1. Company Name: Helping Hands Daycare Ltd
City/Town: Lisburn
Postal Code: BT27 5SP
Street Address: 6 Tullynacross Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
2. Company Name: Rocking Horse Nursery
City/Town: Carrickfergus
Postal Code: BT38 8UP
Street Address: 61 Station Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
3. Company Name: Cabbage Patch Day Nursery
City/Town: Bangor
Postal Code: BT19 6NF
Street Address: 2b Ballycrochan Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
4. Company Name: Kids Korner Day Nursery
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT6 0BU
Street Address: 460 Ravenhill Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
5. Company Name: Greenfields Day Care
City/Town: Antrim
Postal Code: BT41 3DL
Street Address: 41 Caddy Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
6. Company Name: Paddington Lodge Day Nursery
City/Town: Ballynahinch
Postal Code: BT24 7DG
Street Address: 40 Old Belfast Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
7. Company Name: Little Stars Private Day Nursery
City/Town: Bangor
Postal Code: BT19 7PU
Street Address: 74 Gransha Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
8. Company Name: Wee Care
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT15 5DW
Street Address: 4-6 Chichester Park South
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
9. Company Name: Petite Feet
City/Town: Newtownabbey
Postal Code: BT36 6HH
Street Address: 139 Church Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
10. Company Name: Sandcastles Daycare Nursery
City/Town: Ballymoney
Postal Code: BT53 6PZ
Street Address: 106 Seacon Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
11. Company Name: Sleepy Hollow Day Nursery
City/Town: Crumlin
Postal Code: BT29 4AH
Street Address: 1a Largy Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
12. Company Name: Little Scamps Playgroup & Afterschool Club
City/Town: Lisburn
Postal Code: BT28 2HN
Street Address: Rushmore Drive
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
13. Company Name: Appletree Daycare
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT11 9NS
Street Address: 1a Trenchard
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
14. Company Name: Bright Stars
City/Town: Craigavon
Postal Code: BT62 3EF
Street Address: 24 Mahon Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
15. Company Name: Wiggles & Giggles Educare
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT10 0DR
Street Address: 10 Finaghy Rd South
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
16. Company Name: Wee Bunnies Day Care
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT15 3BS
Street Address: 533 Antrim Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
17. Company Name: Bulrush Daycare
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT14 7BW
Street Address: 1-17 Century St
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
18. Company Name: Happy Hills Day Nursery & After Schools Club
City/Town: Armagh
Postal Code: BT60 1PH
Street Address: The Old Courthouse, 7 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
19. Company Name: The Nanny Co
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT1 4GA
Street Address: 19 Arthur St
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
20. Company Name: Robin’s Nest Day Nursery
City/Town: Craigavon
Postal Code: BT66 7HG
Street Address: 56 Banbridge Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
21. Company Name: Kidz Montessori Nursery
City/Town: Londonderry
Postal Code: BT47 3DN
Street Address: 30 Courtauld Way
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
22. Company Name: Childsplay
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT4 3BQ
Street Address: 14 Dundela Avenue
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
23. Company Name: Play Days Nursery
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT8 8EY
Street Address: 38 Old Saintfield Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
24. Company Name: Wee Care Private Day Nursery
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT15 5DW
Street Address: 4-6 Chichester Park South
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
25. Company Name: Building Blocks Day Nursery
City/Town: Antrim
Postal Code: BT41 3SF
Street Address: Unit 1/A, 21 Hillhead Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
26. Company Name: Blue Bell Lodge Private Day Nursery
City/Town: Bangor
Postal Code: BT20 4QU
Street Address: 48 Donaghadee Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
27. Company Name: First Steps Creche
City/Town: Antrim
Postal Code: BT41 2TE
Street Address: 1-5 Somerset Park
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
28. Company Name: Dora’s House
City/Town: Lisburn
Postal Code: BT27 6TA
Street Address: 300 Comber Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
29. Company Name: Kids Korner Day Nursery
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT4 3JJ
