Business Details
Nursery Education in Belfast
At Shaftesbury Nursery, we are dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where young children develop essential skills through high-quality, play-based learning experiences. Our approach prioritises safety, inclusivity, and individual growth, ensuring each child reaches their full potential as an independent, motivated learner. We believe in the competence of young children and design stimulating opportunities that enable them to explore, problem-solve, and build confidence. Our curriculum integrates indoor and outdoor learning, encouraging creativity and curiosity while maintaining strong partnerships with families. The schools motto, 'Little feet taking giant steps,' reflects our commitment to guiding children forward with purpose and joy.Operating daily from 8:15 AM to 3:30 PM, we provide structured teaching sessions alongside flexible, child-led activities. Our team of experienced educators works collaboratively to deliver a curriculum aligned with early years best practices, ensuring every child feels valued and supported. We actively engage families through regular communication, home-learning resources, and shared educational initiatives. Our extended programs, including breakfast club and after-school care, offer additional flexibility for working parents. Through events, themed learning activities, and partnerships with local organisations, we enrich the educational journey of every child in our care.
Services
Nursery Education
Home Learning Resources
Shared Education Programs
Extended Schools
Parent Information Sessions
Highlights and features
- We offer play-based learning tailored to early childhood development needs.
- Our staff prioritise individual growth in a welcoming, secure environment.
- We maintain strong partnerships with families to support child development.
- Our curriculum integrates outdoor learning and practical experiences.
- We provide extended care options including breakfast club and after-school programs.
Services
Nursery Education
Our play-based nursery curriculum develops foundational skills through structured and child-led activities. Children engage in creative exploration, problem-solving, and social interaction within a safe, stimulating environment. Qualified educators support individual learning journeys while fostering independence and confidence.
Home Learning Resources
We provide themed home-learning materials to extend educational experiences beyond school hours. Resources include activity ideas, storybooks, and skill-building exercises aligned with classroom topics, encouraging family participation in early education.
Shared Education Programs
Our shared education initiatives connect with partner schools for joint activities and resource sharing. These programs enhance social development through mixed-age interactions and broaden access to specialist educational opportunities.
Extended Schools
Breakfast club and after-school programs offer flexible childcare solutions with supervised play and structured activities. These services support working families while maintaining continuity with our educational philosophy outside core teaching hours.
Parent Information Sessions
Regular workshops and information sessions help parents understand early years development. Topics include transition support, motor skills development, and strategies for encouraging positive behaviour at home.
People
Mrs S. Gillespie
Principal
Mrs Gillespie leads Shaftesbury Nursery with over 20 years of early years education experience. She champions play-based learning and family partnerships, ensuring a nurturing environment where children develop confidence and independence.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We provide nursery education for children aged 3 to 4 years old.
What is your teaching approach?
Our curriculum uses play-based learning to develop independence, creativity, and social skills through practical experiences.
Are meals provided during the day?
Children should bring their own snacks and packed lunches for nursery sessions.
How do you involve parents in learning?
We offer home-learning resources, parent workshops, and regular communication to support family engagement.
What are your operating hours?
School hours are 8:15 AM to 3:30 PM daily, with teaching sessions from 8:45 AM to 1:15 PM.
Do you offer extended childcare options?
Yes, we provide breakfast club and after-school care programs for working families.
