Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood

57 Hinchley Avenue, Holywood BT18 9FD
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Top 20 award
10 41 Reviews
  • Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood, Holywood
Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre, Holywood gives children the support and care they need to develop skills and grow in confidence.

Children are supported by trained staff who inspire and motivate children as they learn through play.   

Children have lots of fun developing social skills and learning about the world.

Nutritious food is available for children to enjoy each day.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Rachel (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 12

Total Places for Children

  • 52

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • ** Early years 0-5 **
    Weekly rate £211.15
    £54.10 daily
    £35 for mornings only
    £33 for afternoons
    £915 for full month
    Lots of other sessions available see price list

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-17:30
    Tuesday 07:30-17:30
    Wednesday 07:30-17:30
    Thursday 07:30-17:30
    Friday 07:30-17:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays, 1 week in July, 1 week at Christmas & New Year's Day

Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood Reviews (41)

10

Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood has a Review Score of 10 (9.953) out of 10, based on 41 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood has 41 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood
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Total of 41, showing 1-20
Review from D H (Mother of Child) published on 22 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with Sleepy Hollow Holywood!
Our son & daughter have been with SH for 6months now and it has done wonders for their development. The care and support the staff give not only to them, but also ourselves as first time parents, has been so greatly appreciated.
We're regularly
updated with photos on the various activities the children are taking part in and you can't keep the smile off their faces.


We genuinely could not fault Sleepy Hollow Holywood. The girls go above and beyond, thank you! 5*

