Our Story
WHO WE ARE
Jollytots is a privately owned, family-run childcare provider serving families in Carrickfergus since 1992. For over 30 years, we have cared for generations of local children, building strong relationships within and a reputation for consistency, warmth, and professionalism.
We understand that choosing childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes. At Jollytots, children are supported within a safe, nurturing environment where learning happens naturally through play, exploration, and positive relationships.
Our experienced team is one of our greatest strengths. We are proud to have six Level 5 qualified supervisors across the nursery — a level of expertise that is rare within the sector — along with long-serving staff who have been part of Jollytots for many years. This depth of experience provides children with stability, continuity, and trusted relationships, and gives parents confidence that their child is in capable hands.
The safety and wellbeing of every child is central to everything we do. Our setting is carefully maintained and regularly reviewed, with clear safeguarding procedures, trained staff, and robust health and safety standards in place. We welcome inspection and transparency, and are proud of the outcomes highlighted in our most recent report.
We also place importance on supporting smooth transitions — from home into nursery, between rooms as children grow, and onward to primary school. By working closely with families and responding to each child's individual needs, we help children move forward with confidence and security.
As a long-established nursery, we also support families beyond day-to-day care. Clear information about fees, funding, and available childcare support can be found on our Parents page, helping families make informed decisions with confidence.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Nurturing the Whole
Child
At Jollytots we believe that every child deserves a warm, safe, and stimulating environment where they can grow at their own pace. Our approach is child-led, relationship-centred, and grounded in play. We nurture curiosity, confidence, and creativity — supporting not just children's learning, but their happiness and wellbeing every single day.
MEET THE TEAM
Management
Care · Professionalism · Experience
NURSERY MANAGER
Jaclyn Robinson
Jaclyn is the Manager at Jollytots and has over 30 years experience working in childcare across both the private and public sectors. She is deeply committed to ongoing professional development, both for herself and the Jollytots team, believing that well-supported, well-trained staff have a positive and lasting impact on the children in their care.
Jaclyn strongly believes that education begins at home and places great value on building close, positive relationships between the nursery and parents. She has been involved with several heart charities for many years and continues to support their work.
Alongside her role at Jollytots, Jaclyn is also a foster carer, providing respite foster care at weekends. She lives in Ballycarry with her partner, Alan, and has two grown-up daughters, Lucy and Rachel.
OUR HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEAM
Level 5 Supervisors
We are proud to have a strong team of Level 5 qualified supervisors across Jollytots. This is something that truly sets Jollytots apart. Their experience and expertise bring depth, consistency, and confident decision-making to each room, supporting both children and staff on a daily basis. Having multiple senior practitioners on the floor means children benefit from high-quality care, thoughtful guidance, and a calm, well-supported environment. They are also DCPO approved and can stand in as acting manager when Jaclyn is not on the premises.
Stacey Birnie
Level 5 Supervisor
Danielle da Silva
Level 5 Supervisor
Omar Aitsiaabad
Level 5 Supervisor
- Afterschools
Louise Black
Level 5 Supervisor
- Afterschools
YEARS OF DEDICATION
Long-standing Team
We are proud to have members of our team who have been part of Jollytots for over 20 years. Their long-standing experience brings deep understanding, consistency, and trusted relationships into daily nursery life. This means children are supported within a stable, well-established environment.
Doreen Green
Long-standing
Team Member
Pamela Tourish
Long-standing
Team Member
OUR PEOPLE
What makes our team stand out
From nursery assistants to supervisors and management, within each room, each member of staff brings their own ideas and strengths, while working closely together to create a supportive and creative space where children's needs always come first.