"I can't speak highly enough of Sophie. She truely goes above and beyond in the care she gives my daughter and has been exceptional from day…"
Read all 43 reviews
78 Places
Location Type
Day Nursery
The Ark is an OFSTED rated “good” (January 2020) children’s day nursery situated in Pontesbury, approximately 8 miles south-west of Shrewsbury. This is a homely nursery that ensures your child’s ... Read more
"My daughter started at Hillside House when she was 12 months old, and my experience has been absolutely fantastic. From day one, the staff…"
Read all 52 reviews
90 Places
Location Type
Day Nursery
Hillside House Nursery is rated by Ofsted as "Requires improvement " (April 2025), it is just a short drive from Shrewsbury town centre and situated on top of the beautiful Lyth Hill with amazing ... Read more
"Both my son and daughter have attended Hillside, and we couldn't be more grateful for the wonderful care and support they've received. The…"
Read all 19 reviews
60 Places
Location Type
Day Nursery
Located in Hook-a-Gate, a charming village just outside Shrewsbury, Hillside House Nursery is only a 10-minute drive from the town centre and within easy reach of five local primary schools.
They ... Read more
Type of Nursery
Day Nursery
Open all year
Full Day Care
Sessional Day Care
Bright Stars Nursery Group Ltd Reviews in Shropshire (114)
9.3
Bright Stars Nursery Group Ltd has a Group Review Score of 9.3 (9.333) out of 10. The Group Review Score is calculated using the average from all locations with a Review Score, and in addition 75%+ of all locations belonging to Bright Stars Nursery Group Ltd must have a Review Score.
Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Bright Stars Nursery Group Ltd
from H G (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2026
Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
I can't speak highly enough of Sophie. She truely goes above and beyond in the care she gives my daughter and has been exceptional from day one. She is kind, patient and genuinely caring, and it's clear she really understands the children as individuals. My daughter feels safe, happy and supported with
her, which means everything to us as parents. While the room leader has been off Sophie has stepped up brilliantly, showing excellent leadership + keeping everything running smoothly for the babies. She has handled the extra responsibility with confidence and warmth. She is a real credit to the nursery + makes a positive difference to both the children + parents. As a general suggestion, it would lovely if the nursery could add more photos to the app for parents to see more of the children's daily moments and experiences.
from Eleanor H (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
The Ark is a really lovely environment to send my child. The staff are so caring and always have my child's best interests at heart. Feel very lucky to have such a nice team looking after her.
Only thing I would change is a grassy area for outside playing.
from Ben R (Father of Child) published on 4 December 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
My son is now in pre-school and has been looked after in every room of the nursery. Without exception all of the staff members are lovely and I feel that they genuinely care about the children.
The manager is friendly, warm-hearted and professional. She evidently strives to continually improve the
nursery and sends well thought out communications to parents. Her team all seem to have a smile on their face and they put a lot of effort into special days where the nursery children explore a fun, sporty or festive theme.
The nursery is well kept and clean. The food goes down well with my child (it's hard not to get food envy at what the kiddies get to eat!)
Children are encouraged and celebrated. The nursery staff are great at making my child feel proud of his imaginative drawings and paintings.
With the staff being so warm and friendly, it will be a genuinely sad day when I no longer do the drop-offs and pick-ups at nursery. A big thank you to all of the team for everything you do.
from C G (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience3.0 out of 5
I've used Hillside Nursery for 3.5 years but it has declined in the past 12 months. Communication is poor-newsletters are inconsistent, emails often not received, and events are shared late. The app provides little info, though practitioners give good handovers. Practitioners are caring and passionate,
but management is the issue. There's heavy reliance on agency staff with no clear recruitment for permanent roles. Concerns are handled poorly, often with excuses, and management can be patronising. A serious safeguarding issue was not reassuringly addressed, and the staff member involved was later promoted. Invoices are frequently incorrect or missing. The nursery is clean and safe with a good range of activities, but learning for preschoolers (like phonics and numbers) has stopped. I once recommended this nursery but no longer can-I trust the practitioners but am tired of constant issues with no real improvement.
from Sammie M (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at Hillside House when she was 12 months old, and my experience has been absolutely fantastic. From day one, the staff have been warm, caring, and attentive, making the transition smooth and stress-free.
The nursery provides a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment where children
can learn & grow. The activities are well-structured, and I love being updated on the app, but also find they they balanced playtime with learning opportunities. The staff genuinely care about the children, and it shows in how happy and comfortable my daughter is when dropping or picking her up.
I highly recommend Hillside House Lyth Hill to any parent looking for a loving and supportive place for their child. It has been a fantastic experience for us so far. Three members of staff have all be very caring and supporting, thank you.
from E D (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Both my son and daughter have attended Hillside, and we couldn't be more grateful for the wonderful care and support they've received. The staff have created such a positive and nurturing environment where both of my children have thrived.
Communication has always been excellent and prompt, with regular
updates shared through the app, including photos that give a real insight into what the children have been up to. At the end of each day, staff also take the time to give a thorough handover, which is always appreciated.
Throughout their time at the nursery, my children have enjoyed so many lovely experiences and made fantastic progress in their development. The team are always approachable, friendly, and genuinely take the time to get to know not only the child but the whole family too.