Reply from Diane Koplewsky, Owner at Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We are absolutely delighted to hear how well your little ones have settled and are thriving at Sleepy Hollow Holywood. It means a great deal to us that you…read more
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Review from Kathleen C (Mother of Child) published on 17 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We strongly recommend Sleepy Hollow Nursery Holywood. We have had our 2 children at 4 different nurseries over the past 6 years and Sleepy Hollow is hands down the best one we have used. It is very well managed, the staff are very tuned into the children and the nursery has great resources and routines.
It is also more affordable than a lot of nurseries and has a wonderful ethos grounded in the Reggio Emilio approach. The children are encouraged to play creatively with natural things (e.g sand, water, earth) and have access to gread outdoor spaces. It is a breath of fresh air and it is great to have peace of mind having our daughter there where we know she is nourished and growing well.
Reply from Diane Koplewsky, Owner at Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood
Thank you very much for your wonderful review and for recommending Sleepy Hollow Nursery, Holywood. It is lovely to hear such positive feedback from a family who has experienced several different…read more
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Review from E M (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've been part of the Sleepy Hollow Holywood family for nearly two years and couldn't be happier. We absolutely love the nursery and all of the wonderful staff. We're especially grateful to everyone who cares for our son each day, and to Denice and Rachael who have also supported us as a family -particularly
over the past year.
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Review from E M (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending over a year now. Having experienced both the baby room and now the toddler EAL room. She absolutely loves it at sleepy hollow. In the baby room she had many days she didn't want to come home with dad or me, I think that speaks volumes of the girls who work there. I would
be hard pushed to find a fault with the staff, facilities or programs. She has developed beautifully in fine motor skills and her speech. The arts and crafts activities are endless and has encouraged her development further. The curiosity approach wasn't something I had heard of prior to joining SHG but would recommend it. She loves the outdoor play and adventures as well.
All staff and management are approachable and pleasant and have always enabled our requests when required.
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Review from C W (Father of Child) published on 16 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter started at the beginning of summer and settled in very quickly. The staff are very friendly and our daughter loves going in each day. The staff are attentive and provide a lot of detail on the app for what our daughter got up to throughout the day. It's very reassuring to be able to check
in on the app at any point throughout the day. We love to see the pictures of when they get outside for walks and the activities they do each day! My wife and I couldn't be happier.
Reply from Diane Koplewsky, Owner at Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood
Such lovely feedback which we will be sure to share with our team. Thank you for your kind words.
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Review from J N (Father of Child) published on 16 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our experience of Sleepy Hollow has been very positive. Staff obviously take the time to bond and engage with the children and make time to learn their preferences and needs.
Management have been proactive in dietary requirements and considered allergies seriously.
Our children always come away
with a smile, a new activity learnt and some new creative piece of art or song.
We wouldn't hesitate to recommend SHG to family and friends.
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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sleepy hollow is outstanding! The facility, staff and overall theme of the children's development comes first. I have recommended sleepy hollow to friends and family, I cannot thank the staff enough for all the support and advice my family have received from them!
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Review from G M (Father of Child) published on 9 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been very impressed with Sleepy Hollow early Childhood centre. Our personal situation and work life have been in flux for the past month, and we have looked to sleepy hollow to provide ad hock and sporadic wrap around childcare while our little ones started school and I started a new job.
Rachael
and her team have been absolutely fantastic. They have been very accommodating to our needs, looked after our children attentively and provided a safe space for them to play. I am very grateful for their flexibility and care towards my children.
Reply from Diane Koplewsky, Owner at Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood
Thank you so much for sharing such kind feedback. We are delighted to hear that you have had such a positive experience with our Early Childhood Centre. It is wonderful to know that Rachael and her…read more
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Review from Clare R (Mother of Child) published on 9 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I could not be happier with Sleepy Hallow. The care that my son recovers is second to none and the staff are amazing in every way. The environment is warm and welcoming and the children are encouraged to play independently and with their friends. It's a home from home and the staff treat the children
like their own. Rachael the manager has made a huge difference in a very positive way, the nursery is clean and tidy and she has implemented so many little changes that make a big difference. Well done to Rachael and all staff!
Reply from Diane Koplewsky, Owner at Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood
Thank you very much for your kind words and thoughtful feedback. We are delighted to hear how happy you and your son are at Sleepy Hollow. It is wonderful that you feel the setting provides a warm,…read more
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Review from J L (Father of Child) published on 9 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our boys are aged 1 and 3 and have both been in Sleepy Hollow for almost a year. We could not be happier with the staff the care provided, the activities the kids do, and the general delight both our boys have at going every day. We have been impressed from day one by the attitude of every member of
staff and by the ethos of the the whole organisation. Our boys are genuinely thriving under the care and support provided by the staff. We would genuinely recommend Sleepy Hollow to any parent
Reply from Diane Koplewsky, Owner at Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear that your boys are thriving and enjoying their time with us. It means a great deal to know that you…read more
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Review from Casey M (Mother of Child) published on 9 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The SHC Holywood setting is the best childcare facility my children have attended. The staff are kind, attentive and so consistent, the environment is so incredibly welcoming and they hold knowledge of each child and family who attends- you'll never drop off without a hello from any staff who encounter
you. I feel confident leaving my child knowing that he will be cared for so dearly by amazing early educators who genuinely place such an intentional effort into the learning environment he enters everyday. We appreciate our sleepy hollow family and the amazing setting they have created. Their staff are such a credit to them.
