Welcome to Belmont Playcare

In the spring of 1965, a few members of Belmont church were concerned that their children, born in 1961, would not have a place in Belmont Primary School in September 1965 as there were too many children for the place available. It was felt that there was a need for a playgroup. Belmont Church was approached to see if a hall could be used for the group. All financial and other arrangements were organised by the church committee, and, in May 1965, Belmont Pre-School Playgroup opened its doors in Belmont Church.

Belmont was the first NIPPA (The Early Years Association) run playgroup in Northern Ireland.

Our success as a fun and nurturing space for children continued with more help from our community. UTV broadcast a programme from Belmont around 1980-81 which was hosted by Frank Carson and starred the children and staff. Funds were raised through hosting coffee mornings and it was also an opportunity to meet parents and children on a social basis.

We remained at Belmont Presbyterian Church until June 2002 when we were to move to pastures new at Belmont Tower. However, we were accommodated by St Mark’s Church due to awaiting completion of renovations to Belmont Tower. We spent from September 2002 to April 2004 at St Marks and moved to Belmont Tower in May 2004. In June 2006, the preschool room was awarded an accreditation by NIPPA which was a great achievement.

We spent a happy two years in Belmont Tower but when our lease finished, we were grateful to St Marks for accommodating us on a temporary basis.

We also spent over a year in St Mark’s Heyn Hall offering a variety of indoor and outdoor play in a happy and relaxed atmosphere.

In November 2008, we were filmed for the Peoples Millions with the support of the community, past pupils, staff, friends, family, and our current parents. Thanks to their much-valued support, we won the £50,0000 which, combined with our past fundraising events and the aid of the Education Authority, we obtained enough funds for a new build. This commenced building in February 2009 and was completed 3rd April 2009. 

We opened our doors on the 20th April 2009 and have since welcomed more opportunities and ventures for the playcare.

We turned 50 years in May 2015 and have evolved all session practices. We were then again awarded Gold accreditation in May 2016 by Caps (Curriculum and Support Programme Support) and we are committed to continuing that same high standard of care. 

Our dedicated staff work hard to create a high standard of care for the children. Everyone, from our leaders to our assistants, is highly trained and focused on creating a fun and stimulating environment that welcomes every child in our care.

For our commitment and adherence to child welfare and rights, please see our statements of purpose and safeguarding policies. We work hard to ensure that Belmont Playcare remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for the children under our care.