Is Your Child Starting a New School in September? Here's What Ballymena Parents Need to Know

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September always comes round faster than you think. One minute you're enjoying the summer, the next you're scrambling for a childcare solution that actually works around your job, your family, and your sanity. If you're a Ballymena parent looking for reliable, warm, and genuinely brilliant after school care — you've just found it.

Ladybirds After School Club has been a home from home for children across Ballymena for years. We pick up from eight local primary schools, offer a proper snack, get the homework sorted, and give children the space to just be kids after a long school day. Here's everything you need to know.

The After School Rush — We've Got You Covered

We know how it goes. It's half three, you're still at work, and your wee one is standing at the school gate. That's where we come in. Ladybirds collects directly from school — no extra runs for you, no stress for your child. From the moment we pick them up, they're in safe, caring hands.

We collect from:

•  Ballykeel Primary School

•  Carnaughts Primary School

•  St Brigid's Primary School

•  Broughshane Primary School

•  Braidside Integrated Primary School

•  Camphill Primary School

•  Diamond Primary School

•  Gracehill Primary School

Crafts, creativity and friendship — a perfect start to the after-school hours at Ladybirds.

Settled Children, Happy Parents

We hear it time and again from parents: "I feel so much better knowing they're settled." And that means everything to us. Children thrive when they have consistency — familiar faces, a routine they can count on, and a place that feels safe and fun. At Ladybirds, we're not just childcare. We're the warm welcome after a long day, the snack that takes the edge off the hunger, the space to wind down before home.

Whether your child is shy or a total social butterfly, our team takes the time to get to know every single child. Within a few sessions, most wee ones are flying in the door without a backwards glance — and that's exactly what we aim for.

Happy, engaged children — settled into their Ladybirds family.

Homework Done. Tick.

One of the biggest things parents tell us they love about Ladybirds? The homework gets done. Every child gets quiet time to sit down and work through their homework with support from our staff if they need it. That means when they get home, it's done — and you get your evenings back. No nagging, no tears, no battles at the kitchen table. Just a child who's ready to relax and a parent who can breathe.

More Than Just a Club

After homework, it's time for the good stuff. We run a whole range of activities that keep children engaged, learning, and having a brilliant time:

•  Arts and crafts sessions with loads of materials

•  Science experiments and STEM challenges

•  Board games, puzzles and team activities

•  Outdoor play and free time

•  Reading, drawing, and creative play

Every activity at Ladybirds is chosen with purpose — to keep children curious, confident, and connected to their friends.

From sand play to science — there's never a dull moment at Ladybirds.

Ready to Secure Your Spot for September?

Places at Ladybirds fill up quickly — especially at the start of a new school year. If you're thinking about after school care for September 2026, now is the time to get in touch. We'd love to show you around and answer any questions you have.

👉 Email us today at info@ladybirdsafterschool.com. We can't wait to welcome your wee one to the Ladybirds family. 🐞