FOR PARENTS
Everything you need,
in one place
We understand that choosing and managing childcare involves practical decisions as well as emotional ones. This page brings together everything you need to know — from the daily rhythm of the Nursery and Afterschool, to fees and funding support, policies, inspection information, and real parent feedback — so you can feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way.
Daily Rhythm & Meals
A DAY AT JOLLYTOTS
Nursery Daily Rhythm
Each room follows a gentle structure while remaining responsive to each child’s natural routine. Arrival Parents greeted by staff and brief friendly chat about child’s night/morning. Meals Breakfast between 7–9 Snack mid morning 9:30/45 Lunch midday 11:30/12 Afternoon snack 3:30 Children enjoy healthy snacks and a nutritious hot lunch with dessert For older children beakfast and snacks include a range of healthy cereals, toast, breads, fruit, milk and dilute juice During mealtimes, staff support and encourage children, when developmentally ready, to develop independence, such as feeding themselves with a spoon. Staff sit with the children to create a positive, social experience and provide support whenever it is needed. Rest Rest and sleep times are around 12-2pm but are guided by each child's own needs and home routine. Children who wake early or do not sleep are supported with quiet activities in a calm space.
After School Daily Rhythm
Arrival & Pick-up Our club opens at 1:45 pm for early arrivals at 2pm. Our dedicated staff collect children from all schools in the Carrickfergus area. This is a FREE service provided complimentary as part of your childcare fees. Upon arrival, children are encouraged to build independence by hanging up their own belongings and washing their hands before joining the group. Food Around 3:15 pm, we serve a delicious afternoon snack featuring items like pancakes, croissants, toast, or muffins, alongside a constant supply of fresh fruit. This is an important social moment where children can pause, refuel, and connect with friends. At our Afterschool Club, we promote "agency and choice." Children serve themselves during snack time, which fosters social skills and confidence in a relaxed, communal setting. School Holiday Club Adventure Awaits - When school is out, the fun begins! We offer full-day care throughout the holidays, providing a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore. Hours: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Fuelling Discovery: We provide nutritious morning and afternoon snacks. We kindly ask parents to provide a healthy packed lunch for their children. Summer Highlights: Our Summer Club features a full itinerary of exciting outings. A complete schedule is released in advance so you can book the trips your child will love most. Easter & Winter Fun: During the Easter and Christmas breaks, we make the most of the fresh air with frequent trips to local playparks (weather permitting).
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Check Your Eligibility
Most working families can apply for Tax-Free Childcare through the UK Government scheme.
We offer a flexible range of fee options for Nursery and After School, including sibling discounts. Get in contact with Jaclyn, our manager, to discuss your needs.
Many families are eligible for financial support through Tax-Free Childcare and NI childcare funding schemes. These schemes can significantly reduce childcare costs for working families.
Fees & Funding
How Tax Free Child-Care Works — 3 Simple Steps
FUNDING & SUPPORT
2
Set Up Your Online Childcare Account
For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the Government adds £2 — up to £2,000 per child per year.
gov.uk/tax-free-childcare
3
Use It Towards Your Fees
You use this account to pay Jollytots directly, reducing your overall monthly childcare costs.
Example Savings
Example 1
If your childcare fees are £800 per month, you could receive up to £160 per month in Government support, reducing your cost to approximately £640.
Example 2
If your fees are £500 per month, you could receive up to £100 per month in support, reducing your cost to approximately £400.
Exact savings depend on your individual circumstances.
Other Resources
Employers for Childcare provides many services relating to childcare including advice about Tax Free childcare. Go to the parent page on their website.
Visit Northern Ireland childcare subsidy scheme (NICSS)
Visit NI Direct childcare section
Daynurseries.co.uk is another great information resource. Please feel free to leave a review about Jollytots.
We are always happy to guide families through the process and answer any questions about funding or eligibility.
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Safe Guarding & Child Protection
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Behaviour, Inclusion & Care Practice
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Governance & Operational Management
We are committed to operating with transparency, professionalism, and the highest standards of care. For ease of access, our policies and procedures are available to download below. These documents outline how we safeguard children, promote wellbeing, and ensure a safe, inclusive and well-managed environment.
These documents are provided for information and reference. The "Statement of Purpose" pdf, under the "Governance and Operational Management" section has a lot of useful information for you, as a parent. If you have any questions, we are always happy to discuss them.
If you would like clarification on any policy or procedure, please contact us.
We are always happy to talk through how our policies work in practice.
Policies
TRANSPARENCY & TRUST
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Health, Safety & Wellbeing
FROM OUR INSPECTIONS
What inspectors found
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Warm, welcoming and
child-centred environment.
Inspectors described Jollytots as bright, welcoming and thoughtfully set up to meet children's individual needs.
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A broad range of play experiences supports children's development.
Activities promote physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth through play.
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Children's wellbeing is promoted
and safeguarded.
The inspection confirmed that safeguarding systems and staff knowledge support a safe and secure environment for children.
