Gillshill Pelican Preschool
OutstandingBirth to 8+Open for decades
A pre-school in Hull for children from birth to 8+, open sessions in term time, often mornings. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in September 2025. Open since 1998, with 42 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
HU8 0JUWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 30 September 2025 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children arrive happily and settle quickly into the familiar routines of the day. They are warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic staff, hang up their coats and join their friends with confidence. This creates a calm and purposeful start where children feel secure and ready to learn. Staff model positive interactions, and children respond with kindness and respect. They take turns, share resources and show care for one another.
Children enjoy a wide range of projects and activities that capture their interest.
They collect autumn leaves, explore recycling and learn about artists. Visitors, including police officers, dentists, the fire service and the Northern Ballet, provide memorable experiences that build on children's knowledge and understanding of the world. These opportunities spark curiosity, extend vocabulary and develop a love of learning. Outdoors, children explore nature with enthusiasm. When they find insects in the garden, staff encourage them to use magnifying glasses and record their discoveries on checklists. Children eagerly observe a snail, showing concentration, patience and fascination. Children benefit from a curriculum that is ambitious and carefully planned. Staff build on what children already know, revisiting ideas and practising skills to deepen learning. For example, children describe autumn objects and then use them in creative and scientific exploration.
- 30 September 2025Outstanding Safeguarding: Yes
- 24 January 2020Outstanding
- 12 February 2015Outstanding
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Gillshill Pelican Preschool
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Pre-schools within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.