Business Details
32 Years
experience
Award-Winning Nursery Education in Belfast
St. Teresa's Nursery is a Catholic Maintained School in West Belfast, Northern Ireland, established in 1994. We pride ourselves on being the first nursery in the North of Ireland to receive the 'Gold' Rights Respecting School Award, with our educational philosophy rooted in children's rights. Our dedicated team fosters an inclusive environment, welcoming children and staff from diverse faith backgrounds. We emphasize individualized learning through observing children's behavioral patterns (schemas) and tailoring activities accordingly. Our staff are highly skilled in addressing language and communication needs, holding the 'Silver Makaton Friendly Award' since 2016. We champion outdoor learning as an official Forest School and member of the Northern Ireland Forest Schools Association.Recognized for our commitment to sustainability, we have earned Eco School's Green Flag six times and maintain partnerships with local and international institutions to enrich learning experiences. Our innovative use of AI and Ed tech, alongside a Universal Design for Learning approach, ensures accessibility for all children. We actively engage parents as partners in education, building on children's prior experiences to create a holistic learning journey. Our vision focuses on nurturing secure, resilient, and emotionally intelligent individuals prepared for future challenges.
Services
Nursery Education
Outdoor Learning
Language Support
Forest School
Inclusive Education
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We hold the Gold Rights Respecting School Award, embedding children's rights in all activities
- Our staff maintain Silver Makaton Friendly status for communication support since 2016
- Recognized as Forest School members with six consecutive Eco School Green Flags
- Pioneers in AI and Ed tech integration for early years education
- Established international partnerships enhancing global learning experiences
Associations and certifications
- Rights Respecting School Award
- Makaton Friendly Award
- Eco School Green Flag
- Woodland Trust Green Tree Awards
What people say
Rights Respecting School Award
Forest School access
Makaton support
Eco-friendly approach
International partnerships
Services
Nursery Education
Our nursery education program delivers high-quality early learning through personalized approaches. We focus on children's individual needs using schema observation to create engaging educational experiences. The curriculum combines traditional learning with innovative technology to prepare children for future educational challenges.
Outdoor Learning
As official Forest School members, we provide structured outdoor education that complements classroom learning. Our Northern Ireland Forest Schools Association-certified programs develop physical, social, and emotional skills through nature-based activities in our purpose-built outdoor spaces.
Language Support
We specialize in supporting children's communication needs with Makaton-certified practitioners. Our Silver Makaton Friendly Award status ensures we provide effective communication tools for children with speech and language challenges through daily interaction and specialized resources.
Inclusive Education
Our Universal Design for Learning approach ensures accessibility for all children. We implement individualized strategies to support diverse learning needs, including sensory integration, behavioral support, and adaptive learning environments to maximize every child's potential.
Environmental Education
We maintain six Eco School Green Flags through comprehensive environmental programs. Children participate in recycling initiatives, conservation projects, and sustainability education that earned us multiple Woodland Trust Green Tree Awards.
People
Clare Evans
Principal
Clare Evans has led St. Teresa's Nursery since its inception, championing children's rights and educational innovation. With over 30 years' experience in early years education, she chairs the West Belfast Area Learning Community and drives the school's award-winning sustainability initiatives.
Fr. Gabriel Lyons
Patron
Fr. Gabriel Lyons provides spiritual guidance and community leadership as parish priest. He supports the nursery's Catholic ethos while fostering inclusive practices that welcome diverse faith backgrounds within the school community.
Questions
What age group do you cater for?
We provide nursery education for pre-school children aged 3-5 years.
What makes your nursery unique?
We combine Rights Respecting School principles with Forest School outdoor learning and innovative technology integration.
Do you support children with additional needs?
Yes, our staff hold Makaton communication qualifications and implement Universal Design for Learning principles.
How do you involve parents in learning?
We maintain regular communication and partnership through shared learning activities and progress updates.
What sustainability initiatives do you have?
We hold six Eco School Green Flags and maintain active recycling, conservation, and outdoor education programs.
Are you part of any educational networks?
We participate in the West Belfast Area Learning Community and international eTwinning projects.
