The Old Station Day Care Nursery

92 Church Street, Dromore BT25 1AA
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8.4 41 Reviews
  • The Old Station Day Care Nursery, Dromore
The Old Station Day Care Nursery & Pre-school is located in the characteristic and charming train station in Dromore. The spacious rooms with high ceilings are well resourced and equipped to create a fun and stimulating learning environment.

The nursery is within walking distance to Dromore town centre and is very accessible to the A1 carriageway making the commute to work that little bit easier.

After opening in the year 2000 the nursery has grown from strength to strength and now offers a Junior playgroup, funded pre-school education (Senior Playgroup) and an After-School/summer club.

Emphasis is placed on offering a warm and welcoming environment with the main focus being on providing excellent quality childcare and education. The nursery's ethos is “to create a nurturing, inclusive environment in partnership with parents; where each child can reach their full potential in an environment which is safe, secure, happy, healthy and stimulating".

The Old Station understands that parents find it difficult choosing the most appropriate provision of childcare to suit themselves and their little ones' needs. At The Old Station, it is recognised that every child’s needs are different and the team cater for those individual needs.

Their excellent staff:child ratios, their attentive and caring staff and the high standards maintained within all areas of the nursery enable parents to leave their children feeling happy and content with the care they are receiving.

Care Provided by The Old Station Day Care Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Carolyn McDonald
  • Person in charge
  • Claire Ross (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 25
  • Total Places for Children
  • 102
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:15-18:00
    Tuesday 07:15-18:00
    Wednesday 07:15-18:00
    Thursday 07:15-18:00
    Friday 07:15-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays

The Old Station Day Care Nursery Reviews (41)

