Over 60 children attended our Easter Fun day which included,

• Cakes, Tea & Coffee for Mums & Dads
• Toys and games in our main hall
• Easter Crafts in our Preschool Room
• Make your own edible Easter Nests and edible Easter Bonnet in the Preschool Room
• Easter Egg Hunt in the grounds of our Preschool setting

Every child went home with a Easter Egg, as well as the edible Nests and Bonnets they made during the Easter Fun Day.

Easter fun day at Merchistoun Minnows Preschool - Merchistoun Hall - Merchistoun Hall - The home of Horndean Community Association. For Groups, Activities, Services, Wedding Venue, Corporate Functions, Hall Hire, Theatre, Pre-School, the Arts, plus many more, for the Parish of Horndean and surrounding areas.

Minnows Preschool Closed today due to Snow (Friday) - Merchistoun Hall - Merchistoun Hall - The home of Horndean Community Association. For Groups, Activities, Services, Wedding Venue, Corporate Functions, Hall Hire, Theatre, Pre-School, the Arts, plus many more, for the Parish of Horndean and surrounding areas.

Our children had a fantastic time performing in front of their appreciative audience.

To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee our children put on a Royal Themed Show.

This theatrical event was also reported by the Portsmouth Evening News.

If you would like to learn more about the Merchistoun Minnows Pre-School, located in Horndean Village in a Grade II Listed Building with over 4 acres of grounds, please visit our Pre-School’s website.

Minnows Pre-School Horndean End of Term Play - Merchistoun Hall - Merchistoun Hall - The home of Horndean Community Association. For Groups, Activities, Services, Wedding Venue, Corporate Functions, Hall Hire, Theatre, Pre-School, the Arts, plus many more, for the Parish of Horndean and surrounding areas.

So first of all – we booked a coach to get us there – a double decker coach.  This coach took us, our children, and all their parents + siblings from Horndean all the way to Wisborough Green which is near Horsham in West Sussex.

Once we had arrived – many of the children (and some of the parents) made a beeline for the bouncy cushions.

The Merry-Go-Round was very popular with our children.

We all had a barrel of fun on the Barrel Bugs ride.

We had a fantastic day out and we’d like to extend our thanks to the lovely people at Fishers Farm for making us feel so welcome.

Our Horndean located Pre-School has their own website located at www.merchistounminnows.co.uk – please do take a look around at the fun that we have and the large range of facilities offered by our Horndean Pre-School.

To avoid disappointment we do recommend that you Contact Us in good time to guarantee your child’s placement as at certain times of the year we may be unable to offer additional placements.

If you are looking for a September 2013 start for your child please Contact Us ASAP.

Minnows Pre-School Trip to Fishers Farm - Merchistoun Hall - Merchistoun Hall - The home of Horndean Community Association. For Groups, Activities, Services, Wedding Venue, Corporate Functions, Hall Hire, Theatre, Pre-School, the Arts, plus many more, for the Parish of Horndean and surrounding areas.

Although the weather wasn’t as kind as it could have been, it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the children and families of the Merchistoun Minnows Preschool Horndean on their Annual Sports day event!

Not to be outdone by the weather the day was relocated back to inside of Merchistoun Hall — then fun and games really began!

The four teams; Lions, Elephants, Zebras and Bears all took part in a variety of races including “Build a flower”, “Bean bag throw” and “Egg and spoon” after a quick refreshment the races recommenced and quickly got stuck into “Peg the clothes” , “Hoop relay” and the classic “three legged” races.  The children and their families were very enthusiastic and competition was keen but in the end it was all about just having fun!

The sun appeared just in time for a picnic lunch! The doors were thrown open and everyone enjoyed the time outside whilst they ate their sandwiches.

The games concluded with an obstacle race and a surprise for the parents and carers; a fancy dress obstacle race just for them!  All the children were awarded with a medal and certificate for their fantastic achievement – Well done Minnows Children!

What a lovely day for the children of Merchistoun Minnows Horndean Preschool and great fun for their families to be so involved too!

Merchistoun Minnows Preschool Family Sports Day - Merchistoun Hall - Merchistoun Hall - The home of Horndean Community Association. For Groups, Activities, Services, Wedding Venue, Corporate Functions, Hall Hire, Theatre, Pre-School, the Arts, plus many more, for the Parish of Horndean and surrounding areas.

But — you do not need to take our word for for it — this is what others have been saying about our Pre-School, our Staff and our Facilities (you can even read the Testimonials right on our website).

