Puddleducks Day Nursery Belfast

Grosvenor House, 5 Glengall Street, Belfast BT12 5AD
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Top 20 award
9.9 129 Reviews
  • Puddleducks Day Nursery Belfast, Belfast
Puddleducks Day Nursery is a new state-of-the-art day nursery in Belfast city centre, providing busy working parents with a convenient childcare solution. The modern, purpose built day Nursery, located on Glengall Street caters for 0-4 year olds. It is located just 2 minutes' waddle from Grand Central Station and is easily accessed via the main motorway links... this makes it an attractive option for city centre workers.

Puddleducks offers four bespoke rooms: 2 for babies (0-2 years); toddlers (2-3 years); pre-school (3-4 years), a large indoor play area and a secure outdoor play area.

Run by highly qualified and trained childcare professionals, the nursery also provides nutritionally balanced meals and flexible contract terms to suit varying childcare needs.

Puddleducks has been created by Belfast Central Mission (BCM), one of NI’s oldest charities which has over 50 years’ experience in childcare, and will be run as a social enterprise, with all profits being invested back into the charitable work.
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Funding & Fees

Full Time: £1,200 per month (5 full days per week) or £955.00 (5 x 1/2 days per week)
Part Time (full day) £61.50 per day
Part Time (half day) £47.00 per 1/2 day

Puddleducks is registered with the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) which could offer you an additional 15% discount on your fees.

Contact Puddleducks Day Nursery Belfast to get a personalised quote.

Contact Puddleducks Day Nursery Belfast to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Owner

  • BCM
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Person in Charge

  • Sharon Malcolm (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 19

Registered Charity Number

  • NIC101271

Total Places for Children

  • 70

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 4 years 10 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-17:30
    Tuesday 08:00-17:30
    Wednesday 08:00-17:30
    Thursday 08:00-17:30
    Friday 08:00-17:30

When Closed

  • New Years Day, St Patricks Day, Easter Monday & Tuesday, May Day, 12th & 13th July, August Bank Holidays (end of month) & 1 week Christmas

Parking

  • Parking for pick-up and drop-off is available on site.

Puddleducks Day Nursery Belfast Reviews (129)

9.9

Puddleducks Day Nursery Belfast has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.876) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Puddleducks Day Nursery Belfast has 129 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Review from Louise (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Puddleducks really is like a home from home to my daughter now. Since she joined the nursery last year we have noticed such a difference in her confidence as she has become so independent now. The structure and routine of the nursery has been great for her and it’s brilliant to see all the activities
she gets up to on the My Nursery Pal App. I know how much she loves Puddleducks as she runs straight over to the girls in the morning when we arrive and has never looked back since she started!
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Review from David B (Father of Child) published on 1 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery has excellent facilities but the staff are by far the best thing about PuddleDucks. They are so caring towards the children. The day my little son sat up on his own for the first time and they were telling me about it when I was collecting him, they were so genuinely pleased and excited
for him. The My Nursery Pal app is fantastic, there are regular updates for parents throughout the day with lots of photos and details about what they had for breakfast, lunch and snack time. I have been very impressed with the variety of food on offer. There are regular craft and messy play activities and chances to play outside. My little boy shouts and laughs when I drive through the car park gate in the morning. He is so happy there and I am happy leaving him and going to work knowing that whatever activities are planned he's going to have a great day.
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Review from Michelle (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at Puddleducks at 9 months old and has been there for over 2 years. The staff are all fantastic. The nursery is very well run with a lot of different activities organised every day. She loves going to Puddleducks and has learnt so much. I felt very comfortable while at work knowing
that she was being well looked after. I would highly recommend Puddleducks to anyone.
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Review from Harriet L (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Puddleducks has been the most lovely discovery for our family over the last eighteen months. It is such a peaceful and well-organised nursery, with beautiful art and displays that change regularly. You can just tell that the staff really enjoy their job and the children. One staff member said to me
that they think it's the best model of practice and they wouldn't and couldn't work anywhere else after being in Puddleducks. It has a lovely ethos about emotional expression and regulation, equipping children and staff to live with their feelings. One of the cutest things in the baby room is that they all have their own chairs and no straps to stop everyone getting upset at snack times and meal times. It's small enough that you can get to know everyone who works there, and there aren't loads of people and children coming and going. As someone who was (and is) really emotional about leaving my baby in childcare, the staff were able to (and continue to) put all my fears at ease.
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Review from Rachael W (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The manager and all the staff at Puddleducks are truly amazing. Our daughter started during the lockdown and so much thought and effort went into ensuring a smooth transition, recognising how the lockdown rules made this more difficult for those first few days. She loves Puddleducks, she is so excited
to go and all the photos/updates during the day show her involved in lots of different activities and being so loved, nurtured and cared for. We dont worry about her when she is there, and know she is having the best time and that peace of mind is priceless, especially at the moment when times are that bit tougher for everyone. There is always a vibe of great fun and happiness at Puddleducks, and the staff clearly dote over all the children. They really get to know their wee personalities and love telling you about little special moments that day. She is also offered very balanced meals, has her nap times, is kept impeccably clean and has outdoor play every day too. We couldn't be happier!
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Review from Rebekah M (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little girl has been going to Puddlegucks since she was 17-months-old. She is thriving here and loves coming in in the mornings. It's a lovely environment, the right balance of stimulating play and lots of care and affection. I'd recommend it to anyone.
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Review from Charlene K (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started here in July 2020 at 20 months and it was the best decision I ever made! The staff instantly made me feel at ease leaving him here whilst working. They are a very accommodating nursery offering multiple drop off and pick up times. The prices are justified just seeing how happy my son
is when he knows he is going and his development has massively improved from joining the Puddleducks family! When I have future children I know they will also be attending here and the attention to detail in the mynurserypal app is outstanding, from details on the food eaten (which is of amazing variety and nutritional value) to nap times and how engaged he is in certain activities - the list goes on and on. I am 100% happy with the service all the staff provide and they do an outstanding job with each and every child!
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Review from Sarah G (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child started with Puddleducks when he was 2.5 years, a year later, we are still here. I had such reservations about placing him in daycare, but from the first day, he was treated with such care and kindness he fitted right in, I couldn't believe how easy the transition was. He's a thriving child,
his interactions with the other children have given him such confidence, and he's very content to go in every day announcing to everyone that will listen that he is a 'wee duckling.'


