so welcome. The staff in Caterpillars are brilliant with my little boy and he loves going in. The daily updates with pictures are great; I love being
able to see what he’s been up to.
The manager is also fantastic. She is a very visible presence in the nursery and is very approachable. All of the staff seem to genuinely care which for any parent is the most important thing.
I couldn’t recommend Rascals enough to other families.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you for such a positive review which I will ensure is passed on to the staff in our Caterpillar room!

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Review from Lisa F (Mother of Child) published on 3 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Rascals have been a great place for our 18-month-old. He has come on so well with all the attention and learning that he has had during the past nine months.
All the ladies are so lovely; they seem to really enjoy their job, and our child has really taken to them all.
When they all had to relocate
for the summer, they made the transition so simple. It's good to see them back in their own little house now!
Rascals is such a great environment, and I hope our child continues to thrive during his time there.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you for leaving us such a lovely review; we are so pleased that you are enjoying your journey with Rascals.

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Review from Dorothy W (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a fantastic team at Rascals. My child really enjoyed his time there, especially considering it was his first nursery and he was not fluent in speaking English. The staff really assisted him such that he looked forward to going back there happy to mention he can now communicate and speak fluently.
I would recommend sending your little one there.
Big thank you to the Rascals team.
Your work is greatly appreciated.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you for such a lovely review, and wish you all the very best for the future!

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Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 27 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have 2 children at Rascals Day Nursery and will send our third, from the moment we first walked around we were impressed and reassured by the facilities, the attitude of staff and the inviting atmosphere. The manager is friendly, accommodating and efficient but most importantly knows each child and
parent in the nursery and spends time in all the rooms which really shows. The on site chef and food are extremely impressive also and a real high point. All staff members are engaged, reassuring to children and parents and make a point of posting additional pictures and comments if a child is unsettled at drop off or phoning if any concerns/accidents. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this nursery and appreciate the safe, fun environment we are leaving our children in.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you for such a positive review which will mean a lot to our dedicated team!

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Review from Emma K (Mother of Child) published on 8 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started nursery at five and a half months old with this branch of Rascals, and I couldn't have asked for better care for her. The management and staff are extremely kind and considerate, and their wealth of experience immediately puts us at ease. My little one had a great time there, and
we are very sorry to leave, but relocating to Derry. We liked the ethos and approach taken here so much that we have transferred to the branch there. The staff looking after the baby room are worth their weight in gold, such a great environment for babies to learn and develop, surrounded by the nicest people who really love what they do. I am extremely grateful for the care they showed us and honestly couldn't recommend them more highly. And the cost is a bargain for what you get from the team in this branch.

Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Thank you so much for such a lovely review, which I will pass on to all our staff. We hope that you continue to enjoy your Rascals experience with our team in Summer Meadows.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.940)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.940) out of 10 for Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.940 for Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral is calculated as follows: ( (204 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 216 Ratings = 4.94

  • b) 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 Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral is based on 18 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 50 number of registered child places is 10, which has been reached with 18 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (4)

Top 20 Nurseries Northern Ireland 2025

Recipient: Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Date: Monday 31 Mar 2025 More details

Top 20 Nurseries Northern Ireland 2024

Recipient: Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Date: Thursday 28 Mar 2024 More details

Top 20 Nurseries Northern Ireland 2021

Recipient: Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

Date: Friday 28 May 2021 More details

Meet the Team (0)

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Frequently Asked Questions about Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

What is the Age Range of Children that Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral accepts?

Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral Open?

Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral have capacity for?

Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral has capacity for a total of 50 Children.

How far is Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral to the centre of Belfast?

2.1 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

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