Our bright, modern premises is centrally located in Ballymena. We are an educational preschool setting, providing 26 part-time places, 9.10 am – 12.10 pm Monday to Friday during term time.
Our learning environment includes indoor and outdoor resources, which enhance imagination, language, physical and social skills. Above all children are encouraged to build self-esteem and develop independent thinking.
- Early Years: The Organisation for young children
- Northern Health and Social Care Trust – The Early Years Team
Staff

Mrs Lorraine Dempsey
Preschool Leader and onsite Early Years Specialist/Advisor
BA(Hons) Early Childhood Studies

Mrs Elaine Wray
Deputy Leader

Mrs Kathryn Bailie
Advanced Diploma in Child Care and Education
We offer funded pre-school places for children in their immediate preschool year as part of the Preschool Education Expansion Programme provided by the Department of Education. We also provide private fee paying places.
The staff in the preschool are fully qualified and specialise in preschool education and the implementation of the PreSchool Curriculum.
Our adult: child ratio is 1:8.
Our Facilities
- Fully qualified staff.
- Bright and welcoming premises with excellent resources.
- Safe, enclosed outdoor play area and large indoor play space.
- Catering for individual strengths and any additional needs
- Active partnership with parents.
What will you child learn
Build confidence, independence and self-discipline to enable them to make their own choices.
Learn to express themselves and be creative through many different areas of the curriculum – e.g. role play, books, drama, singing, music, science and the natural world.
Testimonials
It was evident from the parental questionnaires that parents rate this Playgroup highly and have complemented the care and enthusiasm of the staff.
Events
September
Colour – Blue
Shape – Circle
October
Colour – Brown
Shape – Square
Event – Scarecrow Dress-Up Day
Visitor – Dunclug Primary School Harvest Performance
Outing – Dickeys Farm Machinery
November
Colour – Black
Shape – Triangle
Event – Pyjama Day
Visitor – Community Police
Outing – Ballymena PS for Hullaballoo Drama performance
First Touch Football
December
Colour – Red
Shape – Star
Event – Children’s Nativity Performance
Visitor – Santa
Outing – Prospect Place
Dunclug Primary School
January
Colour – White
Shape – Rectangle
Event – Beautiful Moments photography
Visitor – Guide Dogs for the Blind
Optician
February
Colour – Pink
Shape – Heart
Event – Banking Activity
Visitor – Fire Brigade
Recycling
March
Colour – Green
Shape – Revisiting shapes
Events – World Book Day, St Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day Tea
Visitor – Librarian
April
Colour – Yellow
Shape – Oval
Event – Easter Parade
Outing – Spring Walk
May
Colour – Purple
Shape – Revisiting Shapes
Event – Sports Day
Visitor – Party Animals
Recycling Operative
June
Colour – Orange
Shape – Revisit Shapes
Visitor – P1 Teachers
Outing – Carnfunnock
Contact
Ballymena,
BT43 6AZ
T: 028 2564 4834 (9:00am – 13:00pm)