Testimonials

We couldn't be happier with our experience at this preschool. The staff are warm, caring, and attentive, and it's clear how much thought and preparation goes into everything they do. Each week was filled with fun, engaging activities that helped our son learn so much, all while allowing him to grow at his own pace and truly be himself. The team are not only kind but also highly professional and knowledgeable about children's development and I really enjoyed the opportunities to come along to 'stay and play' sessions. They also managed our son's allergy with such care which was really important to us. We would like to thank all the staff at preschool for looking after him and creating a welcoming, stimulating, playful and educational environment away from his home.

We feel very lucky to have found such a nurturing environment on our doorstep and would highly recommend this preschool to anyone.

Sadie C

August 2025

Our son walked into the Preschool on his first day as a very shy and quiet little boy and since attending he has grown in confidence and has learnt so much during his time with Sara and the team. He was always very excited to arrive every morning and he left every day with a big smile on his face. Each week there are different themes with lots of activities for the children to do including an outdoor play area. Sara and the team are so caring and love the children as their own. Our son has had the best time and is now well prepared for his next adventure starting school.

This preschool is truly amazing and I cannot recommend enough. Our daughter will be attending when she is old enough.

Thank you to Sara and the team.

Helen & Neil H

August 2025

My son loved attending Willerby & Kirkella Preschool. Sara and the team were very attentive and filled his day with activities, learning and playing. Every week was different, he especially enjoyed the fire engine visit. He developed so much during his year here.

I would highly recommend.

Shardee M

August 2025

We absolutely loved this preschool and our son did too. We truly believe he has progressed so much since moving from a nursery and he is now equipped for going to school this September.

The staff are genuinely warm and caring for all the children and communication has been good. There has been a wide range of topics each term each having been extremely well thought out. It's such a fun place for all the kids to go and we've been given various opportunities to attend sessions to see what they've been doing!

Our only regret is not sending him for longer!

Steph B

July 2025

We could not recommend Willerby & Kirkella Preschool enough. Both our boys attended the preschool from 2 years old and the development we saw in their confidence and personality was immediate.

Sara and the team are nothing short of fantastic and create such a safe and fun learning environment that enabled the boys to thrive and develop.

Jack and Harry could not wait to go in every morning and were always greeted with warm smiles and genuine care.

We left a piece of our hearts at the preschool as Harry our youngest recently finished, but can't thank them enough for being such a huge contribution in preparing them to go onto school and beyond.

We will miss them all. x

Laura E

July 2025

We couldn't be happier with our experience at Willerby & Kirkella Preschool. All three of our children attended, and from the start, we felt confident that they were in a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment.

The staff are incredibly warm, patient, and genuinely invested in each child's growth and development. They have helped my boys build confidence, and develop essential social and academic skills whilst also encouraging them to explore their individual interests.

I can say with confidence that the preschool has given them a strong foundation for school and we regularly recommend Willerby & Kirkella Preschool to any parent looking for a warm and enriching early childhood experience.

Helen P

July 2025

It warms my heart to recommend Willerby and Kirkella Preschool!

Our daughter Daisy absolutely thrived there and genuinely loved every single day. The teachers are truly exceptional - so attentive and caring, they know every child by name, which made such a difference.

We've seen Daisy come on leaps and bounds since starting at Willerby and Kirkella Preschool, both academically and socially. It's been an incredible experience for her, and it will be dearly missed.

Vickie

July 2025

I can't recommend Willerby & Kirkella preschool enough.

Both of my children have attended the setting and absolutely thrived here. All the staff care and love the children so much, which shows as most of the staff have been there for so many years.

The children are met every single morning with a huge encouraging smile which immediately reassures any new faces. Not only do the staff nurture and encourage, but they make learning so fun for the children. Each week has a different theme to ensure a wide range of topics are covered.

I have always loved the parent participation days to see what the children have been up to. You have brought both my boys on so much in a short space of time.

We will miss all the lovely ladies here lots, but are so grateful for some wonderful years spent with you.

Thank you!

Claire T

July 2025

All three of my children have attended this wonderful preschool over the years and all thoroughly enjoyed it.

All the teachers are so lovely, they really do care about the children. The children have fun and learn in a setting that is friendly and safe.

I cannot recommend this preschool enough.

Emma & Rob M

July 2025

My son joined Willerby & Kirkella preschool when he was 3 years old. he has absolutely thrived there!

The daily phonics sessions have given him the best start for primary school and the mathematics activities have ensured that he is confident in working with numbers.

The amount of effort and enthusiasm that the staff put in to every day is amazing, ensuring each topic is fun and engaging for the children.