The staff are so wonderful; they all possess such warmth with the children, and it's easy to see they are so well-loved and trusted. The 'child-centred' ethos is what drew me to Puddleducks, and the effort that goes into the environment and experience for the children is exceptional. I couldn't recommend it highly enough to be honest. My child has always received such compassionate care, and I view it as the next best thing to him being at home. He never stops talking about his favourite staff member or friends!

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Review from Katie M (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Puddleducks is hands down the best nursery, in fact, it exceeds what a daycare setting should be. Each and every staff member, from the Chef, the maintenance staff, to the manager and every one of the girls are outstanding. They put 110% into each day and child. Especially during these uncertain times
- Puddleducks have exceeded the health and safety guidelines and continue to do so. Even during the lockdown, the manger maintained contact with all parents, and the line of communication was always open. I could not wish for any safer, fun or happy place to look after my son - he talks about all his friends and staff on his days off, which speaks volumes. We count ourselves very lucky to have everyone at Puddleducks.


My son is 2 1/5 years old now, this year, normally, as a parent, I would be looking at applying for pre-school places for my son. But I have made the decision to keep him at Puddleducks until the time comes for Primary School (P1). I am that confident and happy with where he is.

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Review from Maria M (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I could not fault Puddleducks one bit. My son absolutely loves it, his teachers have not only helped him with his skills but also gave me loads of advice, which has really worked. Puddleducks is just amazing, all staff go over and above for the children and from my sons. I have recommended the creche
to two of my closest friends whos children also attend, soo overall its 10 out of 10, keep up your amazing work!
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Review from Bridgeen M (Mother of Child) published on 9 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing staff and a wonderful nursery. Love their approach to learning and development for all the children in the nursery. My little one loves going in every day and each day is filled with lots of fun activities.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this nursery! Such a positive experience, the staff
really put your mind at ease and always have the app updated so you can always check in on your little one as and when you wish.
Location and facilities are excellent!
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Review from Nina V (Mother of Child) published on 8 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Love the nursery, very friendly staff and everyone is very involved. Would definitely recommend! My son is happy every morning as soon as he walks in the door.
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Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has attended Puddleducks from December 2018. She comes home singing songs and when I ask her where she learnt it she tells me Puddleducks. This shows that the activities they do are great fun and also encourage learning, so much fun she wants to continue singing at home. At bedtime,
she asks me to rub and pat her back like her teachers do at Puddleducks, again this is reassuring and shows the care that the staff give to her while in the nursery setting. A positive factor is every morning there is a member of staff to greet each child as they come in and they give that child their full attention upon entering the room, this has been great as each morning my little one likes to have a little drama but having a staff member there to encourage her to go has helped. We definitely made the right move to place her in Puddleducks.
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Review from Jean M (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended Puddleducks for over 10 months. In this time he has bloomed.


The entire staff from the carers, the manager, to the cook who prepares daily meals, they couldn't be more warm and welcoming. I immediately got a good vibe from the nursery. They really care for the children and this

is clearly evident through the interactions I have seen countless of times with the children.
My son has thrived, they offer a variety of different mediums and opportunities for play.


He is excited in the mornings when he is going to "Duckies!" and now doesn't look back when I leave him with his friends in his room. It has helped build his confidence and independence.


I feel reassured that he is being looked after in a safe, fun and caring environment. They also have a state of the art daily diary which I can log on throughout my work day and check how he is getting on.


