Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield

27 Craigy Road, Saintfield, Ballynahinch BT24 7BZ
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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 Julie H (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Friends Day Nursery for a number of years now, and I have nothing but positive comments to say about it. They are extremely child-centred and this is at the heart of everything they do. The activities and learning my son receives are excellent and the care and attention are
second to none. They are a very inclusive nursery in all respects. The food is excellent and well-balanced. I would highly recommend the nursery. When my husband and I were deciding on which nursery to send our son to, one of the staff talked to us about safety and how paramount it was. Friends was the only nursery that we visited that highlighted safety as key and we just knew this was the nursery to send him. Friendly and helpful staff and nothing is too much trouble. They are very flexible and accommodating in all respects. I love the way you get an achievement record for your child with so many special memories and a lovely keepsake. Great nursery and first-class facilities.
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Review from J E (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter (2) absolutely loves Friends! The staff are incredibly friendly and responsive. The children are always doing varied activities, and my fridge is full of artwork sent home. We also really appreciate the updates via the app. As a family, we only have great things to say about Friends.
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Review from Eimear F (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My toddler and preschooler both joined Friends Day Nursery in March 2022 when I returned to work and they have absolutely loved it! I drop them off in the morning knowing that they will have a great day, be so well cared for and have great food! It's like they have always been there, everyone who works
at Friends is so friendly and caring, I know my boys are in safe hands! Another brilliant bonus is the school run to local schools, which is so helpful! I highly recommend Friends Day Nursery to everyone, it's made my transition back to work so much easier knowing the boys are having a great time every day! With my youngest being a lockdown baby, his speech and social skills have drastically improved since attending nursery and I'm so proud of how far he's come the support we've received from Friends has been very much appreciated!
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Review from Lynsey M (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy loves going to Friends Day Nursery. The staff are so friendly and really treat him like their own. They have a great schedule of activities and lots of outdoor space. There is a lovely family atmosphere and I would recommend it to anyone in the area.
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Review from Chris L (Father of Child) published on 5 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All of the staff are super helpful and always willing to go the extra mile. Our son always comes home with things on special occasions like a handmade gift for Mother’s Day for example.
The nursery also provides constant updates via an app where you can check-in and make sure they are eating/drinking
etc - couldn’t recommend Friends Nursery more!
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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 29 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children at Friends Day Nursery and have always found the staff to be really helpful and friendly. They are great with the kids and really get to know the children and parents. It’s a great environment for children and there’s no high turnover of staff which is great. As a purpose-built facility
the resources are very good and the outside space has a lovely spacious country setting. Any time I have approached staff and/or management regarding changes to our childcare needs or general information regarding the children they have been very helpful, accommodating and supportive.
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Review from G L (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent standard of care. Friendly staff my children love it very much! The food is very fresh and healthy. The place is always clean and tidy, they have been outstanding through the Covid pandemic.
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Review from Kelly H (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have nothing but praise for the staff and management at this nursery. From the initial viewing at the nursery, my husband and I were made to feel welcome and relaxed. We received a very informed overview of the workings of the nursery, activities and menus. We were taken through the staffing structure
and specifically introduced to the staff who would be looking after our son. On the induction days, I received regular updates and photos. The staff are engaging and make me feel very at ease and confident with their experience.


On a daily basis, they are friendly, attentive and personable. The online app they use to send us updates is fantastic. Our son is very settled and gets excited when entering the nursery which is a testament in itself. We receive a full rundown of his day and the activities he has taken part in on collection. As a nervous first time mum, the staff at this nursery have almost become part of our extended family. I cannot rate the nursery or staff highly enough.

