Business Details
33 Years
experience
Your Trusted Childcare Partner in Northern Ireland
Established in 1993, Littlerays Nursery is a family-run childcare provider operating across three locations in Northern Ireland: Lisburn, Moira, and Ballymena. Our philosophy centres on child-led learning through the Curiosity Approach and Hygge principles, fostering independent exploration and emotional well-being. We cater to children aged 2 months to 12 years, offering nursery, preschool, and after-school care with a focus on creating nurturing, homely environments.Our team of qualified professionals utilises the Little Vista app to provide real-time updates to parents, ensuring transparency and engagement. Recognised with 5-star hygiene ratings and multiple accolades, we prioritise continuous improvement through parent feedback and innovative practices.
Services
Day Care
Preschool Programs
Playgroups
School Transportation
Holiday Childcare
Funded Places
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30 years of family-led childcare expertise since 1993
- Award-winning hygiene standards with 5-star health authority ratings
- Innovative use of the Curiosity Approach and Hygge philosophy
- Real-time child activity tracking via the Little Vista app
- Experienced team with long-serving qualified childcare professionals
What people say
Top 20 day nurseries
5 stars hygiene
Excellent inspection reports
Services
Day Care
Full-time and part-time childcare for children aged 2 months to 12 years. Our facilities feature age-appropriate environments with covered play areas and homely interiors. Services include meal provision, developmental activities, and flexible booking options to accommodate family needs.
Preschool Programs
Curriculum-based preschool education incorporating the Curiosity Approach and Reggio Emilia principles. Focus on child-led learning through play, with structured activities promoting literacy, numeracy, and social skills in preparation for primary school.
School Transportation
Dedicated school delivery and collection service for local primary schools. Operated by trained staff with safety-certified vehicles, ensuring convenient transitions between nursery and school environments for enrolled children.
Holiday Childcare
Extended care during school holidays and beyond standard operating hours. Includes structured activities, homework support, and recreational play for children aged 4-12 years in a supervised, engaging environment.
Funded Places
Government-funded childcare places available through PEAG allocations. Eligible families receive financial support for preschool education, ensuring accessible high-quality early years provision for children aged 2-5 years.
People
Michelle Rea
Founder & Director
Michelle established Littlerays Nursery in 1993, pioneering child-led learning approaches in Northern Ireland. With over 30 years of childcare experience, she oversees curriculum development and quality standards across all locations.
Kieron Rea
Co-Director
Kieron partners with Michelle to lead operational strategy and staff development. His focus on creating hygge-inspired environments has shaped the nurseries' warm, welcoming atmosphere that prioritises children's emotional well-being.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children from 2 months to 12 years across our nursery, preschool, and after-school programs.
What educational approaches do you use?
Our curriculum combines the Curiosity Approach, Reggio Emilia principles, and Hygge philosophy to foster independent learning and emotional development.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we offer nutritionally balanced meals and snacks prepared on-site, with dietary requirements accommodated across all locations.
How can parents track their child's progress?
The Little Vista app provides real-time updates on your child's daily activities, meals, and developmental milestones.
Do you offer funded childcare places?
Yes, we provide PEAG-funded preschool places for eligible families across our Northern Ireland locations.
What safety standards do you maintain?
All nurseries hold 5-star hygiene ratings and undergo regular inspections to ensure the highest care standards.
