Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield

27 Craigy Road, Saintfield, Ballynahinch BT24 7BZ
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Top 20 award
10 48 Reviews
  • Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield, Ballynahinch
Friends Day Nursery is a family-run day nursery. The purpose-built facility is located in a quiet, rural location in Saintfield, County Down, and provides children with the foundation to grow and develop lifelong learning skills through their ethos of “Learning to Play, Playing to Learn”.

The aim of Friends Day Nursery is to provide a warm and secure environment to allow children to express freely through constructive and imaginative play in order to develop their character.

They provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment where their children are listened to and can follow their own interests. They are encouraged to be independent and solve their own problems.

They provide children with the foundation to grow and develop in 6 key areas including maths, social skills, language, physical skills, the environment and the arts.

The nursery has three outdoor play areas where children can enjoy time outside.

Children are provided with healthy and nutritious meals and fresh fruit every day. They are encouraged to develop independent eating habits and good table manners.
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Type of Service

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

Owner

  • Friends Childcare Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Aoife McPhail (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 16

Total Places for Children

  • 56

Age Range

  • from 0 years 6 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • £26-£55 per day, depending on the care type.

  • Please contact the nursery for up to date fee information.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays, 1 week in July & Christmas

Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield Reviews (48)

10

Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield has a Review Score of 10 (9.982) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield has 48 reviews.

