Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield

27 Craigy Road, Saintfield, Ballynahinch BT24 7BZ
Submit a Review
Top 20 award
10 41 Reviews
  • Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield, Ballynahinch
Friends Day Nursery is a family-run day nursery. The purpose-built facility is located in a quiet, rural location in Saintfield, County Down, and provides children with the foundation to grow and develop lifelong learning skills through their ethos of “Learning to Play, Playing to Learn”.

The aim of Friends Day Nursery is to provide a warm and secure environment to allow children to express freely through constructive and imaginative play in order to develop their character.

They provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment where their children are listened to and can follow their own interests. They are encouraged to be independent and solve their own problems.

They provide children with the foundation to grow and develop in 6 key areas including maths, social skills, language, physical skills, the environment and the arts.

The nursery has three outdoor play areas where children can enjoy time outside.

Children are provided with healthy and nutritious meals and fresh fruit every day. They are encouraged to develop independent eating habits and good table manners.

Show Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield on the Map

Care Provided by Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Friends Childcare Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Aoife McPhail (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 16
  • Total Places for Children
  • 56
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 6 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays, 1 week in July & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield

  • £26-£55 per day, depending on the care type.

  • Please contact the nursery for up to date fee information.

Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield Reviews (41)

Total of 41, showing 21-40
10

Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield has a Review Score of 10 (9.979) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield has 41 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 41
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

41
6
7
12
29

Review from Kelly H (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have nothing but praise for the staff and management at this nursery. From the initial viewing at the nursery, my husband and I were made to feel welcome and relaxed. We received a very informed overview of the workings of the nursery, activities and menus. We were taken through the staffing structure
and specifically introduced to the staff who would be looking after our son. On the induction days, I received regular updates and photos. The staff are engaging and make me feel very at ease and confident with their experience.


