Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral

27 Upper Lisburn Road, Finaghy, Belfast BT10 0GX
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Top 20 award
9.9 46 Reviews
  • Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral, Belfast
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

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 (46)

9.9

Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.943) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral has 46 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Reviewer Connection to Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
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Total of 46, showing 21-40
Review from Sarah C (Mother of Child) published on 4 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
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 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 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 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 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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Review from Stephen S (Father of Child) published on 1 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter was at Rascals for the last 18 months. She started nursery during the Covid period and was a lockdown baby, so hasn’t had many opportunities to socialise with other kids (or adults!) before starting at Rascals. Thankfully, she’s thrived during her time in Tiny Tots and Buzzy Bees. The staff
have been kind, caring and encouraging. Their communication has always been excellent. The kids have a busy and structured day. We’ve moved away from the area, so our daughter finished her time at Rascals last week, but we would wholeheartedly recommend it to others.
Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
Stephen, thank you so much for such a positive review. We wish you and your family good luck on your new adventures.
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Review from Nicola M (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended Rascals since he was nine months to present and will, unfortunately, be leaving for Pre-school very soon. During our time at Rascals, all staff have been amazing. He has loved every single member of staff who care for him with their never-ending love and enthusiasm. During Covid,
Rascals went over and above to ensure care was continued and adjusted for the safety of everyone accordingly. Nursery Pal is a great tool that allows us to be kept up-to-date and see the fun he has which is fab.
I would wholly recommend Rascals Day Nursery.
Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
Thank you for such a lovely review, we will miss you all very much when your journey at Rascals comes to an end!
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Review from Lizzy B (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had an outstanding experience with Rascals, since our first son began, nearly eight years ago. With our second son also, the journey has been exceptional. We are looking forward to our third son beginning his Rascals journey in the incoming months. The level of care, aspects of learning, and
memories our boys have made during their time at Rascals is second to none. Every member of staff is so welcoming, enthusiastic and genuinely caring, which makes for the most home from home experience for our boys. The addition of the Nursery Pal app, a few years ago provides fantastic and real time updates of our child's day. We would never consider sending our boys anywhere but Rascals.
Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
Thank you for such a positive review and we are glad that you have enjoyed your journey with us!
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Review from Chris W (Father of Child) published on 17 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Just a brilliant nursery, can't fault it in any way. The staff are fantastic. Rascals have great leadership. They provide high-quality flexible care and they offered superb access during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to be very flexible. Staff are attentive to the individual
child's needs and have no problem implementing parents wishes, happy to administer prescription medications when required. The staff were incredible during our toilet training efforts. Both my children love Rascals and always have a good day, my eldest is full of stories of the games they play and her friends.
The educational programme is brilliant and my daughter was well ahead before starting preschool. The food provided is varied and seems to be of good nutritional value, always includes portions of vegetables. Certainly much better than the school meals at my daughters pre-school.
Just a fantastic nursery, I trust all the staff with my kids and would recommend it to anyone.
Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
Thank you so much for such a positive review, we have enjoyed having your daughter here with us and wish her all the best in her new adventures!
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Review from Russell H (Father of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are delighted with the service and care provided by Rascals over the last 4 years. We have two children there since they were 6 months old. Before selecting Rascals we had 3 viewings booked for different nurseries, we visited Rascals second, and then we cancelled our third booking. We knew we had
found the right place immediately. Firstly, we were so impressed by the building, so clean and tidy with lots of space and every room area is focused towards the relevant children ages. The professionalism was on display to see clearly too with the information boards, notices, licences and weekly food menus were valid and current and in date, which to me shows how much care is taken behind the scenes on the admin too! Secondly, it's the staff and management in the place. There have not been many new staff faces over the 4 years, which just shows you how happy the staff are to work there. I would not hesitate in recommending Rascals and our boys will sadly miss them all. Thank you!
Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
Thank you so much for such as positive and encouraging review which I will ensure is passed on to the staff team, it has been a pleasure to care for both your children and we wish you good luck in the…read more
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Review from Paul M (Father of Child) published on 19 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been at Rascals Day Nursery since he was nine months old. He is now two years old and recently moved rooms. He has thrived through the care and support from the staff and we have also received the same level of support from staff and this has eased our anxiety about leaving him. During
the Covid-19 pandemic, the staff have gone above and beyond to ensure everyone both inside and outside of the building are safe. They have created secure bubbles and have reduced the risks to really low levels. Even with all the extra restrictions, the staff have persevered with the same opportunities for learning and development and we have felt our child has not been hindered in any way. He continues to grow in confidence and thrive, through My Nursery Pal we get to see the activities he gets up to daily and see photos of him as he plays. Keep up the amazing work we really appreciate it!
Reply from Carolyn Heading, Manager at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
Paul, thank you so much for such a positive review which I will ensure is passed on to all the staff!
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Review from David C (Father of Child) published on 28 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Rascals for around a year now. During her period of not attending the nursery (COVID closure), she really missed her friends and the staff, and each week she asked to go to the nursery to see certain staff members. This alone shows just how good a job the staff do and