Reply from Diane Koplewsky, Owner at Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. We are absolutely delighted to hear how positively you feel about our Holywood setting and the team there. The staff take great pride in creating…read more
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Review from Sophia M (Mother of Child) published on 11 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending this nursery for the past 4 months, and the growth in her confidence and social skills has been amazing. She went from crying at drop-off to walking in happily, excited to see her teachers. The staff are warm, caring, and genuinely seem to love the children. I love the
teaching style - it's engaging, nurturing, and thoughtful. The kids enjoy regular outdoor play and are always involved in meaningful activities that support their development. Communication with the manager is friendly and easy, and any issues have been resolved quickly and with real understanding. It's never an issue for me to check in or ask for updates during the day. I couldn't be happier with the progress my daughter has made.
Reply from Diane Koplewsky, Owner at Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood
Thank you so much for this lovely review - we will be sure to share it with our team
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Review from B R (Father of Child) published on 14 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with interactions and feedback with the staff, our child has settled in very well and has good relationships with everyone in the Nursery which as first time parent has been very reassuring.
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Review from A D (Mother of Child) published on 22 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child started at Sleepy Hollow around 4 months old. As a first time parent this was quite a daunting prospect, it was my child's first experience of daycare too. However, the staff have been utterly amazing. Communication during the day is fantastic, particularly so during the settling in phase -
the use of the app really helps track naps, food and developmental milestones. My daughter has developed significantly during her time there & I've no doubt that the staff and learning environment has played a major part in this, allowing her to explore and interact on her own terms. It's clear that everyone, children and staff, have a lot of fun at Sleepy Hollow, the children are well taken care of and have plenty of activities during the day. I cannot praise everyone at Sleepy Hollow enough!
Reply from Diane Koplewsky, Owner at Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood
Thank you for your lovely feedback which we will share with our team
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Review from Fiona L (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very happy with Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood. I have 2 children attending. One in the baby room and one in the preschool 2-4 years old room. They both love going and very clearly have a great time there. The staff are all very welcoming, approachable and enthusiastic. You can tell
they enjoy working there too. Thank you to all the team for making going to work an easier transition.
Reply from Diane Koplewsky, Owner at Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood
Thanks for your feedback. We will ask the manager to speak with you regarding the menus. Our food is brought in by an early years food supplier so we can check the menu with you to see if there are…read more
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Review from Jess C (Mother of Child) published on 15 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing. Toddler never liked nursery or other settings but enjoys Sleepy Hollow a lot. No issues with drop-off or collection (no tears).
Staff are great with the children, always new and fun things for the children to do. Very clean and tidy.
Reply from Diane Koplewsky, Owner at Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We will be sure to share with our team.
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Review from C H (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our experience at Sleepy Hollow has been exceptional. The staff are fantastic with my child and really helped him to settle in. We love the communication throughout the day via the app and find this really useful for tracking sleep and food. Our child has so much fun with all of the activities planned
and loves all of the staff. We have seen the benefits of our child being in Sleepy Hollow Nursery, with socialising, trying new foods, and becoming more confident.
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Review from Gemma A (Mother of Child) published on 13 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I now have my second boy at Sleepy Hollow Holywood and he loves it! We are so impressed by the activities and personal development the staff provide here. The children have lots of outdoor time and all the staff are friendly, bubbly, caring and attentive. I love the personal touches included in all
the management side and information displays. It does not go unnoticed.
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Review from Alan N (Father of Child) published on 13 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are really happy with our children's progress since transferring to Sleepy Hollow.
The flexibility Sleepy Hollow provides is also amazing and not sure how we would get by without it. Thank you for all your help.
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Review from J H (Father of Child) published on 13 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our wee boy loves his two days in nursery and is full of smiles from when he's dropped off until he's picked up. It's great for his personal and social development playing alongside children of his own age.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.953)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.953) out of 10 for Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood 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 41 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 41 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 4.953 for Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood is calculated as follows: ( (469 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 490 Ratings = 4.953
  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 Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood is based on 41 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 52 number of registered child places is 10.4, which has been reached with 41 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 (3)

Meet the Team (1)

Karen

Karen Lester

Job Title: Manager

We have four dynamic leaders in Early Childhood Centres


Left to right


Emma (Manager Crumlin branch)
Karen (Manager Holywood branch)
Louise (Manager Lisburn branch and also Early Years Lead)
Sandra (Manager Aldergrove branch)

Frequently Asked Questions about Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood

What is the Age Range of Children that Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood accepts?

Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood Open?

Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood is open: Monday 07:30-17:30, Tuesday 07:30-17:30, Wednesday 07:30-17:30, Thursday 07:30-17:30, Friday 07:30-17:30.

How many Children does Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood have capacity for?

Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood has capacity for a total of 52 Children.

How far is Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood to the centre of Holywood?

1.2 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 Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Sleepy Hollow Early Childhood Centre Holywood has an Enhanced Service - more info.