Street Address: 2 Greenwood Avenue
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
30. Company Name: Adventures Day Nursery
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT11 8BN
Street Address: 146 Glen Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
31. Company Name: Shelly’s Extended Childminding
City/Town: Antrim
Postal Code: BT41 4RB
Street Address: 38 Grainger’s Mill
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
32. Company Name: Kids Academy
City/Town: Banbridge
Postal Code: BT32 4JD
Street Address: 83 Castlewellan Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
33. Company Name: Happy Days Childcare Centre
City/Town: Londonderry
Postal Code: BT48 0LY
Street Address: Unit 36 Springtown Ind Est, Springtown Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
34. Company Name: Tender Loving Childcare
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT15 5EX
Street Address: 152 Cavehill Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
35. Company Name: Kirkinriola Early Years
City/Town: Ballymena
Postal Code: BT43 6TB
Street Address: 5 Clogher Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
36. Company Name: Stepping Stones Creche
City/Town: Coleraine
Postal Code: BT52 1SA
Street Address: University Of Ulster Cromore Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
37. Company Name: Mother Hubbard’s Day Nursery
City/Town: Dromore
Postal Code: BT25 2NR
Street Address: 170e Banbridge Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
38. Company Name: Employers For Childcare
City/Town: Lisburn
Postal Code: BT27 5QB
Street Address: Unit 11 Blaris Ind Est Altona Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
39. Company Name: Over the Rainbow
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT9 5JQ
Street Address: 2 Deramore Drive
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
40. Company Name: Footprints Womens Centre
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT17 0AR
Street Address: 84a Colinmill
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
41. Company Name: Appletree Childcare
City/Town: Coleraine
Postal Code: BT51 5AX
Street Address: 37-39 Tirkeeran Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
42. Company Name: Happy Days Day Nursery
City/Town: Newtownards
Postal Code: BT23 7PT
Street Address: 71 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
43. Company Name: Scribbles Day Nursery
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT9 6QR
Street Address:
25-27 Finwood Park
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
44. Company Name: Happy Days Day Nursery
City/Town: Newtownards
Postal Code: BT23 7PT
Street Address: 71 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
45. Company Name: The Den Afterschool Club Ltd
City/Town: Carrickfergus
Postal Code: BT38 8RP
Street Address: 236 Upper Rd
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
46. Company Name: Cornabracken Childcare
City/Town: Omagh
Postal Code: BT78 5JQ
Street Address: 109 Brookmount Road
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
47. Company Name: Little Kids and ME Childminding Services
City/Town: Craigavon
Postal Code: BT66 7GZ
Street Address: 67a Monree Hill
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
48. Company Name: Happy Days Day Nursery
City/Town: Newtownards
Postal Code: BT23 5EB
Street Address: 48 Castle Lane
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
49. Company Name: The Old Station Day Care Nursery
City/Town: Dromore
Postal Code: BT25 1AA
Street Address: 94 Church St
Country: Northern Ireland, UK
50. Company Name: Happy Hills Day Nursery & After Schools Club
City/Town: Armagh
Postal Code: BT60 1PH
Street Address: The Old Courthouse, 7 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland, UKPost Code of Childcare in Northern Ireland UK
Childcare in Northern Ireland, UK
Introduction
Childcare in Northern Ireland is a crucial aspect of the social infrastructure, supporting families and contributing to the development of children. It encompasses a range of services, including nurseries, childminders, playgroups, and after-school programs. High-quality childcare is essential for children’s early development, enabling parents to work or study, and promoting social and economic well-being. The landscape of childcare in Northern Ireland is shaped by government policies, regulations, and various providers committed to delivering safe and nurturing environments for children.
Types of Childcare Services
There are several types of childcare services available in Northern Ireland, catering to the diverse needs of families:
- Day Nurseries: These are facilities that provide full-day care for children from a few months old up to pre-school age. They offer structured programs that include educational activities, play, meals, and rest periods. Day nurseries are typically open year-round and provide care during standard working hours.
