Today’s post on Bishopston Mum is a review by a local mum of Horfield Welly Pre-school.

Horfield Welly Pre-school is for children aged 2 – 5 and takes place on Tuesday to Fridays in term-time from 9.15am – 1pm. It is held at Horfield Parish Church on Wellington Hill, Horfield and is rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Why did you choose Horfield Welly Pre-school for your child?

This is my second child at Welly. I was so impressed with the preschool with my first child that I had no doubts I would be sending my second along as well.

I initially chose the preschool because it is spacious and they prepare loads of different activity tables for every session. There is also a lovely and nice size outdoor space.

Finally, they offer a set of forest school sessions for all the children which I think is really fantastic.

How did staff manage your child’s settling-in process?

They have been excellent. Just little things like being aware of all the children and their emotional states. As I was leaving one day, my son looked a bit uncertain as to what to do and his key worker went over right away and engaged him in an activity.

What do you like best about this pre-school?

I appreciate the care and attention they get from all the preschool staff but in particular they have a key worker, and I get daily reports as to how my child has been on the day, what activities he’s engaged in, what he seemed to like/dislike, and how much of his lunch he ate.

What do you like least?

I’m struggling to answer this one.

What kind of activities are on offer?

Outdoor activities like a climbing frame and various ride on toys, as well as different learning materials like bits of drainpipe lifted to different heights and toy cars to run down the pipes.

Inside there are various activity tables that change regularly but include painting, colouring, making, playdoh, Lego, Duplo, various building blocks/materials, dressing up corner, doll house, and indoor ride on toys.

What do you think of the staff?

They are really great…all brilliant with the children as well as the parents, always smiling and welcoming, and extremely committed.

They work very hard ever day to set up all the activities, which all need to be tidied away at the end of the session as the space is used for other groups. Everything is kept fresh and well looked after.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I think the Welly Preschool is a really excellent choice, but do get your name on the waiting list as it is very popular!

Please see this page for more information about pre-schools in Bishopston, Horfield, St Andrew’s and Ashley Down.