Communication with parents is timely and thorough with weekly updates as to what the children have been up to as well as individual messages being answered swiftly.

The events such as the Christmas Stay & Play and the Fun Fit session were absolutely awesome and will be forever cherished in my memory.

My son has a lovely friendship group from the preschool who will all join him in September as he begins primary school.

Caroline

July 2025

I cannot recommend Willerby and Kirkella preschool more highly. Both of my children have had the most positive experiences, which is testament to the specialised care on offer.

The staff know the children inside and out. A perfect example was when my daughter was feeling a little out of sorts on the way in. I caught Sara's eye and she immediately complimented my daughter on her hair. Needless to say, my daughter swanned into preschool like the queen she thinks she is and forgot she was in a stink!

My older son's teacher has also commented to me how fantastic the preschool is after a visit there.

But possibly the best testimonial I can give are the words of my 4 year old who, when asked why she loved preschool said: "because I get to talk to my teachers and tell them what happens. My teachers love me and I care about them. I never want to leave when it's time to go."

We are going to miss Sara and the team so much, they have been such an integral part of my children's lives and I know that the ease of their transition to school is down to their hard work and care.

Hannah & Annie

July 2025

I can't thank Sara and her amazing team enough for the incredible care and support they've given my son during his time at preschool. From day one, they've created a nurturing and inspiring environment where he has truly thrived. He's learned so much - not just academically, but socially and emotionally too. The staff have introduced him to a wide range of fun and engaging subjects, and he's now more than ready for the next chapter at junior school.

What's been especially heartwarming is watching him build friendships that I know will last for years to come. Seeing the children play, learn, and grow together has been a joy. The communication with parents has also been outstanding - whether it's updates on what they're learning or opportunities to get involved and spend time in the setting, we've always felt included and welcome.

My son often comes home speaking so positively about different members of staff, and it's clear he feels safe, valued, and happy every day he goes in. We're so grateful to Sara and the whole team for giving him such a strong and joyful start to his educational journey.

John B

July 2025

I cannot recommend this preschool highly enough. My daughter is, by nature, very reserved and attending this preschool has helped her so much. She has not only made friends, but learned so much also. She really has loved being there and is sad to be leaving.

Sara and her team are all so amazing and you can clearly tell that they love what they do.

Danielle S

August 2024

I can't thank Sara and the Kirkella Preschool Teachers enough for making all three of my children's preschool experience the best. They've all thoroughly loved the preschool. All the staff are so caring, fun and all round amazing, I can't recommend the preschool enough.

Thank you for giving my children the best preschool experience.

Danielle R

August 2024

We have had the pleasure of having all three of our children attend Willerby and Kirk Ella from 2018 until 2024. The experience has been nothing short of exceptional. Sara, Zoe, Jo and the entire team are incredibly child-focused and dedicated to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment.

Our children have not only had immense fun but have also gained a wealth of knowledge and skills that have thoroughly prepared them for the transition to big school. We are deeply grateful for the love, care, and attention they have received over the years.

Willerby and Kirk Ella has truly been an amazing educational start for our family, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.

Katie

July 2024

I highly recommend this Preschool. They were absolutely amazing with my son, who suffers with learning delays as a result of being born premature. The staff helped bring his development on a long way, and I couldn't be more proud. they have been so supportive and understanding with my son and myself, and all are kind and caring people that go the extra mile to help wherever possible.

Mel

July 2024

My son attended Willerby & Kirkella preschool from the age of 2 and a half and has loved every second. Having previously attended a nusery where he cried every day we were all a little worried but after a day or two here we realised we had nothing to worry about. We couldn't have imagined how settled he would become and how much he would thrive.

The staff are a real credit to the preschool - always so happy, welcoming and caring towards the children. Our son has developed immensely over the past 2 years, socially and academically and this is all down to the care and attention given by the staff.

If ever I have had to collect him early or he has had to miss a day he has always been most upset because "he loves preschool".

He has thrived in the preschool environment and I couldn't fault a thing. The structure of each morning has set him up so well for school and we can't thank all the teachers enough for helping him, and us, on the way to our next chapter.

I'll miss taking him each morning but we will be back in a year or two with son number 2...I wouldn't dream of sending him anywhere else!

Lauren

July 2023

You know when a Pre-School is amazing when your child is beaming with joy in a morning because she cannot wait to attend. My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed her time at Willerby & Kirkella Pre-School and she has learnt so much. The activities and thought that goes into planning these for the children by the staff is outstanding. The staff genuinely care for the wellbeing and development of all the children and have such a caring nature. My daughter has also made so many friends for life with the other children, as have I with the parents. I would highly recommend.

