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About Us

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Get to know our staff

Dedicated Teachers & Staff

The staff make effective use of the regular observations of the children to inform the future planning and to tailor the learning experiences.

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Mrs McGall

Acting Principal

Blue class (a.m.) 8:45 - 11:15am
Acting Principal Designated teacher for child protection
SENCO

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Mrs. McKay

Teacher

Teacher - Red Class 8.45 - 111.15 Blue Class 12.30 - 3.00 p.m. Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection

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Mrs. Kennedy

Teacher

Teacher - Red Class 12.30 - 3.00 p.m.

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Mrs Davis

Nursery Assistant

Nursery assistant

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Mrs Lecky

Nursery Assistant

Nursery Assistant

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Mrs Dewar

Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistant

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Miss Wylie

Nursery Assistant

Classroom assistant

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Mrs. McArdle

Nursery Assistant

Nursery Assistant

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Mr. Smyth

Building Supervisor

Building supervisor

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Mrs. Viki Craig

School Secretary

Professional and dedicated

Our Staff are Guided by these Agencies and frameworks

Ballymena Nursery School, in partnership with parents and with collaboration of outside agencies, adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to the holistic development of the young children entrusted into our care. Below are some of the agencies and frameworks we collaborate with

  • Following the “Curricular Guidance for pre-school education; Evaluating pre-school Education; “Every School a Good School” (www.deni.gov.uk)

  • Early Years Media Initiative (MIFC) Respecting Difference

  • Controlled Schools’ Council support officers (CSSC)

  • We are a CRED nursery school Community, Relations, Equality and Diversity

  • Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Embrace programme, Ethnic Minorities involvement and Northern Area Community Network (NACN)

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Want to know more about us?

School Information

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We believe children learn by building on the knowledge they already have – primarily exhibited through play. Teachers help children learn by creating a rich environment to explore via exciting educational activities.

  1. Image of the child

    Teachers can then shape and build on that knowledge by discovering what children already know through observation, one-on-one conversation, clarification, and invitation to explore the world around them.

  2. Positive Discipline

    Spanking or other methods of corporal punishment are never to be used as a means of disciplining students. This no spanking policy extends to parents with their own children while at school or school sponsored events.

  3. Environment is important

    We like to work and play in attractive surroundings so our buildings are clean, relatively tidy, and pleasing to the eye. The outdoor environments are large, have colourful and interesting gardens, and a variety of activities.

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Positive, Safe Environment – We are committed to providing an uplifting and positive atmosphere for our children and staff; a fun learning experience in a secure, safe, and loving environment.

  • Leadership – We are committed to lead; developing, mentoring, and empowering our children and our staff to reach their full potential.

  • Excellence – We are committed to achieve the greatest levels of excellence in childcare, in education and in everything we do; being highly professional, innovative, creative, efficient, and effective.

  • Respect – We are committed to building strong, healthy relationships with each other, our children & their families, along with the community through communication and understanding of the cultures around us.

  • Integrity – We are committed to carry out our mission.

We have a focus on recruiting and retaining quality teachers, good student discipline and relatively small class sizes

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Mrs McGall

Acting Principal

Blue class (a.m.) 8:45 - 11:15am
Acting Principal Designated teacher for child protection
SENCO

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Mrs. McKay

Teacher

Teacher - Red Class 8.45 - 111.15 Blue Class 12.30 - 3.00 p.m. Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection

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Mrs. Kennedy

Teacher

Teacher - Red Class 12.30 - 3.00 p.m.

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Mrs Davis

Nursery Assistant

Nursery assistant

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Mrs Lecky

Nursery Assistant

Nursery Assistant

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Mrs Dewar

Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistant

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Miss Wylie

Nursery Assistant

Classroom assistant

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Mrs. McArdle

Nursery Assistant

Nursery Assistant

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Mr. Smyth

Building Supervisor

Building supervisor

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Mrs. Viki Craig

School Secretary

If you have feedback or words of praise that you would like to share, please submit your review on the testimonials page.

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    Parent of Pupil

    Ballymena Nursery School is excellent in every meaning of the word. My daughter has loved it, as have I and it is going to be difficult leaving. I would like......

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    Parent of Pupil

    My child has loved Nursery from beginning to end. Staff are lovely and do a brilliant job. Happy child, happy parent....

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    Parent of Pupil

    Keep up the good work! My daughter has enjoyed her time at the nursery very much and we’re both a little sad that the time has almost come to an......

We provide the 6 main activities

Elements of Learning in The Pre-School Curriculum

Within all areas of the curriculum, ICT will be used in appropriate, innovative and imaginative ways to maximise learning opportunities, however staff will use their professional judgement and follow the guidelines of our ICT policy to ensure there is not an over reliance or abuse of the use of ICT within Nursery.

All parents are given a copy of our ICT policy in full to read and sign at the beginning of each new school year and invited to use our Nursery Tapestry App for observation and communication.

read more information about the curriculum
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Personal, Social and Emotional Development

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Physical Development and Movement

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The Arts

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The World Around Us

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Early Mathematical Experiences

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Language Development

Curriculum
Elements

Personal Development

It is about children’s emotional well-being, understanding of who they are, and respect for others and their environment.

Physical Development

Children enjoy physical play both indoors and outdoors. They revel in freedom of movement and in play that is inventive, adventurous and stimulating.

The Arts

Being creative is about making new things, taking risks, experimenting, coming up with new ideas, solving problems and coping with uncertainty.

The World Around Us

From their earliest days, children try to make sense of their world. They are naturally curious about their environment and the people around them and frequently ask questions.

Early Maths Experiences

A positive attitude towards and an understanding of mathematical concepts are important in everyday life.

Language Development

Language development is crucial to living and learning: to communicate with others, to share and express feelings, to give and obtain information, and to understand ideas and develop thoughts.

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4000+

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Children graduated since 1967

104

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Children enrolled per year

760

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Classroom sessions per year

4940

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Snacks per class per year

Prepare your child for school readiness

Feel The Difference

What gives our schools the quality you feel the moment you enter are the “pillars” of belief that support them. There are four core beliefs on which everything centers at our school.

  1. Experiential Learning

    We help children connect with their surroundings in new ways, so they discover what is meaningful to them in the moment and in the future.

  2. Community

    A child’s educational success in large part depends on families, educators, peers and relevant members of the community.

  3. Collaboration

    Sharing new experiences and solving problems with others leads to a greater sense of connectedness – as well as meaningful learning experiences.

  4. Proven Models

    Several important learning models have been developed by educators around the world. The human connection must be a key component of learning.