The Den Day Nursery

5 Palmerston Road, Belfast BT4 1QA
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9.4 34 Reviews
  • The Den Day Nursery, Belfast
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Care Provided by The Den Day Nursery

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Paul Wallace
  • Person in charge
  • Nikki Kelly (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 15
  • Total Places for Children
  • 39
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 1 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for The Den Day Nursery

  • Full Day per child per day: 7.30 am to 6.00 pm - £60


    Morning per Child per day: 7.30 am to 1.00 pm - £46

    Afternoon per Child per day: 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm - £43


    Early Lunch and collection: Pre-school only, 12.00 pm -6.00 pm - £48


    Breakfast Club and Drop Off per child per day (only available with PM session) - £9


    Full Time Discounted Rate £1130 per month
    No additional discount is applicable to this rate

  • We are registered to accept NICSS discount.
  • Parking

  • The Nursery car park to the front of the building is parents and visitors.


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The Den Day Nursery Reviews (34)

Total of 34, showing 1-20
9.4

The Den Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.369) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Den Day Nursery has 34 reviews.

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Review from Christopher E (Father of Child) published on 28 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Den Day is a brilliant nursery, the facilities are really excellent and the staff are so, so kind. My son started back in August of last year, and right away he was able to settle in and feel comfortable. I get regular updates on his progress and day, which I really appreciate and they often go
the extra mile to ensure that the kids feel happy, healthy and safe. They also have daily pick-up from his nursery, which is so helpful. I really want to shout out the staff in his room, currently primarily two of them. They are so lovely and my son really enjoys playing with them. It is very hard to find somewhere that you can trust with the most important thing in your world, but for our family, the Den has been this place. I would recommend this to anyone.

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Review from Nic M (Mother of Child) published on 17 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely amazing staff who go beyond in every way. They genuinely love the children and care for them to the highest level. I couldn't recommend the nursery more and I am a school Principal and very fussy. The size is warm and welcoming and the toys and activities are varied and engaging. The food
is excellent and the educational value is as good as it could be. Superb find!

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Review from Niamh C (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We can't commend the Den Day Nursery more highly! A fantastic nursery with a brilliant, highly skilled and experienced staff and management team. Our son joined when he was 11 months and has been attending for the last year. His development has come on in leaps and bounds since joining, and he is very
happy and content at the Den. We can't thank the staff enough for all they do. Highly recommend the Den Day Nursery, it's absolutely fab!

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Review from R K (Mother of Child) published on 29 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is our second child to go through The Den, we didn't even think twice when we decided to use them again. Excellent nursery, amazing caring staff, attentive manager.
It just felt like home when we started taking our second child.

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Review from E I (Mother of Child) published on 22 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending The Den for over 2 years and we couldn't recommend it enough. They have always been super helpful with us and our child in every step of his development, sending regular updates on the app, making us feel like part of a big family.
Can't thank them enough for everything they've
done, what an amazing team.

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Review from Jilly W (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending The Den since April 2022 and I cannot recommend the place enough.
I feel safe in the knowledge that he is so well cared for everyday with such a great team of staff.
Words cannot express how happy I have been with each stage of his development moving from babies right up
to pre-school.
It's such a great place and worth every penny.

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Review from Karen L (Mother of Child) published on 13 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My toddler has been attending the Den since June 2021 and just loves it. She is very well looked after and the staff are very caring and genuine. Any concerns are dealt with straight away. The range of activities is great and we have noticed a big leap in my daughter's development since she joined the
Den. The parents' app is a handy way to keep in touch and see updates throughout the day - I love getting photos and observations! I would highly recommend the Den.

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Review from J N (Mother of Child) published on 7 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child started last autumn and is very content at the Den, she is so excited every morning to go. The gradual settling in period was amazing as 1. she was a covid baby and 2. most other nurseries I looked at did not offer this. I think it really helped both of us feel a lot more comfortable when she
was first starting. I like how the rooms are more open and light than other nurseries I viewed. I do wish the outside space had more natural greenery (trees, plants etc) however, they do a good job of sectioning the outside areas for play and the ground is covered (not just bare cement as I saw in some other nurseries). So far, I have found the management approachable and the staff are easy to talk to. The parents' app they use is great for providing information and photos throughout the day. Also, the activities they do with the kids seem really fun. All the food and snacks are included in the price, so no need to pack any additional snacks (as other places require). Definitely recommended.

Reply from Nikki Kelly, Manager at The Den Day Nursery

Thank you for your feedback and recommendation, it is greatly appreciated.


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Review from Kelly M (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending the Den for almost four years now and my 11-month-old daughter will start next week, as I return to work. I have no worries at all about my daughter starting as the experience with my son has been so fantastic. The staff are very caring and go that extra mile to make sure the
children feel safe and cared for. The activities are great and even now, as a boisterous four-year-old, my son still likes a cuddle with his key worker. Highly recommended to parents in the area.

Reply from Nikki Kelly, Manager at The Den Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your feedback Kelly, it's greatly appreciated. Nikki.


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Review from Gillian C (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My children have received excellent care in the Den. My preschooler often doesn't want to leave on collection. She adores her staff and wee friends and the activities are so fun, always changing, always creative - just brilliant. My toddler is well cared for, a pandemic baby. I was so worried for him
but the staff are thoughtful and kind and he's doing great. I'm so thankful. The children want to be there and I know they are having a super wee day when I'm at work.