Jade

July 2023

We couldn't recommend Willerby & Kirkella Preschool more, both of our children thoroughly enjoyed their years there and have left with excellent foundations for learning at 'big school'.

All of the staff are caring and consistent which is something very important for little ones.

Kathryn

July 2023

Willerby & Kirkella Preschool could not have provided a better start for my son. He was extremely nervous about starting and the staff there were so caring, which gave him the confidence to thrive. Not only do they provide the academic steps needed to make transition to school easier, but also social and emotional support. Every child's needs are different and this preschool makes such an effort to personalise their curriculum to the needs of the individual. It is an inclusive environment where all children are welcomed and cared for exceptionally well. I cannot rate it highly enough.

Hannah

July 2023

Having had my eldest attend Willerby & Kirkella Preschool, it was no question that I wanted my youngest to go there too. A lovely, warm and welcoming preschool that is totally child centred - both my children thrived whilst there and I couldn't thank the whole team enough for their help and guidance in getting them ready for primary school.

Shirin

July 2023

My son attended Willerby & Kirkella Preschool from the age of 3 and has thoroughly enjoyed his mornings and staying lunch with his friends. He has always walked in with a big smile on his face ready for the morning ahead often bringing home some amazing crafts... Buckingham Palace was my favourite for the Jubilee celebrations!!

Sue, Sara and all the team are outstanding, as a parent I have had the opportunity to witness them with the children and have always felt reassured my son was in safe hands. The team are all very kind, caring helpful and friendly which certainly reflects down on the children. I feel my son has learnt so much from attending the Preschool and this has helped prepare him for the next chapter at Primary School.

We will miss all the team and the happy smiling faces greeting us in the mornings but can't thank the team enough for the happy preschool memories. I will certainly continue to recommend the Preschool.

Aimee

August 2022

After starting at two and a half years old, our son has just finished at the Willerby & Kirkella pre school. I absolutely highly recommend this pre school. The staff are all amazing, so lovely with all of the children, caring, thoughtful and make everything fun. It's so obvious how much they all love their jobs and are there for the children, it's not just a job to them! Caring and sharing is instilled in the children throughout their time here, and they do such wonderful things, different subjects every week, the crafts are brilliant that come home, and our son has learnt so much.

He has loved every single day there from day one, to his last. He goes in with a smile on his face and comes out with a smile too. He has chosen to stay longer for his lunch everyday and is sad when it's time to leave. He has learnt so much in his time there and has developed socially too. He has made some brilliant friends who he will now go to school with. The staff really make this pre school, they have been such a support to our son, and us. Always there to talk to and keep us up to date with what's going on. We look forward to our youngest going in a couple of years.

Sophie

August 2022

My youngest has recently finished his time in preschool and if it was up to him he'd still be going, he loved it. The weeks are themed and fun and he always brought home something wonderfully crafty linked with the theme. He always enjoyed his time there and would happily enthuse about his morning. Often a song would come on the radio and he would say "Sue plays this song at Preschool!". They dance, they sing, they play and they make good friends and they love it.

Given the option of staying an extra hour to eat his lunch there, he wanted to stay!

Both my children attended the preschool and I don't hesitate to recommend Willerby & Kirkella Preschool to any parent. The ladies are so caring and both my children could not have been happier there.

Gill

August 2021

Our daughter has attended Willerby & Kirkella Preschool since the age of two and a half until the summer term of 2021.

The staff provide the children with the most outstanding care, patience, kindness and encouragement and these are always offered limitlessly and without question. We are always blown away by the activities provided for the children, the many amazing crafts our daughter brings home and the wonderful ways she has learnt and grown whilst in the care of the pre school.

Our daughter's personal and social along with her academic developments have exceeded our expectations and she has made her first steps towards independence and her first friendships which she will cherish forever.

During recent months, Sue and the team managed Covid and the many lockdowns fantastically. They were the friendly smiles behind the visors and stuck by the children offering normality, safety and stability. From a parental perspective we were regularly kept up to date with the practicalities such as risk assessments and safety procedures and I had every confidence when returning our daughter to the preschool.

Willerby & Kirkella preschool is beyond a valuable foundation for children. Our daughter has made lovely friends and had some wonderful experiences. From the playtime fun, the bonding over snack times, the lunchtime laughs and all the learning along the way, we are most thankful.

We are very much looking forward to returning with our younger son in a few years time.

Sophie

August 2021

My daughter attended the preschool from the age of 2 and a half up until starting primary school.