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Children's confidence, independence and self-esteem were promoted.
The environment encourages children to make choices, build skills and grow in confidence.
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Good relationships were apparent between staff and children.
Children were observed as relaxed and confident when approaching staff, reflecting strong, positive connections.
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Parental feedback demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with the service provided.
Feedback from families reflected strong trust and appreciation of the care provided.
Testimonials
IN THEIR WORDS
I am very impressed with my 3-year-old Grandsons progression. He is constantly singing nursery rhymes, referring to things that he did in daycare that day. He knows the names of the children in the room with him and refers to them as his friends. He talks about the staff in a loving way and refers to conversations/learning opportunities he has experienced in daycare.
When I drop him off the staff are friendly, attentive and welcoming. I was very impressed when my husband went unannounced to pick my Grandson up that the staff weren't far in handing him over. Thanks girls you are doing a great job.
Margaret A
This nursery is definitely worth my 5 star (Google review based on our own personal experience from our baby girl being there. All staff members are so attentive on arrival and even when we pick our daughter up in the evening. They have an online app which keeps us updated on everything from food, activities, nappy changes, sleeps and even pictures off our daughter really enjoying herself...we are so happy our wee Lara is in good hands now, making lots of new friends.
Thank you jollytots ♥️
Mark Moore
My daughter has been going to Jollytots part time for around 10 months and is very settled in the pre-school room. She talks about the other children by name and also the staff, she even wanted to name a new pet after a member of staff that she is particularly fond of. She tells me about the games she has played, songs she has sung and gives me any artwork/crafts she has made that day. She started going to Jollytots due to childcare circumstances changing suddenly and the nursery staff were very understanding and helpful with the days and hours that were required. I am very happy with the care provided by all of the team.
Cat R
FAQ
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
The first step is to get in touch to arrange a visit via our Contact page. During your visit, you can meet the team, see the rooms in action, and discuss availability, routines, and funding options. Simply complete the enquiry form or contact us directly.
Yes — please see our Fees & Funding section above for full details on Tax-Free Childcare and other support schemes available to working families. Wee are always happy to guide parents through the process.
We offer a flexible range of fee options for Nursery and After School, including sibling discounts. Get in contact with Jaclyn, our manager to discuss your needs.
Our team includes:
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Manager Jaclyn with QCF level 5 with leadership and management
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Four Level 5 qualified supervisors with NHSCT approval to stand in for Manager and Deputy
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Supervisors all have at least level 3 certification
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Most assistants have level 2 certification or higher
Staff regularly undertake professional development to ensure high standards of care and learning across the nursery.
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We understand that starting nursery is a big step. We work closely with families to create a gradual, supportive settling-in process, helping children feel safe, secure, and confident in their new environment.
We introduce room transitions gradually so children feel confident and secure. In the week before moving, children visit their new room two or three times, first with a familiar member of staff and then independently for short periods to help them settle in comfortably.
Before children move from nursery to afterschool provision, we invite families to an open evening so children can meet the team and explore their new space. Additional visits can also be arranged to help children become familiar with the setting.
Children’s safety and wellbeing are paramount. We follow robust safeguarding procedures, maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios, and ensure staff are trained in health, safety, and emergency protocols. Full details can be found in our Policies section above.
We value strong partnerships with families and believe open communication is key. Parents receive regular updates about their child’s day, activities, and wellbeing through our Ovivio parent app, which may also include photos and observations. Our team is always happy to speak with parents about progress, routines, or any concerns. New government legislation and any other important updates are shared with families when needed via Blossom.
Each day includes a balance of child-led play, planned activities, outdoor time, social interaction, and opportunities for rest and relaxation. Activities are tailored to children’s ages, stages, and interests. Each room follows a gentle structure while remaining responsive to each child’s natural routine.
Want more detail? Scroll above to the Daily Rhythm & Meals section on this page and feel free to explore our dedicated Nursery Rooms or Afterschool page for a deeper look at our facilities!
Victoria Road Nursery: Children enjoy healthy snacks and a nutritious hot lunch with dessert, prepared onsite by our cook.
Acorn Afterschool:
Around 3:15pm there is an afternoon snack of pancakes, croissant, toast, muffins etc with a supply of fresh fruit always available
Want more detail? Please scroll up to the Daily Rhythm & Meals section at the top of this page or explore our Nursery and Afterschools pages for more information.
Reliable & Secure School Pick-Ups
We understand that the transition from school to after-school care needs to be seamless and safe. Jollytots provides a dedicated FREE pick-up service for all primary schools and other facilities across the Carrickfergus area.
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Experienced Team: Every pick-up is supervised by a Jollytots staff member. Our drivers are experienced, fully licensed and insured.
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Flexible Capacity: To ensure no child is left waiting during peak time demands, we utilize a combination of Jollytots two vehicles, our staff use their own fully insured car or a member of staff accompanies a taxi.
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Safe Transit: We ensure every child is securely buckled in and supervised at all times.
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