Total of 41, showing 1-20
8.4

The Old Station Day Care Nursery has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.397) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Old Station Day Care Nursery has 41 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter had a fantastic experience in the baby and wobbler room, but the two factors that elevate this nursery are communication and the provision of care.
The information provided prior to settling-in was comprehensive and any questions I had were answered promptly. Email and telephone communication
throughout our time was easy, and were responded to quickly. Throughout the day, there is a steady stream of information available through the app as to what my child was up to. It was really reassuring to see regular photos and updates so that I could see for myself that she was having a great time.
The staff are so friendly and helpful, and really genuinely care about the wellbeing of the children. My daughter is always happy and excited to go off and play when I drop her off in the morning, and I can relax because I know that she is being well looked after. I have complete confidence in the care provided and would gladly send her here again in the future.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Old Station Nursery is well equipped and staff are great, even other staff that don’t directly care for my daughter know her and are always friendly to me. Their days are well structured and I love how frequent the nursery pal app is updated. I wouldn’t send her anywhere else.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We moved our little boy to The Old Station Nursery last August due to a change in career. We have loved it since then! The settling-in was great and we got all the information we needed. The staff were so friendly and we felt we could phone or email at any time if we had any questions. The girls in
the toddler room work so well with the children and we saw a huge difference in our son’s development since moving him. We cannot fault any area of The Old Station Nursery and would highly recommend it to others.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My now 11-year-old and 9-year-old both attended The Old Station, and the care they received in their early years was second to none. I had no hesitation therefore in sending my youngest, now 20-months. In these very worrying times, the staff have adapted well to new procedures and restrictions and the
level of care and has never faltered. Management has maintained close contact and consistently updated me with regards to changes to health and safety practices in respect of Covid-19.
Although, at 20-months, my daughter cannot directly communicate her experience at The Old Station, the excitement when one of the staff collects her at the front door each morning is a very telling sign of how much enjoyment she gets from her days there. Via the 'app' I am constantly receiving updates and photos throughout the day showing the wide range of activities she enjoys.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My children love going to nursery. The staff are welcoming, friendly and provide excellent care. There are lots of activities that offer variety as well as lots of artwork being made and sent home. We are very impressed with the homemade lunches which cater to our children's dietary requirements. We
get great communication from all staff and management and are kept up to date throughout the day using My Nursery Pal. This also includes photos of our children doing activities. Our children love going and have made great friends. It is reassuring knowing that they are happy while we are at work with staff who care for them like they are their own.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended for several months now and with the ongoing situation, we felt at real ease with the settling in process. Staff are super friendly and communication is fantastic through the use of nursery Pal app. Our wee man has such a blast and the only problem is trying to get him home.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son attends this nursery and is always happy to go to the girls in mornings, he learns so much and they have a great staff to children ratio in the toddler room which he is currently in. The girls who work there are so helpful with any queries I have regarding my son's care or day. I receive regular
photos on the My Nursery Pal app and I can check in to see how his day is going. I would happily recommend this nursery to any potential parents thinking of sending their children there. They do so many activities during the day and I am so reassured he seems so content to be there.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent staff. Genuinely loving and kind and feel that my kids are in excellent care. Good security, communications with parents and healthy eating promoted as well. Delighted that my toddler was offered a vegetable curry. He always comes home talking about what a good day he had. My 5-year-old was
also delighted by the level of care and the amount of crafting she could do. Highly recommended.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a fantastic, warm and caring atmosphere in this nursery. We have two children attending and they are always happy to go and I know they are treated well. Both have come on developmentally in leaps and bounds. Having them care for our most precious little people in such a loving way makes leaving
them a little easier.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Old Station have very high standards in their care. They are very approachable and my kids have enjoyed their time here. The curriculum is very well placed and I have watched my children gain many new skills and make new friends.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy with the service provided by the Old Station Nursery. The kids love attending the nursery, the staff are very friendly and deal with any queries in a very professional manner.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 2 children joined the Old Station just over a year ago. We have been so happy with everything about the nursery since we joined. The nursery has an atmosphere that feels like a home from home which my children thrive in. Over the last year there has been little or no turnover of staff, which for
me is really important and shows that the nursery is well run and treat staff well. It is obvious that all of the staff have a genuine passion for looking after children - everyone who works there knows all of the children's names and take an interest in them, whether they work in that particular room or not. All of the meals are prepared freshly each day and my children love the food. I was a bit nervous about my children starting a new nursery but the transition has been better than I could have hoped. Cannot recommend the Old Station highly enough.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are excellent, our two children attend 2 days a week its such a peace of mind to know they are here. They are cared for like they are family members as are all the children. If there is a problem staff are approachable and caring, you can be assured you will only have to ask once. Nursery Pal
is updated throughout the day, we can click on and check everything is OK. Activities from the baby room to the toddler room are fantastic and receiving the pieces of work which each child has completed, seeing the pride in their faces when they say 'I did that'. Staff support the parents through each stage of child development and also guide parents if needed - potty training each child is individual and loved and cared for in a way that makes me as a mother feel happy to leave my child I have recommended the nursery to everyone I know and will continue to do so as we could not ask for better all meals are cooked fresh in nursery kitchen and are wholesome and delicious and plates are cleaned.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Old Station Nursery has been the nursery we have used since our little girl was 9 months old. We are now planning to send our Newborn baby boy too once I go back to work. The girls are all very caring and genuinely want to help as best they can. They are also very accommodating and are very attentive
to our toddler's needs.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going to this nursery since she was 11 months. She has grown into an outgoing and friendly little girl which shone through in the Christmas play where she was a "star" and showed confidence in doing her part.
Credit must be given to the staff for encouraging her and helping her
to become a confident girl.
All aspects of her care is a credit to a great, dedicated team of staff who provide outstanding care to all the children. I cannot recommend this nursery enough. Thank you to everyone.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The girls in The Old Station are fantastic.
Always there to help with anything. They have helped my 2 children so much and get them ready for school. My 2 children have problems with certain food and they couldn't do enough to help keep them on their food diaries. They are worth their weight in gold.
Thank you all.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Old Station Nursery is very well run by a team of people who understand the value of family. My two girls settled in very quickly as the staff were fantastic with them. The meals are well balanced and there is a great variety of food. My girls are taught to be friendly and courteous at all times
which means so much as a parent.


If you are considering this nursery I would recommend you speak with the nursery manager and you will instantly know that your kids will be well cared for.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Old Station offers my children a safe, warm and caring environment for them to enjoy, play with friends, new experiences and activities. All staff are dedicated to ensuring the children are able to engage fully in all activities and they have a genuine passion for caring for children. It's a real
home from home feeling.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended The Old Station since he was 5 months old. Aged 3, he still loves going to "school" and talks about his "friends" who include the other children and the excellent staff. The Old Station offers excellent opportunities for learning and skill development, including lots of messy play.