Reply from Nikki Kelly, Manager at The Den Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your feedback Gillian, it's greatly appreciated. Nikki.


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Review from C M (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been using the Den for 4 years now. The first for my son and now for my 2-year-old daughter. They both loved going and had a great connection and affection for all the staff. I would highly recommend the Den to anyone who is looking for childcare.

Reply from Nikki Kelly, Manager at The Den Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your feedback Claire, it's greatly appreciated. Nikki.


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Review from Megan D (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are so genuinely caring that it's made the experience of childcare and returning to work so much easier. My wee one absolutely loves going to see all his friends and the service they've provided has been invaluable, particularly during Covid-19. The activities they do daily are varied and
all help develop learning skills from no age. His language and development have come on leaps and bounds since starting and the regular updates on the app make my day at work easier.

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Review from Rachel A (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My experience and my sons has been amazing. The staff are so lovely, patient, caring, kind and trustworthy. I enrolled my child into The Den as I was finding he missed out a lot with socialising with other kids his own age due to covid 19. He has received so much care from the staff and I have found
he has come on amazing regarding his speech and social skills.

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Review from Kym I (Aunt of Child) published on 29 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Den really helps children learn and grow to be well-rounded individuals. He absolutely loves nursery and telling me all about his fun-filled day.

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Review from Ann-Louise G (Mother of Child) published on 22 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son and daughter both attend this nursery, I absolutely love the staff, they always communicate really well and my children love going there as it feels like they are family. The girls give my children cuddles in the morning when I leave. My second child started last October and he absolutely loves
it, I was a bit emotional leaving him but seeing how much he has thrived there already it’s worth it. He’s learned so many new skills since starting.

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Review from Fiona (Mother of Child) published on 8 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My two children have been going here since they were a year old (now 6 and 4) and I would highly recommend the Den. The activities that they plan for the kids are brilliant and I love that all the messy play can be done there instead of at home! They have both learnt so much from their time there and
made great friendships. The Famly app allows us to keep up to date with what they are doing during the day with photo updates and details on what they have eaten along with real-time billing information. We can't fault the place for the care and attention that the kids get from staff and management.

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Review from Kirstie C (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended The Den for 4 years, and we couldn't ask for any better. He loves his time spent at The Den and enjoys the wide range of activities and outings offered throughout the year. The entire staff team and manager work with a professional yet friendly manner, making us feel that we are
part of a larger extended family. We can't thank the girls enough for everything they have done, and continue to do for our son.

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Review from Nicola G (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at The Den for almost 3 years. I cannot commend this nursery highly enough. I'm a fussy, overprotective mother and finding the right place to care for my (then) baby was incredibly stressful. Until I met the manager. Immediately I was relieved when she validated my worries and assured
me that they would do everything my baby needed them to. In practice this was rocking her to sleep, accommodating her picky eating, supporting me to have a space to breastfeed - I could go on. All of the teachers at The Den genuinely care for the children they look after. I've always felt welcome and that my views matter.


When my daughter commenced at an external preschool there had been issues with regard to staff turnover and also the usual stuff that comes with having 26 small children in a class. The value of her place at The Den shone through. There, she feels safe and loved. Peer interactions are well overseen and gentle behaviour towards each other is promoted.


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Review from S K (Father of Child) published on 4 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm renewing my review as the nursery continues to offer the highest quality in care and education. The introduction of the Famly app this year has been a very welcome addition, resulting in more accurate updates and real-time billing. The business is continuing to grow and the manager could not be
any more helpful.

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Review from Katie M (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My two-year-old daughter has been attending ‘The Den’ nursery since Oct 2017. I had to arrange childcare for her at relatively short notice and having had a few unsuccessful meetings with childminders, a friend recommended ‘The Den’. From my first telephone conversation with the manager, I was certain
that this was the place I wanted to secure. The settling in period was very generous and every single staff member is polite and courteous and you can really sense a genuine affection for all the children. The variety of activities on offer and the outdoor play area is superb- there is even a pet rabbit! Meals and snacks are included and there is a large selection of tasty and healthy treats. The recent addition of the 'My Nursery Pal' App has been the icing on the cake allowing real-time updates on activities (with photos), meals times and naps! I honestly can't recommend 'The Den' highly enough. Thank you all for making it easier to leave my daughter every day. You all do a fantastic job!

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Current Review Score: 9.4 (9.369)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.4 (9.369) out of 10 for The Den Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.4 out of 5 from 6 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 5.000 for The Den Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (72 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 72 Ratings = 5

  • b) 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 4.369 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Den Day Nursery is based on 6 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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 = 3.6

    • ii) 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 39 number of registered child places is 7.8. 6 Positive Reviews ÷ 7.8 = 0.769

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Den Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that The Den Day Nursery accepts?

The Den Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 1 month to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Den Day Nursery Open?

The Den Day Nursery is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does The Den Day Nursery have capacity for?

The Den Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 39 Children.

How far is The Den Day Nursery to the centre of Belfast?

2.8 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 The Den Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Den Day Nursery has a Basic Service – more info.