At Merry Go Round, we believe that every child deserves a happy, fun, and educational start in life. For almost 50 years, we have been providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to grow and thrive. Our preschool is based in the grounds of Stokenham Area Primary School in the South Hams, and we are committed to delivering a high-quality education and care service to children from the surrounding areas, including Stokenham, Chillington, East Portlemouth, Prawle, Stoke Fleming, Dartmouth, Blackawton, Kingsbridge, Slapton, and many more villages in between.
Our Ethos
At Merry Go Round, we strive for a happy balance between play, academic skills, and social skills, with the goal of promoting a friendly, positive first-school experience that will last a lifetime. Our ethos is to create an environment that gives children a feeling of security and happiness while encouraging curiosity, exploration, and experimentation - the foundations of learning. We believe that every child is unique and special, and we celebrate their individuality by engaging them in ways that are appropriate and meaningful to them.
Our Learning Environments
Our indoor learning environment is creative and cosy, where our adventurers can learn at their own pace through independent and guided play. Our beautiful garden is a haven for exploration, with adventure areas, a mud kitchen, a covered sandpit, and a vegetable patch. We also take our learning outdoors through our Forest School sessions, where we explore the stunning South Devon countryside.
Forest School
Our Forest School sessions are led by our qualified Forest School Leader, who is passionate about helping children develop a deep connection with nature. We believe that these sessions are crucial in helping children develop vital skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience. Our Forest School sessions are designed to promote a sense of curiosity, creativity, and excitement for learning, and we are proud to offer these sessions to our children.
Our Team
At Merry Go Round, we have a dedicated and caring team of staff, led by our experienced Manager, Alison Pope. Alison has many years of experience in Early Years education and has worked in various settings, including as a private nanny and supervisor at a preschool. She is passionate about supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of children and is trained as a Thrive Practitioner.
Meet the Staff and Committee
We are fortunate to have a talented and dedicated team of staff and committee members who are committed to making Merry Go Round the best it can be for nurturing our young children. We believe that our staff are the heart of our preschool, and we are committed to supporting their professional development and creating a positive and team-oriented environment.
Overall Experience
The reviews highlight the excellent experience of children and parents at Merry Go Round preschool. The preschool's staff, outdoor area, and resources are particularly praised.
Staff and Care
The staff at Merry Go Round are consistently described as "lovely", "friendly", and "supportive". Parents appreciate the care and attention given to their children, with one reviewer mentioning that the staff have a "wonderful attitude towards nurturing the children in their care".
Facilities and Resources
The outdoor area is a highlight, with a "woodland area" and "huge sandpit" providing ample space for children to play and explore. The indoor area is also well-resourced, with a variety of activities and equipment to engage the children.
Child Development
Reviewers credit Merry Go Round with helping their children develop confidence and new skills, without feeling pressured. The preschool's ethos and care are seen as instrumental in giving children a strong foundation for starting primary school.
Unique Features
Merry Go Round's Forest School session is a notable feature, where children can enjoy the outdoors under the supervision of an experienced teacher. This is seen as a valuable addition to the preschool's offerings.
Be the first to review Merry Go Round Pre-school.
Write a Review