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food is wholesome and freshly prepared. This is important to me and the factory that swayed my decision when choosing a childcare option. As parents, my husband and I are delighted with all aspects of our son's care and how the staff have worked hard to foster his independence at key milestones.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at The Old Station are fantastic. My experience has been excellent. My daughter has learned so much at playgroup and she finds learning there interesting and fun. She has developed her independence with the help of the girls in playgroup. She thoroughly enjoys her snacks and lunches and loves
the vet corner, the hospital corner and the shop corner. She is very happy here and I would highly recommend to any parent. Staff in the after playgroup room are fab too.

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Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.397)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.397) out of 10 for The Old Station Day Care 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 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.4 out of 5 from 3 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 Station Day Care Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (36 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 36 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 3.397 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Old Station Day Care Nursery is based on 3 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 = 3.25

    • 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 102 number of registered child places is 20.4. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 20.4 = 0.147

  • 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

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Awards / Recognitions (14)

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Meet the Team (19)

Carolyn

Carolyn McDonald

Job Title: Proprietor

Joined: 2000

Before opening the Old Station Nursery, I worked as a qualified nurse for 10 years, working with both babies and small children. I then went on to complete my BTech in childhood studies, while also working as a classroom assistant for 4 years in a primary school. During the time that I working as a classroom assistant, I became more aware of the need for a good quality daycare nursery in the Dromore area. I took the brave decision of leaving my job as classroom assistant and began working on my new project of opening The Old Station Daycare Nursery which opened in April 2000. Within 9 months of opening the nursery, we saw the need for expansion and obtained a modular building to facilitate the demand and doubled our capacity.


I feel I am well qualified to understand the needs of children and I am able to provide a safe, secure and caring environment in which your child will grow as an individual.


I am also a wife and a mother of two grown up girls and when not running the nursery there is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with my family.


Claire

Claire Ross

Job Title: Nursery Manager & Playgroup Leader

Joined: 2004

I've worked at the nursery since 2004. I’ve had experience in working in all the rooms and I took up the role of Nursery Manager in 2018. I am also the Playgroup Leader of our Senior Playgroup. I enjoy dealing with challenging behaviour and looking at the ways of helping the children to behave appropriately as its very satisfying to see their behaviour improve over time. I really enjoy baking, crafts and messy play with the children because I get to be a big kid each day and also because the children can develop so much from these ranges of activities that are offered in the nursery.


Joanne

Joanne Corbett

Job Title: Deputy Manager / Preschool Leader

Joined: 2004

I started working in the nursery back in 2004. I have a cache diploma and have since gained a Level 5 in management. When I started at the nursery I started working in the pre-school room and have been here ever since. My aim as Pre-school leader is to prepare the 3 year olds for their move to senior playgroup and to promote independence. Throughout the years I have been promoted into a management role which I really enjoy.


Nicky

Nicky Carlisle

Job Title: Deputy Manager & Room Leader

Joined: 2000

I am one of the original team members and room leader in the toddlers. I started to work alongside Carolyn in 2000 and during my time I have successfully completed my level 3 in childcare, the two year old programme and numerous other courses. I am a mother to Bradley who is my pride & joy. The years have flown by and I look forward to many more.


Hollie

Hollie McDonald

Job Title: Office Administrator / Playgroup Assistant

Joined: 2017

I have worked as part of The Old Station team as Office Administrator since 2017 after completing my degree in Business Studies. I have always been part of The Old Station team as this is our family business and have been in the nursery from aged 8 when my mum opened the business in 2000. In my role as office administrator I really enjoy helping developing the business further. More recently I decided to take the leap and work towards gaining my Level 3 in Childcare. This has allowed me to work in the Senior Playgroup in the mornings which I really enjoy. I love my job as I get to do 2 roles every day!


Sylvia

Sylvia Hooke

Job Title: Cook / Afterschool Assistant

Joined: 2004

I started working in the Old Station Nursery in September 2004. When I first started working in the nursery I worked with afterschool which I really enjoyed. However, when a position became available for the cook I applied for it and was successful. I was extremely delighted as this allowed me to combine my love for working with the children and also my love for cooking. I now cook all the meals for the children and I like to see the pleasure on their faces when I cook them a tasty, nutritious meal. I really enjoy getting involved with helping the children try new foods and talking to them about the foods that I offer. Before taking up the post as resident cook, I completed my food and hygiene course to comply with environmental health standards. At The Old Station Nursery we are proud to have been awarded with a score of 5 on the Hygiene Rating Scheme every year.