- Childminders: Childminders are self-employed individuals who provide care for children in their own homes. They often care for a small group of children, allowing for personalized attention and a home-like environment. Childminders can offer flexible hours, including part-time and after-school care.
- Playgroups and Pre-Schools: These settings offer part-time care and early education for children aged two to five years. Playgroups typically operate for a few hours a day and focus on play-based learning and social interaction. Pre-schools provide structured early learning activities to prepare children for primary school.
- After-School Clubs: These programs provide care for school-aged children outside of regular school hours, including before and after school and during school holidays. They offer a range of activities, including homework support, sports, and arts and crafts.
- Nannies and Au Pairs: Nannies provide childcare in the child’s home and may live-in or live-out. Au pairs are typically young people from abroad who live with a host family and provide childcare in exchange for room, board, and a stipend. Both options offer personalized care and flexible arrangements.
Government Policies and Regulations
The provision of childcare in Northern Ireland is governed by a range of policies and regulations designed to ensure quality and safety.
- Standards and Inspection: The Health and Social Care Trusts are responsible for registering and inspecting childcare providers. They ensure that settings comply with standards related to health, safety, staff qualifications, and child protection. Regular inspections are conducted to monitor compliance and quality.
- Early Years Strategy: The Northern Ireland Executive has developed strategies and frameworks to support early childhood development and education. The Early Years (0-6) Strategy aims to provide high-quality early education and care, promote child well-being, and support parental involvement.
- Financial Support: Various forms of financial assistance are available to help families with childcare costs. These include:
- Tax-Free Childcare: This government scheme allows eligible families to receive up to £2,000 per year per child to help cover childcare costs.
- Childcare Vouchers: Although closed to new applicants since 2018, some families still benefit from this scheme, which allows parents to pay for childcare using pre-tax income.
- Universal Credit and Childcare Element: Families receiving Universal Credit may be eligible for assistance with up to 85% of their childcare costs.
- Sure Start: This program provides services, support, and activities for children under four and their families, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
Importance of Quality Childcare
High-quality childcare has significant benefits for children, families, and society as a whole.
- Child Development: Quality childcare supports children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Early education and care lay the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
- Parental Employment: Access to reliable childcare enables parents to work, study, or pursue training opportunities. This contributes to economic stability and reduces family poverty.
- Social Inclusion: Childcare services play a vital role in promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities. They provide a supportive environment for all children, including those with special needs or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Challenges and Future Directions
While the childcare sector in Northern Ireland provides essential services, it faces several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure sustainability and accessibility.
- Affordability and Accessibility: Childcare costs can be a significant burden for families, particularly those with multiple children or low incomes. Ensuring that childcare is affordable and accessible for all families is a key challenge.
- Workforce Development: Attracting and retaining qualified staff in the childcare sector is crucial for maintaining high-quality services. Investment in training, professional development, and fair wages for childcare workers is essential.
- Quality Improvement: Continuous improvement in the quality of childcare services is necessary to meet the evolving needs of children and families. This includes ongoing training for staff, adopting best practices, and enhancing the learning environment.
- Government Support and Funding: Adequate government funding and support are necessary to sustain the childcare sector. Policies that provide financial assistance to families and support for childcare providers are critical for the sector’s stability and growth.
Conclusion
Childcare in Northern Ireland is a vital component of the social infrastructure, supporting children’s development and enabling parents to participate in the workforce. The sector encompasses a range of services, including day nurseries, childminders, playgroups, and after-school clubs, all regulated to ensure quality and safety. Despite the challenges of affordability, workforce development, and quality improvement, the childcare sector continues to evolve through government policies, financial support, and a commitment to providing high-quality early education and care. By addressing these challenges and investing in the future of childcare, Northern Ireland can ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.