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Review from K C (Father of Child) published on 28 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child has been with friends for just shy of a year now, and it has flown by. She settled in very quickly, building relationships with all of the kids and staff in her room. The food provided is great and introduces her to food she wouldn't regularly have at home, and she sleeps really well at
Friends. The staff are able to communicate very clearly how our daughter is getting on, and we appreciate the regular updates through the app. Overall, our daughter is very happy and settled at Friends, and we couldn't imagine her being anywhere else
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Review from Lisa W (Mother of Child) published on 24 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When we moved to NI from England last summer, we were anxious about settling the kids into a new setting, especially as my daughter was starting primary school and my son was only about 18months old. We chose Friends because of its fantastic outdoor space and friendly vibe, and it was the best decision.
1 year later, both my kids love going to Friends, and I have to drag them away at hometime! Friends pick up my daughter straight from school for After School Club, and they're also super helpful in covering gaps in childcare when e.g., school finishes early or over the summer holidays. All the staff are not only professional and efficient, but genuinely warm and friendly. I would happily recommend Friends to anyone looking for a fun, vibrant, safe and caring environment for their children with outstanding space for outdoor play.
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Review from C R (Mother of Child) published on 17 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a nervous and anxious parent, choosing a nursery was a big decision. Choosing Friends is one of the best choices we've made. From day one, staff have been wonderful.They are warm, friendly, and genuinely care about my child's happiness and wellbeing. My daughter settled far better than I ever imagined,
a true testament to the nurturing and supportive environment. Communication with parents is excellent. I always feel informed and reassured, especially during those early days when I needed it most.
It's been amazing to watch how much my daughter has grown and developed. Especially her speech and social skills. She's always singing songs and loves showing off her art and crafts. Every day is filled with interactive and engaging experiences that clearly make her happy and excited to go in.
Knowing my daughter is in a positive, caring environment gives me peace of mind. I would recommend Friends to any parent looking for a place where their child will be truly valued and supported.
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Review from P L (Mother of Child) published on 17 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Upon relocating home (NI) from England, I viewed Friends and instantly got a warm and welcoming feeling. Management were really understanding about reserving days as I hadnt ironed out the finer details with my employer etc. Being a first time mum, and anxious enough about leaving my 9 month old to
return to work, I couldn't rate the experience ive got from the staff at friends enough. My daughter has formed a great bond with all the staff; knowing she is safe, happy and extremely well cared for makes it all the more easier leaving her to go to work. The activities they do & learning through play has had a positive impact on her development and character. Fabulous Nursery.
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Review from Annamarie E (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It' never easy sending your child to nursery when you're returning to work after maternity leave, but the team at Friends Day Nursery made the transition so much easier than I ever expected.
From the start, the staff in the baby room were so warm, welcoming, and calm - they instantly made both me and
my daughter feel comfortable. They've created such a lovely bond with her, and she's always so excited to go to nursery each day. I've noticed such amazing progress in her development since starting.
She loves the range of activities they do, and the food at Friends is brilliant too. My daughter has a dairy-free diet, and this has never been an issue - they always provide great alternatives and make sure she's getting healthy, nutritious meals.
The daily updates on the app are also fantastic. We can see what she's eaten, what she's been up to, and get little photos from time to time, which means so much while at work.
It's such a comfort knowing she's so well cared for, happy and thriving.
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Review from S S (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been at Friends Nursery just over a month now and it has been a great experience so far. Whilst we are very new to the setting we have been made to feel very comfortable and reassured that my son is being well looked after and cared for in a safe and secure enviornment. My little boy
has settled in so well and all the staff have been very welcoming and supportive. There is excellent communication, with lovely updates on how my little ones day is going.
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Review from Courtney S (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn't recommend this nursery enough! Being a first time mum I was very nervous putting my son into child care, but the staff and the environment really put me at ease. I love how they treat every child as an individual and really take the time to get to know them. They have made my son's nursery
transition very smooth and knowing he is safe hands when I leave for work is the best thing a mum could ask for.
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Review from Helen D (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little one joined in January 2025. She is thriving at this nursery. The baby room is a wonderful space for her to play, learn and develop. The staff are all warm, experienced and very knowledgeable. There is a mobile app the nursery use. You can stay updated on the daily schedule, receive photos
and general information. This is great for putting your mind at ease especially on those days your child might not be as settled. All of this has made transitioning back into work stress free. We know our baby is happy which makes this nursery the best choice for us. When we collect her she is always deep in play, giggling and exploring.
Book a visit so you can see for yourself.
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Review from Rachel C (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fabulous setting with really caring and approachable staff. I feel happy in the knowledge that my kids are well looked after and are both learning and having fun. The place has a very homely and family feel.
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Review from Z B (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friends Day Nursery is a great nursery. My daughter has been going there since she was 7 months old and now 16 months, runs through the door and over to the staff. They take great care of her and are always doing fun activities. The staff are all very friendly and trustworthy. Highly recommend!
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Review from Ruth S (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friends Day Nursery is the best nursery with the best staff. I have worked in nurseries and had my children in numerous settings and Friends out do them all. The staff are so caring and loving, my little girl loves every member and has settled in every room. Two staff members in particular are fantastic
and not just managers who sit in their office they are hands on and approachable! The food is fantastic as well my little girl loves her food and she eats like a queen everyday!
