Patchway school's popularity soars
St Chad's Pre-school, which is based at St Chad's Church in Rodway Road, has spread into two rooms to look after the 60 children who spend time there each week.
The parent-run pre-school has been going for more than 40 years and is open to children aged between two and five.
Manager Sarah Trussell says they don't advertise, but their numbers keep going up and up.
She said: "I think it must be word of mouth, people just tell their friends. I used to have to turn people away, and we had waiting lists.
"The great thing now is we can let children join us, because now we have enough space.
"We could also be able to help parents of two-year-old children who want to join – there is some funding available which they might be entitled to."
Lousia Howe, who works at the nursery, has sent her daughter and son to the pre-school.
She said: "What makes this place different is you step inside and immediately feel welcome.
"When I did a tour of pre-schools with my daughter, this was the only place where she came in and was happy to stay. In fact she didn't want to leave. I trusted her judgement."
Donna Thomas, 29, of Little Stoke, has a three-year-old son at the pre-school, and has sent her two other sons there before.
She said: "The care that they give is fabulous. The children also learn a lot there, they aren't just left to it."
The older children, who are preparing to go to school, will continue to play and be taught in the original room – the church's main hall – and the younger ones will now be in the new side room in the same building. They will also be brought together in the afternoons, so siblings can spend time together and different ages can mix.
Debbie Potter, who is managing the younger room, recently went on a course which suggested younger children benefit from floor-based activities, and this will be reflected in what the children do in the smaller room.
To contact Sarah or Debbie call 07812 895 114.
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