how well they connect with the children. She has loved each room she has been in and settled with ease each time. There are always fun activities for the children to do, and I have noticed her social skills really improve during her time there. The rooms are excellently maintained and well laid out for a child to explore new things and enjoy playtime. Weather permitting, my daughter loves to play outside, and the outdoor play area provides a great space for her to run around and burn off some energy whilst getting some fresh air. The updates provided through the app are detailed and provide a clear overview of her day, which really puts the mind at ease. I could not recommend this place enough.
Reply from Roger D'Arcy, Managing Director at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
Thank you so much for this lovely review. We really do appreciate it.
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Review from Alison M (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been with Rascals for over a year now and was delighted to get back after lockdown. She absolutely loves going and has made so many friends. She loves the staff who are great with her and loves getting outside to play as often as weather permits. Every day our daughter comes home having
learnt lots of new things and with stories of her day. The nursery is well run and the staff are very friendly and helpful. It is great that the nursery can accommodate parents needs, offering flexibility when needed which proved vital for us when expecting our second child. With no relatives close by, we were reassured that rascals could accommodate her at the last minute and take her on for extra days to help us settle with our newborn.
Reply from Roger D'Arcy, Managing Director at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
Thank you so much for that lovely review. I will make sure the whole staff team are made aware.
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Review from Eimhear B (Mother of Child) published on 26 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Rascals is a fantastic nursery. My daughter has been there since she was 10 months old, and like any mother, I agonised over leaving her with strangers. I viewed a few nurseries and was so impressed by Rascals I couldn't even consider anywhere else. The staff are so warm and welcoming with the children
and in general just really easy to deal with. I've found that they have dealt with any query I had very efficiently and nothing has been too much bother. My daughter adores going there, and at times probably doesn't want to leave as it is such a fun day for her. I would have no hesitation recommending Rascals to any parent and I would 100% place any future children I may have in their care. I'm writing this as I know sometimes hard work isn't always acknowledged, and I really feel that all staff members should know what an amazing job they do, and both me and my partner really appreciate it.
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 the staff team!
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Review from Clare W (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been attending this nursery since she was 11-months-old, and I cannot fault it. It’s flexible, staff and management are caring and considerate. I won’t hesitate to send my son here when he’s older.
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 all the team.
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Review from S O (Mother of Child) published on 4 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Rascals since she was 9 months, and now moving on to Nursery school. The staff from the beginning have all been excellent, very friendly and attentive and my daughter genuinely had very close bonds with them. Lovely home-cooked meals. Wide range of indoor and outdoor
activities. My daughter loved every minute of Rascals, I would highly recommend to others.
Reply from Roger D'Arcy, Managing Director at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
Thank you so much for taking the time to complete this. I will pass this on to all the staff.
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Review from Eden R (Father of Child) published on 13 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We definitely made the right choice when looking for a nursery for our daughter. She has been attending Rascals since she was one and has loved every minute of the last 2 1/2 years.
The staff are extremely skilled and really friendly, we all have been made very welcome from the start. Her development
has been amazing over the years and rascals have had a huge part to play in this, from the games they play, educational and fun to the amazing food they eat throughout the day, provided by their great chef. The whole experience has been amazing for us as new parents and we wouldn't think twice about recommending this nursery to other parents.
Reply from Carolyn Heading at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
Thank you so much for such a positive review, I will ensure that this is passed on to our staff.
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Review from ER (Father of Child) published on 3 December 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My twins started recently and they love it! Staff are excellent, friendly and approachable. One of my twins is behind where he should be in his milestones but with the help of staff at Rascals he is catching up fast according to expert professionals who are Assessing him. Rascals listened to my concerns
and with there experience are helping him get to where he should be. Thanks, folks and keep it up!!! My other son has been there nearly 7 years now and loves it. I recommend Rascals to anyone who needs first-class child care!!!!
Reply from Roger D'Arcy at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
Thank you so much for the review and feedback. Everyone at Rascals really appreciates your kind words.
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Review from Ruairi (Father of Child) published on 26 November 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter had such a lovely time at Rascals. Childcare was a whole new world for me and her as I'm a stay-at-home dad. She felt totally at home in the space and was always thrilled to be going. The staff were incredible and really attentive. She made lots of friends and will be coming back next year.
I also enjoyed speaking with and meeting the staff when I collected her. See you in 2020.
Reply from Roger D'Arcy, Managing Director at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
Thank you so much for that lovely review. It means so much to all of us at Rascals.
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Review from Etain G (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fantastic nursery. The staff create such a homely wonderful nursery. Such a bright coloured nursery filled with fun and laughter and fantastic food. Both my children were there full time and were so happy there. I recommend it without reservation, the staff are wonderful.
Reply from Roger D'Arcy at Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this review. The staff all really appreciate it and we love getting the feedback.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.943)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.943) out of 10 for Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral 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 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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 4.943 for Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral is calculated as follows: ( (216 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 228 Ratings = 4.943
  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 Rascals Day Nursery - Balmoral is based on 19 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 50 number of registered child places is 10, which has been reached with 19 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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