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Review from F M (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been going since they were 6 months old and I was very nervous, but all the staff made myself and partner feel very reassured and most importantly my daughter. She has now been there 6 months and is very settled and I feel the nursery has brought her on so much with reaching her milestones.
She is happy everyday going in and at pick up time.
The nursery keep us updated with pictures and their app which has been invaluable to me as a mum who is nervous. It's extra peace of mind seeing what she's eaten, naps etc.
Overall I would really recommend Friends Day Nursery it ticks the boxes I was looking for as a parent. I have already started enquiring about a place for my next child.
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Review from Edel C (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friends Day Nursery has been amazing!! My child loving going in every morning to see all the workers and children and they have built a great bond with him. I get lots of photos to show me what he is getting up to and I'm so impressed with the different variety of activities they do with him from just
10 months old. It is very clean, and a great range of facilities to help my son learn. Friends have also shown great flexibility by helping on days my other childcare has fallen through. Couldn't recommend Friends enough!!
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Review from Suzy M (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As we finish our preschool journey I can't thank Friends enough for the care, support and safe space they have gave us over the past year. We are so lucky to have this wonderful daycare as our local. The girls and owners are so kind to my son and supportive of his individuality. I was very worried about
"structured meals" but I needn't have. The girls in the preschool room cater to his particular needs whilst gently encouraging him to explore new foods. This makes him feel very content and safe. Every single one of them would not walk past him, even outside of the setting, without a friendly hello "name"! My son really looks forward to his "friends" days which is the highest praise of all. Having attended a different setting previously, where my son was reluctant to go, I do not take this for granted in the slightest. He particularly enjoys playing in well equipped outside area. We are so sad to leave but will look forward to seeing you all at the school gates!
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Review from Sarah M (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friends Day Nursery have been brilliant since our baby started a couple of months ago. They have been great getting him settled in, and keeping me updated on how he is doing! We love having access to an app to see what he’s eating, when he sleeps etc, plus getting messages and pictures of what he’s
been up to really takes the stress out of leaving him to go to work. He’s getting on really well with the team in his room, is always happily playing with toys when I pick him up, loves the food and comes home a happy boy! Would happily recommend them to anyone!
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Review from Kate M (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friends Nursery is amazing. My son always has the best time there, and absolutely adores the staff. All the staff are so friendly and attentive - I get regular updates via the app and messages regarding his naps/food/nappies and pictures/videos of the activities he gets up to during the day (which are
always varied). My son comes home happy at the end of each day after having a busy and fulfilling day - I’m so glad that we found Friends Day Care and couldn’t recommend them more.
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Review from Sarah L (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Friends enough. My son has been going there for nearly four years now and they are a big part of his life. The staff are amazing. As soon as I leave him there I know he is safe and happy.
Cannot recommend them enough.
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Review from Maria O (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friends are a superb nursery. My daughter has attended since she was six months old and is now age 5.
The care and education that she receives is amazing. Lots of fresh air and learning activities - she has thrived.
She is always keen to attend - so much so that she sometimes forgets to kiss her
mummy goodbye!
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Review from Claire M (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have recommended Friends Day Nursery to anyone who will listen. I was extremely apprehensive about sending my children to nursery but I couldn’t have had a better experience. Both children have run into the building every morning delighted to be there. The staff treat them like their own and know
all the children so well. The food is very popular and they eat all their meals. My baby sleeps well. They spend plenty of time outside and have lots of activities inside. My children have made lots of friends and they have thrived in the environment. The staff and owners are very accommodating, friendly and helpful it making the stressful work/life balance easy. Thank you, Friends.
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Review from V O (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friends is a great nursery. Our daughter really enjoys attending there. She settled very quickly. The staff are attentive and friendly. The venue is well suited, with good outdoor spaces for the children.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.982)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.982) out of 10 for Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 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 4.982 for Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield is calculated as follows: ( (223 Excellents x 5) + (4 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 227 Ratings = 4.982
  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 Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield 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 56 number of registered child places is 11.2, 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.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (5)

Meet the Team (1)

Aoife

Aoife McPhail

Job Title: Manager Joined: 2005

I have worked in Friends Day Nursery Saintfield since 2005, I started as a student when I left school to fulfil my dream of being an early years child care assistant. I have always been passionate about looking after children, I love the sense of fun, energy & imagination from each child. I worked for many years as an early years assistant throughout the nursery in the different rooms I gained experience from every age group. Each room helped me grow and gain experiences that give me the confidence to go on and become the supervisor of our Toddler room & Pre school room for many years. With my many years of experience working with the children, parent and staff this helped me grow more confident for later years to become the nursery manager in 2018.
I provide a safe, welcoming environment for children "Learning to play" & "Playing to learn".

Frequently Asked Questions about Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield

What is the Age Range of Children that Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield accepts?

Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield Open?

Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield have capacity for?

Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield has capacity for a total of 56 Children.

How far is Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield to the centre of Ballynahinch?

5.3 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 Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield has an Enhanced Service - more info.