SMALL STEPS. BRIGHT BEGINNINGS.
We're Little Sunbeams, a cross-community pre-school and playgroup in Saintfield. We help little people grow in confidence, find their friendships and discover the joy of learning through play.
A local charity. A big-hearted community.
Let theirLed by curiosityWe make room for discovery.
A place to belongWe welcome every background.
Rooted in communityWe grow stronger together.
HELLO, WE'RE LITTLE SUNBEAMS
We believe every child deserves a happy beginning, a listening ear and the freedom to be themselves.
We're a registered charity in Saintfield, serving families from Darragh Cross, Ballygowan and the surrounding County Down community. We bring children and families together across backgrounds, with play at the heart of what we do.
Our purpose is simple: to advance early education through safe, satisfying group play. We value parents and carers as part of our community, and we work together to nurture children's learning and wellbeing.
Registered charity NIC101595Charity Commission for Northern IrelandSERIOUS ABOUT PLAY. JOYFUL ABOUT LEARNING.
We bring the six areas of the pre-school curriculum to life through play.
Here's a glimpse of the learning behind those little moments.
We make space for creativity, self-expression and the delight of trying something new. In the arts, the exploring matters just as much as the finished creation.
A little idea for homeWhat happens when two colours meet? Try it together and see.
We help children feel valued as themselves and as part of a group. Playing together creates opportunities to share, listen and begin to understand feelings.
A little idea for homeShare one thing that made each of you smile today.
We value active play and the small movements that build coordination. Exploring what our bodies can do helps us develop independence, one little step at a time.
A little idea for homeCan you stretch tall like a tree, then curl up small like a seed?
We encourage children to notice patterns, compare, count and work things out. Everyday play offers a wonderfully hands-on introduction to mathematical ideas.
A little idea for homeSort a pile of socks. How many different pairs can you find?
We support the joy of communicating: listening, talking, asking and imagining. We value each child's voice as they find new ways to express their thoughts.
A little idea for homeChoose a picture in a book and invent a story together.
We nurture curiosity about people, places and the natural world. Asking questions and noticing change helps children make sense of the world around them.
A little idea for homeLook out of the window together. What's different from yesterday?
LOCAL ROOTS. SHARED BRIGHT FUTURES.
We're more than a playgroup. We're a place for families to connect and for our community to come together around its youngest members.
As a charity, we welcome conversations with parents, carers, neighbours and local supporters. Whether you'd like to get involved or share an idea, we'd love to hear from you.
Let's do something lovelyWe're grateful to the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland for grants awarded in 2023 and 2024.
View public grant recordA FEW HELPFUL ANSWERS
We're here to help you find your feet.
If you're wondering, just ask.
We're a cross-community pre-school and playgroup for children below statutory school age, serving Saintfield, Darragh Cross, Ballygowan and the surrounding area. Please contact us to discuss your child's age and the options currently available.
Email us at janet@littlesunbeams.org. We can talk through current availability, age requirements and next steps. An enquiry is a conversation, not a confirmed place.
We share current session times, fees, any applicable funding arrangements and location details directly with families. Please contact us for the latest information before making plans or travelling.
Yes, we value family involvement as part of our charitable purpose. Get in touch to discuss how you might take part or support our work. Any involvement around children is subject to the appropriate safeguarding arrangements.
Of course. We welcome a conversation about your child's needs and the support we can offer. In your first email, simply ask us to arrange a conversation rather than sending sensitive information about your child.
EVERY FRIENDSHIP STARTS WITH A HELLO
Thinking about Little Sunbeams for your child?
Want to lend a hand? We'd love to hear from you.
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