Clara

Clara Jess

Job Title: Playgroup Assistant

Joined: 2008

I have worked in The Old Station since 2008. I have an NVQ in childcare. I work with the 3-4 year olds in our Senior Playgroup also known as Pre-school. I really enjoy watching the children develop into their own person and being part of helping to prepare them for the next stage, that being p1. We work together as a team and aim to ensure that we provide our children with every opportunity to enable them to reach their full potential and encourage, support them throughout their time with us.


Sophie

Sophie Crookshanks

Job Title: Nursery Assistant

Joined: 2016

Sophie has been a part of the Old Station Nursery team from 2016.
Sophie is fully qualified.


Erin

Erin Leeper

Job Title: Nursery Assistant

Joined: 2014

I have my qualification in Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Children’s care learning and development. I joined The Old Station team in June 2014 and worked in all areas to gain experience. I have worked in the Toddler room now for 4 years and I really love it. I really enjoy working with children doing arts and crafts.


Janette

Janette Presha

Job Title: Nursery Assistant

Joined: 2000

Janette has been part of the team since the nursery opened in 2000. Janette is a caring mothering figure in our baby room.


Laura

Laura Mount

Job Title: Nursery Assistant

Joined: 2017

Laura has worked in The Old Station since March 2017 when she joined as a Student. She is a valued member of staff who now works in our baby/wobbler rooms. She has an NVQ level 3 in Childcare.


Charlotte

Charlotte Nicholson

Job Title: Nursery Assistant

Joined: 2016

Charlotte has been a part of the Old Station Nursery team since 2016
Charlotte is fully qualified.


Marion

Marion Walker

Job Title: Nursery Assistant

Joined: 2004

I have been in the nursery since 2004. I work in afterschool and cover lunches in the mobile. I love working with children and I enjoy doing crafts and I love my job.


Stephanie

Stephanie Turner

Job Title: Nursery Assistant

Joined: 2000

I have worked in The Old Station from the first year it opened back in 2000 so I am one of the originals! I work in the baby room and have done for many years. Being a mother and a granny of 7 (still growing) has contributed lots of life experiences to our happy team.


Ailson

Ailson Coady

Job Title: Acting Playgroup Assistant

Joined: 2012

I have been part of the team from November 2012, fresh from A-levels and have loved my experience working here. I am very interested in the health care profession and aspire to become a midwife in the future. The experience and skills I have obtained throughout my time in the nursery will aid me when I further my studying. Outside of work my hobbies include babysitting and playing the bagpipes in a competition band. I have an NVQ level 3 in Child care.


Avril

Avril Herdman

Job Title: Nursery Assistant

Joined: 2000

This year I will be in the nursery 20 years. I started as a relief member of staff back in 2000 working in all areas and then was offered a Friday on a permanent basis many years ago to work in the Toddler room.. I still do relief hours as and when required as well so you might see me in other rooms.


Denise

Denise Jess

Job Title: Acting Deputy Manager / Acting Junior Playgroup leader

Joined: 2011

I have been working in The Old Station nursery since February 2011 when I started as a relief member of staff. I now work full time in the Pre-school room which I love. Over the last few years I have had the opportunity to step into an Acting Room Leader role which I have really enjoyed. I have also stepped into a deputy manager role this year to cover a maternity. Since starting the nursery I have gained my Level 2 and 3 in Child Care.


Louise

Louise McKinstry

Job Title: Room Leader (Part-time)

Joined: 2007

I started as a student in June 2007 then I became a permanent member of the tea soon after. I worked in after-school at the start and then when the nursery’s Junior playgroup opened I moved to the mobile to take up a position there. However, after having my own children I came back and decided I would like a change and am now working as the Room Leader in the Baby & Wobbler rooms. I have my NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Childcare and education.


Christine

Christine Henry

Job Title: Room Leader

Joined: 2018

I started in December 2018 and work in the Toddler room as Room Leader.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Station Day Care Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that The Old Station Day Care Nursery accepts?

The Old Station Day Care Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Old Station Day Care Nursery Open?

The Old Station Day Care Nursery is open: Monday 07:15-18:00, Tuesday 07:15-18:00, Wednesday 07:15-18:00, Thursday 07:15-18:00, Friday 07:15-18:00.

How many Children does The Old Station Day Care Nursery have capacity for?

The Old Station Day Care Nursery has capacity for a total of 102 Children.

How far is The Old Station Day Care Nursery to the centre of Dromore?

0.2 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.