Little Gems Private Day Nursery

1 Dunlady Road, Dundonald, Belfast BT16 1TT
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Top 20 award
9.9 123 Reviews
  • Little Gems Private Day Nursery, Belfast
Little Gems Private Day Nursery offers a loving homely environment for your child, having been part of the community for over 12 years with long established management and staff. Little Gems offers full day care for children aged 3months to 10years old. Each room is equipped with age appropriate resources and has a full programme of activities for a fun and stimulating day. Under 3s enjoy a weekly visit from Jo Jingles for music and dancing while Pre-school enjoy Spanish lessons and Debut Tots as part of the Pre-school curriculum. A large garden offers plenty of opportunity for exploring outside, gardening and outdoor toys. After-school care is available all year with a summer scheme and breakfast club. The nursery collects from Dundonald Primary and Brooklands Primary. Everyday carers strive to meet the individual needs of every child in their care, encouraging learning through play, covering all the areas of learning to develop independent and confident children.

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Care Provided by Little Gems Private Day Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Leah Morrow (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 38
  • Total Places for Children
  • 103
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 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
  • Public Holidays

Funding & Fees Guide for Little Gems Private Day Nursery

  • Full-time Day Care - £288.00 per week
    Full Day - £69.00 per day
    Half Day - £47.50 per half day
    Two children – Full time only £487.50 per week
    Afterschool - £32.00 per session
    Morning & Afterschool - £33.00 per session
    Breakfast Club (Afterschool only)   - £8.50 per session

Little Gems Private Day Nursery Reviews (123)

Total of 123, showing 61-80
9.9

Little Gems Private Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.874) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Little Gems Private Day Nursery has 123 reviews.

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Review from Jennie C (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Little Gems have been great in helping my daughter in settling into daycare following closures during the pandemic. She appears happy each day when going into nursery and has a great relationship with the staff. Although she doesn't eat the lunches provided (hot meals) they ensure she has
alternatives throughout the day. I cannot fully comment on resources and activities completed as we always remain outside the building but are provided with an update on what my daughter has done throughout each day by the staff upon collection. My daughter has shown visible signs of development in her speech and cognitive development since returning to nursery and getting key interactions with other children.
I would thoroughly recommend Little Gems to others and feel that the staff are doing a great job to support my daughter during a difficult time.

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Review from Nicola E (Mother of Child) published on 8 January 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend Little Gems highly enoughg. My daughter has attended for two and a half years and the facilities are second to none. The staff in every room have been outstanding, providing my daughter with superb encouragement, love and support throughout her journey.
My daughter loves attending
Little Gems, she talks about her teachers and friends all the time and can't wait to get back after every weekend.

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Review from Laura T (Mother of Child) published on 8 January 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter loves going to Little Gems. She is always excited when we arrive and is always playing away or being read a story when we go to collect her. The girls show so much love and care, we know she is in great hands. I would 100% recommend sending your child here.

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Review from Michelle (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little girl absolutely loves Little Gems. We are more than happy with the nursery and definitely made the right choice in placing our little one here. The staff are all super friendly and really care about the children. The activities are great fun and educational. Our little girl has progressed
so well during her time in the Baby Room.

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Review from Hannah G (Mother of Child) published on 4 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot speak highly enough of Little Gems and their staff! Both our children, aged 3 and 1 attend 3 days a week and my son attends the preschool - they've had so much consistency with their key workers, there is very little staff turnover, and I feel that the staff truly dote on our kids and know
them so well! The staff are always trying new fun activities, are upbeat and kind, and the preschool has been so good for my son - he has learned a lot and grown significantly in his confidence/independence.
My son also has a lung condition and is on oxygen full time, and from the beginning, they have taken so much care to understand his condition, feed back to us and manage his needs well. It was a big decision for us as to whether I could go even back to work, and it has been such a reassurance to see how supported he is! We never once felt that he wasn't welcome or his needs were too big. It's invaluable to us. Highly recommend to any parents who have children with additional needs!

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Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 4 December 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been a part of the Little Gem community since she was two years and nine months old. She is almost six years old now. In every group she has been through there has been at least one, but not limited to, staff member that my daughter has been extremely fond of. As a parent, knowing your
child feels safe with hile you cannot be with them, is everything. Thanks Little Gems.

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Review from Velichka S (Mother of Child) published on 23 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started attended Little Gems since she was 9 months old. She went through baby’s room, wobbler‘s room, toddler’s room and junior pre-school room. She loved attending all rooms. All practitioners are very experienced, nice and always with a smile on their faces. They helped my daughter to
gain her milestones in her development in a really warm, nice and educating environment. I strongly recommend Little Gems to everyone who wants to see their child happy and confident.

