Merchistoun Minnows PreSchool is located on the first floor of the beautiful Georgian Grade II Listed Building, Merchistoun Hall, in Horndean, Hampshire.
Our Nursery PreSchool accepts children between the ages of 2 years 6 months to 5 years of age; our setting and its grounds will be a delightful place for your child to thrive.
PreSchool Facilities
We have a large permanent and dedicated PreSchool room, snack bar, a fenced garden, open spaces, nature trails, play park and a large hall. We have a a large car park at Merchistoun Minnows PreSchool, please note the classroom is accessible by stairs only. Please see the Facilities page for further detail on what we have to offer.
Ofsted Report
Our Ofsted Inspection Report rates Merchistoun Minnows PreSchool as ‘Strong’ in all areas with no further recommendation for improvement.
Free Hours
Fifteen hours government funding is available to children aged between 3 and 5 years; we also accept Childcare Vouchers, cheques and cash, our Free Hours page provides eligibility and top-up hours information.
Opening Times
Merchistoun Minnows PreSchool’s opening times do vary by term, please see the box to the right of this page for our current schedule or take a look at our Schedule page for current term times.
Testimonials
- “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
Please take a look around our website, the latest news about our PreSchool in Horndean is linked to at the right-hand side of this page.