I cannot recommend Puddleducks enough and feel lucky to have found such a gem of a nursery for my youngest.

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Review from John C (Father of Child) published on 7 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son loves this nursery and raves about the staff who look after him on a daily basis. As parents, we find this very encouraging especially, as the staff are so attentive towards him, his needs and they genuinely care for him and his wellbeing. We couldn't recommend Puddleducks highly enough to prospective
families.
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Review from Martin H (Father of Child) published on 7 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Puddleducks Day Nursery is a fantastic environment for my son. The professional care and attention from the staff is exceptional and he loves going. I highly recommend this fabulous place to anyone.
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Review from Clare H (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Puddleducks Nursery is the only place I would be happy to leave my son while I'm at work. My son has been there since 9 months old and is now 3 years. The team are amazing, the manager is so supportive and friendly. The food my son gets every day is very nutritious and top quality.


The team go above

and beyond to ensure every day is fun, educated and filled with adventure. The atmosphere is always exciting and fun. You can tell just from meeting the team that they all really care about our children and want nothing but the best at all times.
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Review from Swathi G (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent care. Excellent learning. Nutritious food. Decent amenities. Very good convenience and cleanliness is good.
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Review from Obul Reddy K (Father of Child) published on 23 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Good care. Decent learning. Nutritious food. Decent amenities. Very good convenience and cleanliness is good.
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Review from Erin H (Mother of Child) published on 18 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son was at Puddleducks for 3 years, loved every moment of it and adored the whole team. Staff do an amazing job and instil confidence and peace of mind knowing your child is in a safe and friendly environment. We miss the staff heaps and my son still mentions all the names of those that cared for
him on a frequent basis.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.876)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.876) out of 10 for Puddleducks Day Nursery Belfast 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 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.926 for Puddleducks Day Nursery Belfast is calculated as follows: ( (200 Excellents x 5) + (16 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 216 Ratings = 4.926
  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 4.95 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Puddleducks Day Nursery Belfast 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:

    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 = 3.95
    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 70 number of registered child places is 14, which has been reached with 18 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 (15)

Meet the Team (5)

Sharon

Sharon Malcolm

Job Title: Manager Joined: 2012

Sharon has worked in the early years sector for over 20 years and has managed Puddleducks since it opened in 2012.


She is passionate about maximising the potential of all children in her care and has a particular interest in a child's emotional well-being, understanding that this is a fundamental area of child development to 'get right' in the very early years.


She has 2 children Evan & Connie, a puppy Archie and Garfield the cat!


Sharon loves the North coast and enjoys nothing more than a long dander on the beach with her children and Archie... finishing off with a bite to eat in the Harbour bistro!

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Vicki Watton

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2012

Vicki has been working in Puddleducks since we 1st opened our doors back in 2012. She has a logical and methodical approach to her work and will go out of her way to offer support and guidance to any of the team, for which many of the team are grateful.


Vicki has worked closely with Sharon over the last 10 years to develop 'The Puddleducks Approach' to care and learning. She is passionate about Puddleducks being the best for all of the children who attend and works tirelessly to ensure best practice is implemented on a daily basis.


Outside of work, most of Vicki's time is spent with her nieces and nephews who she just loves to spoil.

Aynsley

Aynsley Brown

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2016

Aynsley started in Puddleducks as a Nursery Assistant back in 2016 but she demonstrated strong leadership qualities and was soon promoted to Room Supervisor. In 2020, after successfully completing her Level 5 Play-work, she was promoted to Deputy Manager.


Aynsley's experience from completing the Playwork course has been beneficial to all of Puddleducks. She has shared her learning with all of the team and recognises the importance of purposeful play, loose parts in the play and managed risk-taking.


Aynsley has such a bubbly fun-filled personality which makes her impossible not to love!


She is a proud Mum to her baby boy Orson and makes the most of her spare time making wonderful memories as a family.

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Zoe Haire

Job Title: Room Supervisor Joined: 2019

Zoe was promoted to Room Supervisor within 4 months of starting in Puddleducks back in 2019. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in their early years having worked in the sector for more than 10 years. Zoe has an eye for detail and makes sure that everything is 'just right' for all of the children under her care and supervision.


Zoe is the besotted Mum of Mya-Jayne (who comes to work with her mummy) and loves nothing more than family time with her, her partner and her dogs!

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Lois Carson

Job Title: Room Supervisor Joined: 2018

Lois has been part of our Puddleducks family since 2018. She came to us as a student on placement when she was studying for her foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies (ECS). During college holidays, she worked as a nursery assistant and then was offered a full-time post on completion of her ECS course.


Lois has a very calming influence on the children and the rest of the team and finds the positives in every situation. When the opportunity for promotion came along, there was no hesitation in offering the role of Room Supervisor to Lois.


Lois is a keen skateboarder and loves getting to the beach where she enjoys surfing and bodyboarding! She also enjoys helping out at her parent's farm at the weekends.

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