When I think back to the time I was choosing a preschool for my girls in the UK, I remember wanting a nurturing environment where they would both be happy, however, I opted for a preschool that pushed academic progression (wow, my girls will be able to write before they start school), what a BIG mistake! I realised very quickly that I had lost sight of what was actually important, and I was focussing on all the wrong things. My girls were so unhappy that I ended up moving them to a place that was the complete opposite, with lots of free play and both my girls thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was having a chat about my experience with Carla, the owner of Torteval Preschool, who said she hears a lot about children having to be peeled off their parents at drop-off (which is what happened to me and it’s very upsetting) and how she feels so passionately about offering a caring environment where children want to go too and parents are happy to drop their children off at, and she invited me to spend time at the preschool to see how she has gone about achieving it.
The Setting
Torteval Preschool is located in Torteval Parish Hall where they have sole use of the space, giving the big advantage that they can keep activities set up, and the walls are brightly decorated with children’s artwork and crafts.
My first thought when I walked in was how inviting the space is, with so many things for the children to play with and do. The main room has different zones with an area for colouring and small group work and a free play area with endless options for role play and messy play.
Opening Hours
Unlike many other preschools, Torteval Preschool is open Monday to Friday, year-round, during term-time and school holidays from 8:30am to 12pm or 8:30am to 2:30pm.
Inside Fun
Torteval Preschool’s motto is ”nurturing your child’s future”, which revolves around offering foundation stage activities to help children develop skills which they will need when starting school. Children get the opportunity to enjoy free-flow play and structured activities indoors in the main room and the smaller side room.
Outside Fun
The preschool benefits from a large outdoor area with playground, secret garden area and a nature trail. The children were loving the outside space when I visited, some were dashing around on balance bikes, others were chalk drawing wings on a butterfly on the playground floor, and a few girls were having fun making a house out of 2 over-sized cardboard boxes. There was a real emphasis on the children choosing what they want to play with and with outdoor toys, climbing area, mud kitchen and water play to name just a few things, there were lots of options for the children.
Budding gardeners
Carla is very passionate about giving children the opportunity to grow their own food and took a lot of pride in showing me the children’s seeds which were sprouting in the secret garden. She talked about how much the children were enjoying planting their own seeds, watering them and watching them grow.
Musical Tree
During my visit I was fortunate to sit in on a music session by Joanna at the Musical Tree. She takes a 30-minute class every week at the preschool, and to keep the numbers in each session low (there were 10 children in the class I watched), they run two groups, so when a group is having their music class, the other group plays outside.
I was so impressed by Joanna as she kept all the children thoroughly engaged throughout the whole session. She clearly has a musical gift and lovely voice (she sings all the instructions and has a very soft voice but still the children listened intently to every word she said). The session was really interactive with props and musical instruments and none of the children wanted the session to end.
Snack Time
One of my favourite moments during my visit was when the children were sitting outside having a mid-morning snack when a plane flew over and the playground erupted into a chorus of ”happy holidays” as all the children looked up to the sky, many pointing at the plane and waving and wishing them a good holiday! They were all so excited about this, then carried on eating their biscuits as though nothing had happened, it certainly put a smile on my face.
Special Events
Carla and her team enjoy making special events even more special at the preschool, whether that be celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee, Liberation Day, Easter and my favourite…pancake day!
Feedback
I was genuinely really impressed when I visited Torteval Preschool and if my girls were little, I wouldn’t hesitate enrolling them. It is always good to hear from parents who can give a first-hand perspective, and there are reviews from parents on their Facebook page…
I can’t recommend Torteval preschool enough. Carla and the team were like surrogate parents to my son. They truly loved and cared for him. They were always happy and approachable and could deal with all the emotions that children experience. My son’s development came on in leaps and bounds and he made his first friends there. I couldn’t have chosen a better pre school and we will miss the whole team.
Useful Info
- Address: Torteval Parish Hall, Rue du Belle, Torteval, GY8 0LN
- Opening hours: open term-time and holidays, 8:30am to 12pm or 8:30am to 2:30pm
- Staff: Level 3 qualified staff. Paediatric first aid trained and DBS Enhanced checked
- Funding: Part of the States 15 hrs free funding scheme
- Age: Children are welcomed from 2 years old and settling in sessions available.
- Starting: Children can start at any time during the year, and there are currently spaces available for immediate start.
- Contact: message tortevalpreschool@gmail.com or call Carla on 265322 or 07781 446275
- More info: visit the Torteval Preschool Facebook page