She enjoyed every aspect of her time there. Each member of the team goes above and beyond to ensure your child is happy whilst at the setting.

Sue is great at keeping in touch and is always available to discuss anything, big and small. My daughter has developed both socially and academically whilst attending the setting and she talks very fondly of her wide ranging experiences.

Samantha

August 2021

Both our sons have attended Willerby & Kirkella Preschool starting at the age of 2 years old and have thoroughly enjoyed every day they spent there. We cannot recommend them enough and we are extremely sad they will not be part of our lives once our youngest starts school in September. Such a friendly and welcoming group of teachers who have so much time and patience with each child, making the environment a fun, safe and enjoyable one.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Willerby & Kirkella Preschool carried out a thoroughly detailed risk assessment and detailed report on how the preschool could reopen, giving us reassurance that our children would be in a safe environment. Our son counted down the days until he could return and ran in on his first day back. That to us speaks volumes.

Thank you to all the staff for making both of our sons early years education so enjoyable. We will miss you all.

Kat

July 2020

My youngest son has attended Willerby & Kirkella Preschool for the past year, following in the footsteps of his older brother. The preschool is fantastic, a real home from home and promotes traditional values. Both of my boys flourished in the supportive environment where learning is encouraged through play. This has prepared them thoroughly for starting school. The staff look after the children as if they were their own and keep them constantly busy. They are always outside playing and learning about the outdoors, planting vegetables and hunting bugs.Sue and her team are really supportive towards the parents as well as the children, offering advice and moral support when required.

Sally

July 2020

From the moment I met Sue and all the team at Willerby & Kirkella Pre School I was instantly put at ease. Every staff member takes a genuine interest in each child individually and their approach is fantastic. They are dependable and motivated. As a parent I have always been fully informed on topics of the term, and what the children will be learning each week.

The Pre School also comprehensively document your child's journey for the parents to see at any point in a yellow folder. The staff are available to speak to at any time should you have any concerns or questions relating to your child personally, or their educational needs. The staff contribute so much energy into their work, it's wonderful to see, and that really reflects on the children. I love the enthusiasm they have in encouraging each child to learn and to gain life skills they need so they are ready for school.

Willerby & Kirkella Pre School has aided my child to be confident, kind, caring and helpful and they have had a huge impact on him.

I cannot recommend them more highly.

Thank you everyone for all you have done.

Hannah

July 2020

Both my son and daughter attended the pre school from age 2.5 until starting school, and they have both loved their time spent there. the staff are fantastic and I believe this is what sets this preschool apart from the many others. All the staff are highly experienced, extremely friendly and inclusive to all children. This creates a happy, safe environment which enables the children to develop and learn, giving them great foundation for their next steps.

I can't recommend this preschool highly enough and would like to thank all the staff for their dedication and care over the years.

Katy

July 2019

I highly recommend the Willerby & Kirkella Preschool. Both of my children started at 2 1/2 years old and were so happy at the preschool, looking forward to attending each day, which speaks volumes! All the staff are friendly and helpful and even when my daughter had some health problems I felt very confident to leave her in their safe hands.

Vicki

July 2019

I can't recommend the Preschool highly enough. My daughter started at 2.5 years with no previous childcare and she settled in very quickly and very well. All the staff are fantastic, very experienced and the children love them. My daughter has lots of fun, makes some great pictures and crafts and always comes home happy and telling me about games they've played and songs they've sung. She is now 3.5 years and the phonics teaching she is receiving is excellent too; she's recognising letters and simple words all through the work that Sue and the team do.

My daughter is extremely happy there and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

Rachael Smith - Owner of Hull & East Riding Mumbler

January 2018

My daughter attended Willerby & Kirkella Preschool from the age of 2.5, following in her siblings' footsteps. She loved every minute of it and looked forward to going every morning. The staff are all so friendly and welcoming and the whole environment feels safe and happy. The wide range of activities has given her the best start in her education. From a shy little girl she has developed into a very confident 5 year old, ready for school, able to form relationships with her peers and has learnt routines, manners and so many social skills.

I can't thank them enough for helping her grow so beautifully.

Sara

January 2018

My eldest son started at Willerby & Kirkella Preschool in September 2014, our second son currently attends and our daughter is due to start later in the year. We couldn't wish for a better place for our children to start their early years education. The children are encouraged in all areas of learning in a fun and relaxed environment.

The staff are outstanding, being skilled and extremely welcoming. It has a very warm and friendly atmosphere so not surprisingly our sons have loved attending. It is so comforting and reassuring knowing that when we leave they are in good, safe hands. We highly recommend this preschool.

Jenni

January 2018