On a daily basis, they are friendly, attentive and personable. The online app they use to send us updates is fantastic. Our son is very settled and gets excited when entering the nursery which is a testament in itself. We receive a full rundown of his day and the activities he has taken part in on collection. As a nervous first time mum, the staff at this nursery have almost become part of our extended family. I cannot rate the nursery or staff highly enough.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from J T (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff and the environment are great, I couldn't ask for more for my children. The meals are great too and I do believe it has majorly contributed to my two children being good and non-fussy eaters.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Toireasa O (Mother of Child) published on 4 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so happy that our little boy started in Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield. The manager was so warm and welcoming when we first visited the nursery. The girls in the baby room have been amazing and it has been wonderful watching my son's social skills develop, especially as he was born in 2020.
It has been lovely to see my son engage in the wonderful activities in Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield and we love receiving the pictures via the app. We really can't thank the staff in Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield enough.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Sarah L (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our children have been going to Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield since 2014 when our eldest (now 7) started. Couldn’t fault the place at all. The staff are what make it the place it is...so good with the children, I love the fact it’s been the same staff almost from the beginning; means you get to know
and trust them. Friends provides children with great routine and lots of play/stimulation. We go to work reassured that our kids will be happy and well looked after there. Definitely would recommend it!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Sonia B (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly, welcoming and dedicated staff. My children attend the after school care and they love all the time spent there and the activities done. Also, enjoy the app used to communicate with parents and show us the children doing the activities and how much they enjoying themselves. Very happy
environment. Strongly recommended.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Katherine C (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic day nursery with dedicated and attentive staff. I am a mother of 2 children who have attended Friends for 9 months. Both love going in each day and gave secured friendships with other kids their age. It's great to hear their laughter when you collect them and hear about their action-packed
day. The staff are devoted to the children and the facilities and food are excellent. I travel to come to this nursery and would highly recommend it!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Fiona M (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friends Day Nursery is fantastic, from the moment I met the manager I knew that this was the place I would send my children (1 & 3). It was clear that this establishment was purpose built for childcare and the rooms looked so inviting, colourful, relaxing and so much fun. The covid infection control
plan/policy in place was very reassuring and put me at ease at a time when I was nervous about my children leaving the safety of our home. The staff were so lovely and reassuring as my children settled in and are experienced and know just how to support the children and parents at this time. My little boy had never been away from me and I felt that the approach taken by the staff in helping him cope and adapt was excellent and they were honest, caring and so patient. They quickly followed up on the app with a message and photos of him settled and engaged in his play and as a parent this is just invaluable and so appreciated! My little girl skips in and out each day!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Rosemary T (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son (aged 4) has been at Friends since he was 9 months old. The staff are warm and welcoming and totally devoted to their role in caring for children. He is always happy to arrive and regular updates via the app let me see what he’s been up to. He has special needs (identified age 3) and the staff
in the pre-school room have overwhelmed us with their care, knowledge, wealth of resources and dedication to help him achieve his potential linking in with OT, SLT and preschool teacher. They feel like an extended family who have been a large part of our support network, particularly over the last year.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Bronagh M (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My two kids (3 and 2) have recently started at Friends and have both settled really quickly and seem very happy in their new surroundings. The staff are very friendly and approachable, and the app they use is great for keeping in touch and getting updates on the kids day. I would highly recommend Friends
to anyone looking childcare in the local area.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Cecilia M (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friends Day nursery is outstanding. We placed my first son with them when he was a year and a half. He took time to settle as he had never been around other children and to say they were superb was an understatement. They really took the time to spend with him, keeping him safe and encouraged him to
play and get involved. My oldest really came out of his shell and moved through the rooms with no hassle and became so outgoing. When the time came for mainstream school he had no issues because of all the work friends had done. When I had my second I took my oldest out as I was at home. When the time came to place both of them during covid I had full faith that they would look after both of them and ensure they were looked after and comforted. It goes without saying that they were also brilliant with the second one, treating him like another member of the family. My first also ran in the door back to his second home with all his friends. They offer great activities for the kids always busy and great food.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Laura C (Mother of Child) published on 26 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 4 year old son has been attending Friends Day Nursery since he was a baby. He absolutely loves going to Friends and always has. The staff are amazing and are always extremely accommodating, friendly and professional. Attending Friends really helped my son's development and helped prepare him for
preschool and now P1. I would highly recommend Friends to anyone considering private childcare options. They have been a huge support over the last 4 year's.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Karen M (Mother of Child) published on 26 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two children at Friends Day Nursery. Friends Nursery is a lovely, welcoming crèche with a wonderful team. Not only do the children have lots of fun but they are also taught through play, art and singing. You get a daily report as well as photos from an app so you always know how your little one
is getting on throughout the day. I would highly recommend friends nursery, the team go above and beyond for your children. It's a pleasure to send my children here.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Will M (Father of Child) published on 26 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I guess for me the indicator that this is a great nursery is my daughter who is spending time there. She looks forward to going, near enough runs through the doors, and leaves with a smile on her face telling me stories and singing songs on the way home.
The staff are great with her, always glad to
see her arrive, and if I have any concerns or help with her normal development (potty training etc) they are always willing to listen and help.
Facilities look great with lots of activities both inside and out. The lunch menu even made me jealous, hearty healthy food tailored for her age group.
After a couple of false starts at previous childcare facilities, we can honestly say that our daughter is settled at Friends and we are relieved that she is safe and being looked after.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Laura P (Mother of Child) published on 24 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friends is a wonderful nursery. My kids (3 and 1) both attend and have a great time each day they are there. My daughter has attended since she was 1 and has always been so well looked after in each room. The staff are attentive and engaging with our kids and we always know they will be well looked
after during their time there.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Nikki (Mother of Child) published on 23 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Highly recommend Friends, it has been fantastic for both my 6 year old and 3 year old. Both attended since babies, they love and have loved going to nursery, it's a good, busy fun-packed day. Staff are very welcoming and accommodating. 5*.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has always enjoyed going to Friends, she has been attending for two years now and is happy when she goes in and when we pick her up every day. The staff and owners have always been friendly, professional and helpful. There have never been any issues with changes related to schedule we have
needed from time to time, which has helped us manage our work schedules. We would highly recommend Friends to anyone choosing a day nursery.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Denise A (Mother of Child) published on 23 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friends has been a very welcoming environment for our children. Our boys are well looked after by staff who are highly professional, friendly and compassionate. It is clear that these ladies love the children in their care.
The facilities in the nursery are second to none - clean, bright and providing
all the physical and mental stimulation a child could need. Our boys have thrived in the time they’ve been attending.
We are so grateful to all of the staff at Friends for providing our children with a real home away from home, and us with the reassurance that they are being looked after by the best.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Diane D (Mother of Child) published on 23 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 3rd child is currently attending Friends on a full-time basis. My older children aged 15 and 11 also attended Friends in their early years. Friends has been absolutely amazing for all my children, fantastic for their development, early education and social skills. My daughter runs into Friends each
morning and never looks back. She loves all the daily activities such as painting, craft and outdoor play. She enjoys all the nutritious meals and snacks. All staff at Friends are extremely helpful, friendly and go above and beyond what is required. Friends is like an extension of my own family. Staff are so supportive and helpful. I would be lost without Friends.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Irene B (Mother of Child) published on 22 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friends Nursery has been an incredible support to our family. I currently send my 1-year old to nursery, plus my 5-year old has been attending since she was 1. They absolutely love it! The staff are so accommodating and welcoming - I feel so reassured knowing the girls are so well looked after. The
food is very nutritious - especially as one of my daughters is dairy-free. The play facilities are excellent. It is so clean and tidy.
Overall I honestly feel like the staff at Friends are like a second family to us. My husband and I rely on them so much and trust them immensely.
I would highly recommend to anyone. 10 out of 10!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Judith G (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I highly recommend Friends Day Nursery. They have been so accommodating to me and my daughter. They were patient with my daughter as she adjusted to daycare and they were kind and caring towards me especially when I was upset the first time I left her off. The care they provide is exceptional.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.979)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.979) out of 10 for Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield 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 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 12 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 4.979 for Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield is calculated as follows: ( (141 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 144 Ratings = 4.979

  • 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 Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield is based on 12 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 56 number of registered child places is 11.2, which has been reached with 12 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.

Child Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (4)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (1)

Aoife

Aoife McPhail

Job Title: Manager

Joined: 2005

I have worked in Friends Day Nursery Saintfield since 2005, I started as a student when I left school to fulfil my dream of being an early years child care assistant. I have always been passionate about looking after children, I love the sense of fun, energy & imagination from each child. I worked for many years as an early years assistant throughout the nursery in the different rooms I gained experience from every age group. Each room helped me grow and gain experiences that give me the confidence to go on and become the supervisor of our Toddler room & Pre school room for many years. With my many years of experience working with the children, parent and staff this helped me grow more confident for later years to become the nursery manager in 2018.
I provide a safe, welcoming environment for children "Learning to play" & "Playing to learn".


Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Friends Day Nursery, Saintfield has an Enhanced Service – more info.