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Review from J T (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff and the environment are great, I couldn't ask for more for my children. The meals are great too and I do believe it has majorly contributed to my two children being good and non-fussy eaters.
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Review from Toireasa O (Mother of Child) published on 4 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so happy that our little boy started in Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield. The manager was so warm and welcoming when we first visited the nursery. The girls in the baby room have been amazing and it has been wonderful watching my son's social skills develop, especially as he was born in 2020.
It has been lovely to see my son engage in the wonderful activities in Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield and we love receiving the pictures via the app. We really can't thank the staff in Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield enough.
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Review from Sarah L (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our children have been going to Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield since 2014 when our eldest (now 7) started. Couldn’t fault the place at all. The staff are what make it the place it is...so good with the children, I love the fact it’s been the same staff almost from the beginning; means you get to know
and trust them. Friends provides children with great routine and lots of play/stimulation. We go to work reassured that our kids will be happy and well looked after there. Definitely would recommend it!
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Review from Sonia B (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly, welcoming and dedicated staff. My children attend the after school care and they love all the time spent there and the activities done. Also, enjoy the app used to communicate with parents and show us the children doing the activities and how much they enjoying themselves. Very happy
environment. Strongly recommended.
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Review from Katherine C (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic day nursery with dedicated and attentive staff. I am a mother of 2 children who have attended Friends for 9 months. Both love going in each day and gave secured friendships with other kids their age. It's great to hear their laughter when you collect them and hear about their action-packed
day. The staff are devoted to the children and the facilities and food are excellent. I travel to come to this nursery and would highly recommend it!
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Review from Fiona M (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friends Day Nursery is fantastic, from the moment I met the manager I knew that this was the place I would send my children (1 & 3). It was clear that this establishment was purpose built for childcare and the rooms looked so inviting, colourful, relaxing and so much fun. The covid infection control
plan/policy in place was very reassuring and put me at ease at a time when I was nervous about my children leaving the safety of our home. The staff were so lovely and reassuring as my children settled in and are experienced and know just how to support the children and parents at this time. My little boy had never been away from me and I felt that the approach taken by the staff in helping him cope and adapt was excellent and they were honest, caring and so patient. They quickly followed up on the app with a message and photos of him settled and engaged in his play and as a parent this is just invaluable and so appreciated! My little girl skips in and out each day!
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Review from Rosemary T (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son (aged 4) has been at Friends since he was 9 months old. The staff are warm and welcoming and totally devoted to their role in caring for children. He is always happy to arrive and regular updates via the app let me see what he’s been up to. He has special needs (identified age 3) and the staff
in the pre-school room have overwhelmed us with their care, knowledge, wealth of resources and dedication to help him achieve his potential linking in with OT, SLT and preschool teacher. They feel like an extended family who have been a large part of our support network, particularly over the last year.
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Review from Bronagh M (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two kids (3 and 2) have recently started at Friends and have both settled really quickly and seem very happy in their new surroundings. The staff are very friendly and approachable, and the app they use is great for keeping in touch and getting updates on the kids day. I would highly recommend Friends
to anyone looking childcare in the local area.
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Review from Cecilia M (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friends Day nursery is outstanding. We placed my first son with them when he was a year and a half. He took time to settle as he had never been around other children and to say they were superb was an understatement. They really took the time to spend with him, keeping him safe and encouraged him to
play and get involved. My oldest really came out of his shell and moved through the rooms with no hassle and became so outgoing. When the time came for mainstream school he had no issues because of all the work friends had done. When I had my second I took my oldest out as I was at home. When the time came to place both of them during covid I had full faith that they would look after both of them and ensure they were looked after and comforted. It goes without saying that they were also brilliant with the second one, treating him like another member of the family. My first also ran in the door back to his second home with all his friends. They offer great activities for the kids always busy and great food.
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Review from Laura C (Mother of Child) published on 26 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 4 year old son has been attending Friends Day Nursery since he was a baby. He absolutely loves going to Friends and always has. The staff are amazing and are always extremely accommodating, friendly and professional. Attending Friends really helped my son's development and helped prepare him for
preschool and now P1. I would highly recommend Friends to anyone considering private childcare options. They have been a huge support over the last 4 year's.
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Review from Karen M (Mother of Child) published on 26 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children at Friends Day Nursery. Friends Nursery is a lovely, welcoming crèche with a wonderful team. Not only do the children have lots of fun but they are also taught through play, art and singing. You get a daily report as well as photos from an app so you always know how your little one
is getting on throughout the day. I would highly recommend friends nursery, the team go above and beyond for your children. It's a pleasure to send my children here.
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Review from Will M (Father of Child) published on 26 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I guess for me the indicator that this is a great nursery is my daughter who is spending time there. She looks forward to going, near enough runs through the doors, and leaves with a smile on her face telling me stories and singing songs on the way home.
The staff are great with her, always glad to
see her arrive, and if I have any concerns or help with her normal development (potty training etc) they are always willing to listen and help.
Facilities look great with lots of activities both inside and out. The lunch menu even made me jealous, hearty healthy food tailored for her age group.
After a couple of false starts at previous childcare facilities, we can honestly say that our daughter is settled at Friends and we are relieved that she is safe and being looked after.
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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

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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".

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.