Acrewood Daycare for Deaf Childen in Belfast
CHILDCARE FOR DEAF CHILDREN IN WEST BELFAST
Are you. parent looking for childcare for Deaf Children in Belfast? Yes!! Then look no further. At Acrewood Daycare, we are proud to provide a truly inclusive environment, offering places not only for children without additional needs but also for deaf children in Belfast. Our nursery and daycare was originally created by St Joseph’s Centre for the Deaf, which has been part of Belfast city’s deaf community for more than 50 years. This heritage has shaped our ethos, ensuring that every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.
With over 25 years' of combined experience working with pre-school children, our dedicated staff are trained to meet the individual needs of every child. For deaf children, we provide extra support and a nurturing space where communication, care and learning come together. We focus on building essential skills to prepare children for a smooth transition into nursery or primary school.
We understand that finding quality childcare can be a challenge. That’s why Acrewood Daycare strives to provide safe, affordable and inclusive childcare; where deaf children can learn, play, and grow alongside their peers.
Our Goals
INCLUSIVE LEARNING:
Create an environment where deaf and hearing children learn and play together as equals.
LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT:
Support communication through speech, sign language, and visual aids tailored to each child’s needs.
CONFIDENCE BUILDING:
Encourage independence and self-expression so every child feels valued and capable.
FAMILY PARTNERSHIP:
Work closely with families to ensure consistent support and understanding at home and in the nursery.
EARLY YEARS CURRICULUM:
Deliver the Northern Ireland Pre-School Curriculum in a way that is accessible to all children.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION:
Celebrate and connect with Belfast’s deaf community, helping children develop a strong sense of belonging.
History of St Joseph's Centre for the Deaf
St. Joseph’s Centre for the Deaf, prior to 1981 was known as St. Joseph’s Association and had been a part of Belfast’s deaf community for over 50 years. From 1950, Bread street was the permanent base for St. Joseph’s Social Club for a period of 22 years, in 1972, it was so badly damage, it could no longer be used. 1981-1983 a committee was set up to raise funds for a new centre, a site on the Grosvenor Rd was acquired and building started soon after. The new building was opened in 1983 and became the home for St. Joseph’s Centre for the Deaf, a hub continuing to provide support for deaf community with specific focus on their Spiritual, Pastoral, Educational and Social needs. So if you are looking for childcare or a nursery in Belfast then look no further than Acrewood Daycare.
Reviews from Parents
“Our little girl has had the best experience at Acrewood. Staff were understanding and experienced in helping her transition to the daycare when she was 11 months old. Now she is 3 years old and has made so many friends amongst the children and staff. She enjoys all the activities, outings to the park, and field trips. There is a great combination of play and education for toddlers, we love that she has new activities to try everyday. It's a great option for any staff working at the Royal Hospital, a very convenient location."
Mary (e-mail)
"Our son attended Acrewood and we couldn’t be more pleased as parents. They provide the best atmosphere and activities to develop the children in such important stage of their lives. The staff are so caring, loving & special that we really felt like it was our son’s home away from home! We can comfortably say that Acrewood was so far, the best decision we ever made regarding our son!”
Martin (e-mail)
“I cannot recommend the team at Acrewood more highly. Our children started in Acrewood following a negative experience in another setting. We were so nervous but the team were so reassuring and caring. The team have been so supportive to us, whilst attending the creche both our children have received a diagnosis of autism and the support we have received from everyone at Acrewood has been incredible."
Susan (e-mail)
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