• My child was very happy at the Minnows, she made lots of friends and gained self confidence. It very much helped with her introduction to school. She had a strong rapport with the staff. – Kay E, Cowplain
• An excellent start for your child, a lovely preschool where my child had lots of fun as well as learning through play. Friendly staff, lovely grounds. – Jo P, Cowplain
• Minnows staff changed my shy toddler son into a confident little boy, it is a fantastic preschool in a great setting. – Helen F, Horndean
• A fabulous preschool with very enthusiastic staff. My son loved his time at Minnows. The grounds at Merchistoun Hall proved so many different activities – a garden, park, pond, woodland, large grass areas – what more could a preschool-child ask for? – Amanda M, Waterlooville
• Betti loved every session she had at Minnows. She made lifelong friends and learnt a great deal here. Thank you so much! – Jo G, Waterlooville
• My child loves Minnows Pre-School and he’s always excited when it is a ‘school day’. The staff are fantastic, caring, listen to our needs and keep my son safe. Every day is different with the children either on a day-trip, doing arts and crafts, baking, or spending the day in their preschool garden. I would recommend this preschool to every parent. – Steve M, Waterlooville
• “My two youngest sons went to Minnows and had a fabulous time! The love and dedication provided by all the girls, gave my boys confidence while they played and learnt. They were always doing fun activities, from planting in the garden to feeding the birds and squirrels, playing in the park and going for walks. The concerts were very enjoyable and we all have wonderful memories of our time there. I was always kept up to date with goals achieved, no matter how small. I would not hesitate to recommend Minnows as pre-school. – Angie D, Horndean
• I am really impressed with the support and progress that has helped my daughter to come out of her shell – all she ever talks about is how much she enjoys school. – Jamie E, Horndean
• Excellent staff and a real community feel to this preschool – I can’t speak more highly of Minnows! – Natasha, Horndean
• My child loves it at Minnows, the staff are all very friendly and helpful and my daughter informs me that all the outside space is brilliant for a bear hunt! – Sarah E, Horndean
• Darcie loves Minnows and loves the teachers especially Jody – the staff are fantastic. – Kirsty S, Horndean
• My child loves going to school everyday and really likes her teachers. – Julie H, Horndean
• My child really enjoys attending Minnows and has developed a huge amount socially. – Hayley F, Horndean
• My child really enjoyed her time at Minnows and made lots of new friends. During her time there she went from quite a shy, nervous child to confident and independent. – Louise G, Horndean
• All the staff are very enthusiastic and Jake loves going. He has had little socialisation with children of his own age but the staff member allocated to him has made it very easy for him to settle in. – Jo P, Horndean
• Ruby has really enjoyed her time at Minnows. She has come on so well and learnt so much. She has a fantastic relationship with both the teachers and the other children – she is looking forward to spending another year at Minnows. – Clare E, Waterlooville
• My son cannot wait to go to Minnows in the morning! He loves his key worker and all the staff. He has also reached some major milestones recently all due to the hard work and support from the staff. A fantastic preschool. – Julie C, Horndean
• Skye loves Minnows and can’t wait to go in the mornings. The staff spend a lot of time with the children and really care about the children. I would highly recommend Minnows Preschool. – Kelly R, Waterlooville
• My child developed extremely well at Minnows, he loved his time there – the staff are lovely. – Karen K, Horndean
• My child thinks that the Minnows staff are funny and caring, he loves going to preschool. I like it because it is a friendly relaxed atmosphere and like one big family. – Sam, Horndean
• My child has had a brilliant time at Minnows Preschool. The staff are really friendly and approachable. There are lots of facilities at the preschool – I definitely would recommend the preschool. – Laura W, Leigh Park
• My child really enjoys going to Minnows. The staff really care about the individual children and my daughter loves going outside to the garden and park. – Jemima, Cowplain

If you’d like to arrange a visit to our Preschool with your child please Contact Us!

Horndean Preschool / Nursery Testimonials - Merchistoun Hall - Merchistoun Hall - The home of Horndean Community Association. For Groups, Activities, Services, Wedding Venue, Corporate Functions, Hall Hire, Theatre, Pre-School, the Arts, plus many more, for the Parish of Horndean and surrounding areas.

A few places are available for September 2012 so if you are from the Horndean, Cowplain, or Catherington areas please do take a look at our Pre-School website and Contact Us for to arrange a visit.

NVQ Exam Success! - Merchistoun Hall - Merchistoun Hall - The home of Horndean Community Association. For Groups, Activities, Services, Wedding Venue, Corporate Functions, Hall Hire, Theatre, Pre-School, the Arts, plus many more, for the Parish of Horndean and surrounding areas.

Diamond Jubilee Coin for our Preschool Children - Merchistoun Hall - Merchistoun Hall - The home of Horndean Community Association. For Groups, Activities, Services, Wedding Venue, Corporate Functions, Hall Hire, Theatre, Pre-School, the Arts, plus many more, for the Parish of Horndean and surrounding areas.

Our children (and their parents) received fire safety advice from Vince and his colleagues – as well as a demonstration of the fire safety equipment.

Our thanks to Hampshire Fire Service for their time and hospitality.

Merchistoun Minnows Pre-School Sponsored Walk to Horndean Fire Station - Merchistoun Hall - Merchistoun Hall - The home of Horndean Community Association. For Groups, Activities, Services, Wedding Venue, Corporate Functions, Hall Hire, Theatre, Pre-School, the Arts, plus many more, for the Parish of Horndean and surrounding areas.

There were well over one hundred parents and grandparents in the audience — and they were in for a treat.

The show was split into two parts – the first part, each of child was dressed in a unique festive costume, representing a part of Christmas, and delivered their lines perfectly.  The second half of the show contained Christmas songs, sung by both the Pre-School children and audience.

Standing on that stage and delivering the lines acts as a fantastic confidence boost to our children – and it is sometimes easy to forget that our ‘actors’ and ‘actresses’ range in age from just 2 year 6 months to 5 years old.

As you can see from the photographs – the delight on the children’s faces as they enter the stage  – our children enjoyed themselves thoroughly – and they delivered a fantastic show!

Should you be interested in placing your child at our Pre-School in Horndean, please visit our dedicated website at www.merchistounminnows.co.uk which provides more detail on what makes our Pre-School setting unique to the Horndean and surrounding area.

Unfortunately placements are limited, and to avoid disappointment we do recommend reserving your child’s place in advance.

Merchistoun Minnows Pre-School Christmas Play 2011 - Merchistoun Hall - Merchistoun Hall - The home of Horndean Community Association. For Groups, Activities, Services, Wedding Venue, Corporate Functions, Hall Hire, Theatre, Pre-School, the Arts, plus many more, for the Parish of Horndean and surrounding areas.