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Review from Lynsey M (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My children joined Little Gems this year and attend the breakfast club and after school club. The staff are amazing - fun and caring, there is plenty to do inside and outside and they have dealt so well with my children's food allergies. My children love it there and I would highly recommend Little
Gems.

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Review from Courtney A (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going to this nursery for 2 and half years! He has loved every room his been too! He is currently in Breakfast club/Afterschool’s and loves it. The staff in his room are so friendly, helpful and give my son such a warm welcome every morning! They are great role models and create a safe,
secure and stimulating environment for my son! Can’t thank the staff enough!

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Review from Kerryanne F (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

At first, I was concerned my son wouldn't settle but I have to say I was proved wrong very quickly. He literally dashes into the room and loves the staff as well as the children he shares his day with. I love hearing about his day when I collect him, and sometimes get little paintings etc (handprints)
these are so lovely to receive. My older son attended a different nursery due to job location at the time and one thing I must be honest about is that I miss, is the ability to log online to see pictures and an update of his day what he got up to, food, Nappies etc. This is the only criticism I have though and I love that my son is so happy here and the staff so clearly love their jobs.

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Review from Sharon S (Mother of Child) published on 5 December 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I feel my child is safe and has quaility childcare and good food whilst im at work. Would highly reccommend.

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Review from Adele F (Mother of Child) published on 16 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have 2 children at Little Gems one in toddlers and one in after school. The staff are amazing and the kids love going there.

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Review from Rachel W (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended this nursery for 9 years and has loved every minute of her time at Little Gems. The girls who look after her in the after school room are amazing. So caring and kind, giving me the confidence that my daughter is looked after and happy at Little Gems. They are always going above
and beyond and have invested time in my child’s life, as a parent this means the world. My daughter's time is coming to an end at Little Gems and there will be lots of tears from me and my daughter when she leaves! I’m so glad I decided all those years ago to send my child to this nursery!

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Review from Charlotte A (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended Little Gems since 2017. He loves attending and every day learns something brand new. The staff are very professional yet offer a supportive and caring environment for my son while we are at work. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough! Really puts our minds at ease knowing he is being
so well cared for.

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Review from Ashleigh R (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended Little Gems since August 2017, she has been in three rooms and is currently in the Fantastic Lions pre-school nursery room, the girls in Little Gems have all been amazing, they genuinely care about the children and this really shows, they are always willing to go above and beyond
in supporting a child. My daughter has a great bond with her teachers and her Little Gems journey has been such a positive one. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Little Gems to other parents.

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Review from L R (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Both of our children have attended 'Gems' since they were 9 months old - one is now in junior preschool and the other in the after-school room.
Each room provides a great variety of activities and both children have had plenty of opportunities to make friendships and interact with their peers, but
also to play on their own when they have chosen to.
Little Gems provides an all-round nursery experience in a homely environment.
We have been very happy and fully recommend it.

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Review from Kaitlin H (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The women in the baby room seem to care for our son like family, showing great affection and even using little pet names which makes me feel like he is loved and nurtured while at daycare.
The atmosphere is calm and inviting, the staff are very friendly both in and out of the room.

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Review from Heather M (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attends the afterschool club and I cannot recommend the nursery enough.
The staff are hugely invested in the children and take the time to help with homework, provide healthy snacks and allow them the freedom to play and have fun away from a school setting. I love seeing the drawings that
my daughter brings home and feel very secure in the knowledge that she is enjoying her time there! Well done Little Gems!

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Review from Sarah L (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 6-year-old attends the after school room at Little Gems and loves going before and after school. The staff in the room really care for the children they look after. The children get to take part in all sorts of activities and get time outside when the weather allows.

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Review from Ashley M (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been in Little Gems since he was 8 months old. He has gone through each stage and room and now attends after schools club. As a parent, I cannot recommend this nursery enough. The staff are fab and cannot do enough to help you and have always put my mind at ease having a child with bad allergies.
The nursery is bright and well equipped. My child is very content here. A happy environment for all kids.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.874)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.874) out of 10 for Little Gems Private Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 28 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 27 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 4.874 for Little Gems Private Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (301 Excellents x 5) + (24 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 333 Ratings = 4.874

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little Gems Private Day Nursery is based on 27 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 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • 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 103 number of registered child places is 20.6, which has been reached with 27 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • 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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Meet the Team (1)

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Leah Morrow

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2008

Leah Morrow has been our manager at Little Gems since July 2022 and previously held the manager position in our Greendale nursery.


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