The Old School House

114 Halftown Road, Culcavy, Hillsborough, Lisburn BT27 5RF
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8.1 14 Reviews
  • The Old School House, Lisburn
The Old School House offers an ideal interior for play and learning throughout the early years, employing a skilled and qualified team who are able to help children make the most of their early years potential. A secure and friendly atmosphere allows children to become confident learners, in line with recognised curriculum.

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Care Provided by The Old School House

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Crawford & Pearl Rankin
  • Person in charge
  • Tanya McKinstry (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 32
  • Total Places for Children
  • 95
  • 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
  • Bank Holidays

The Old School House Reviews (14)

8.1

The Old School House has a Review Score of 8.1 (8.053) out of 10, based on 1 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Old School House has 14 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from Esme G (Mother of Child) published on 26 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I never hesitate to recommend Old School House. Our kids have attended since 2019, and from day 1, both have loved their time there, forging great friendships with both children and staff alike.
The staff are an absolute credit, across all rooms, they are caring, friendly and genuine. A home from home,
I feel very comfortable leaving my kids with them. Staff go above and beyond to make sure the children are cared for and looked after, handling medication administration and toileting accidents with ease and without complaint. They are flexible and wonderfully supportive in times of crisis which is priceless to busy, working, stressed parents!
The manager is an absolute star ensuring the kids get homework done in the after school. And a massive shout-out has to go to the staff in the kitchen rustling up healthy meals every day.
The nursery boasts an amazing outdoor space with lots of activities in the Summer holidays including water play and day trips!
I can not recommend The Old School House enough!

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Review from Jumpee M (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I feel safe and secure leaving my child at the Old School House, as I know my child is in good hands. I have seen so much improvement in my child's development, such as socially and other skills with the activities they have daily in the nursery.

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Review from Sarah T (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my boys love going to nursery. The staff are excellent and provide great, age-appropriate learning experiences for the children. We are delighted with the care they receive.

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Review from L J (Mother of Child) published on 5 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From day 1, both girls have loved their time in the nursery. The staff in each room are caring, personable and genuine. There are lots of activities and the staff go above and beyond to make sure the children are cared for and looked after. The Day trips and themed parties during school holidays are
fantastic. Would definitely recommend it as a childcare option.

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Review from Natalie (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn't be happier after choosing The Old School House for my two kids - they absolutely love it. The staff are so friendly - always take the time to speak to you at drop off/pick up. They get to know all the kids, even if they're not in the group they are looking after - there is just a lovely atmosphere
about the place. Great outdoor space and always lots of activities going on, including trips for the older children. All in all, a great nursery - highly recommend.

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Review from G P (Mother of Child) published on 30 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When I collect my children from The Old School House, the staff make me feel mine are the only ones they've looked after all day. They brief me fully about their day and I am confident they are well looked after. Our children can't wait to get in the door in the mornings and greet the staff with a big
hug. The Old School House is like our second family. Our children love it so much that I have never felt guilty about leaving them there and going back to work. I can't recommend The Old School House highly enough.

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Review from C M L (Mother of Child) published on 19 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We're super happy with the Old School House, my daughter loves the staff and usually runs in without even giving me a wave in the morning.
I think it has a lovely homely atmosphere. The staff are fabulous, and will always raise any issues or concerns they have so I just don't worry at all as I know
they'll take great care of my little one, who's been there just over a year at this stage.
I have recommended them to friends several times and will continue to do so.

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Review from J C (Mother of Child) published on 16 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a great nursery and my children really enjoy attending it. The staff are excellent and are genuinely invested in ensuring the highest level of care - nothing is too much trouble. The addition of the new preschool building is a real asset for staff and children - it offers a huge, bright airy
space for lots of fun activities.

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Review from L J (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The Old School House is a great nursery. My children all love it and always look forward to going. The key to its success is the staff. They are caring, nurturing, friendly, personable and approachable. They are always very flexible when I need anything or would like something specific for my child.
They are always seeking to improve by asking for feedback from parents which is reassuring. I would highly recommend the nursery to anyone.

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Review from Steve B (Father of Child) published on 28 January 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

we have used this nursery for eight years and have always been very happy to leave our children in the staffs care. All the staff provide a caring home from home experience and are warm, friendly and attentive. Our children have thrived in their care. The staff are always readily available and accommodating
and readily accepted the challenge of managing our sons multiple food allergies, our older children love the holiday trips and activities available. Sheena always makes sure they are prepared for Friday's school spellings and maths test and the lady in the baby room is an excellent 'day mummy' overall fantastic.

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Review from J M (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child began The Old School House in September and settled quickly very much due to the welcoming, warm and attentive staff. I love receiving the daily reports as I feel I know more about what they've been doing all day and what fun there's been

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Review from N S (Mother of Child) published on 6 January 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We joined The Old School House in November 2015 and so far we as a family are very happy. Staff are very friendly, kind and caring. Information sheets we are given each evening are very handy about our sons fun, food and visitors.
Visitors to the nursery and visits out are amazing. Bus to nursery
school is fantastic instead of peoples cars. Only downfall are all the gates which are not kept shut, no signs so parents mostly and staff to keep them shut.

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Review from Ruth W (Mother of Child) published on 2 December 2015
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started the Old School House at the end of September and has settled in brilliantly. I have noticed a big change in his development and put that down to the staff. Regardless of whether a member of staff is based in the baby unit (my son has just turned 1) or elsewhere, everyone says hello to
him in the morning by name. The children are content and happy throughout the nursery and the staff are always prepared to go that extra mile. I could not recommend this nursery enough.

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Review from CH (Mother of Child) published on 22 October 2015
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has been attending The Old School House since he was 9 months old and now turning 2. He loves going to nursery everyday and it is a battle everyday to get him home! His development has went from strength to strength and loves singing all the nursery rhymes and songs he has learned in nursery.
He has so many friends and is a very happy child. I can go to work and now have peace of mind that he settled and happy and having a fulfilled day. There is a great variety of food on the nurseries menu and is not a fussy eater as he has plenty of choice and likes to try new foods. The staff are brilliant and always go above and beyond in their care for my son and for that I am very grateful. The girls are so friendly and always gives a snapshot of his day and the mischief he has got up to!

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Current Review Score: 8.1 (8.053)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.1 (8.053) out of 10 for The Old School House 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 1 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.1 out of 5 from 1 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 Old School House is calculated as follows: ( (12 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 12 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 3.053 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Old School House is based on 1 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 = 3

    • 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 95 number of registered child places is 19. 1 Positive Reviews ÷ 19 = 0.053

  • 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.

Child Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (1)

Tanya

Tanya McKinstry

Job Title: Manager

Joined: 2000

Tanya started in The Old School House over 20 years ago. She has completed Level 2 & 3 in early Years care and Education and a Foundation degree in Early Years Care and Education. She has Level 3 in management. She provides strong leadership, effectively managing the nursery and out of school club to deliver the highest standards of care and education.


In her spare time Tanya enjoys looking after her grandson and spending time with her family.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Old School House

What is the Age Range of Children that The Old School House accepts?

The Old School House accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Old School House Open?

The Old School House 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 Old School House have capacity for?

The Old School House has capacity for a total of 95 Children.

How far is The Old School House to the centre of Lisburn?

2.2 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 The Old School House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Old School House has a Platinum Service – more info.