Thank you to everyone at Hillside for the warmth, dedication, and support you've shown our family over the years.
from J D (Father of Child) published on 13 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
The Ark is an outstanding Nursery. The manageress clearly runs it very well, the staff always seem pleased to be there and everyone seems to genuinely enjoy their work. When I take my daughter to nursery I go to work with 100% confidence that she is safe and happy and well looked after and no corners
are cut. I can't even drop her off at my mum's with that kind of confidence! My daughter is always delighted to see the staff when she arrives and barely even looks back to wave bye! They all know her so well that I know I can ask any one of them a question and they all know an answer. My nephew goes to a different nursery and having heard the recent news that the manageress of The Arks will be overseeing that nursery too gives us and his parents such a high level of confidence. Finally, my daughter's key worker is an absolute asset to your team. I've never met a member of staff anywhere so fitting to her role. She knows our daughter so well, always gives us detailed updates and gives us so much reassurance that she is in safe hands.
from S T (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
We are so happy with Ark Nursery. My child just started this October. All staff are very understanding and positive. We are very happy to be a part of Ark Day Nursery.
from S W (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
My daughter has absolutely loved her time at Hillside. From the age of seven months, she has always looked forward to going. I look forward to sending my next there.
Reply from Lorna Morris, Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Lyth HillThank you so much for your kind words. We can't wait to have your little boy.
from A D (Mother of Child) published on 26 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience4.0 out of 5
My daughter really loved her time at Millside. She has always wanted to come to nursery and is keen to talk about it afterwards. Impressions of the staff are they're very approachable and communication with the nursery has always been swift and easy. My daughter loved the staff and were kind to her.
I really for possible consideration are a little refresh on toys and books. As they look tired a little more individual or personalised uploads on the app as we know very little day-to-day. Also, reading books to be sent home with preschool children. I asked multiple times if it was happening and was told yes, but nothing ever came of it. This is a shame because it would have been nice to get my daughter ready for school with this task so she wouldn't be surprised when at school. I am aware that the other nurseries to do this.
from Jonny G (Father of Child) published on 2 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
All the staff at the nursery, are fantastic, from the management team, to the room leaders. My son has a huge grin on his face whenever he goes and his eyes light up when he sees the staff. They genuinely care so much about our little boy and his development has come on so much.
We saw a few nurseries
and Hillside was head and shoulders above the rest, couldn’t be happier with them and our little boy agrees.
Reply from Jo Randles, Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Lyth HillThank you very much for your review. I am glad your son has a great time here.
from Matthew W (Father of Child) published on 24 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
The Ark is a very friendly, welcoming team that gives outstanding care. My daughters of 3 years and the other of 10 months both go to the Ark and enjoy it very much. The staff are amazing and go above and beyond to support parents with the care of their children, the environment is well resourced with
appropriate toys and lovely outside area.
Reply from Bethany Preston, Manager at The Ark Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review! We take pride in providing outstanding care for all children.
from Nicola C (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
We have 14-month-old twins who attend The Ark once a week. Since they’ve started there, their development has come on leaps and bounds and it’s clear they love going there (even though they get a bit upset during drop off and pick up). The staff are really good with updating us via the app. The staff
are really sensible when it comes to ringing for true concerns - temperatures, head injuries, etc, and I trust them completely to make the right decisions. The staff tell us when we pick up what they have been doing during the day - paint, soil etc. They often come home with their ‘artwork’ which they enjoy putting on display on the fridge and then keep pointing at it with pride. Special events we get something sent home (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day). The babies sometimes come home in their ‘emergency clothes’ which I like as they’ve clearly enjoyed their food and messy play. We live just behind the nursery and can hear the fun being had when outside which is great. Super happy.
Reply from Bethany Preston, Manager at The Ark Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review. I'm so pleased you are so happy with the care your little ones are receiving. We love looking after them!
from Natasha W (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Our little boy goes to this nursery. We couldn’t be happier with The Ark Day Nursery. Our little boy loves going to nursery and is always happy when he comes out. The staff are incredible, always friendly, happy and caring. Always there to answer any questions we need to ask.
They can always tell
us about his days and what he has been getting up to. Highly recommended. Thank you all.
Reply from Bethany Preston, Manager at The Ark Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review! I am so pleased you are so happy with the care your little one gets from The Ark.
from Leah E (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been going to The Ark Day Nursery since 9 months old and I couldn’t fault it, already signed my second baby up to start at 9 months too. Staff are excellent and my boy really enjoys going. Clean, welcoming and friendly.
Reply from Bethany Preston, Manager at The Ark Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review! I am so pleased you are so happy with the care your little one gets from The Ark. We look forward to welcoming your newest addition to your family to The Ark Nursery too.
from J C (Father of Child) published on 11 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Our Little boy started in January and he has settled so well, staff have been very supportive as it is an anxious time for new parents leaving their little ones in a new environment. All staff and management team have been supportive and reassuring for us leaving him.
We love the app, it's great to
keep updated with information and photos.
Reply from Bethany Preston, Manager at The Ark Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review! I am so pleased you have felt supported during your child's transition into nursery life.
from Rebecca P (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
A wonderful nursery in the most beautiful setting. The trust I have in the staff is unwavering, I’m so grateful for their dedicated care, ensuring not only my child's wellbeing but also providing reassurance for us parents. The nursery embraces diversity, creating an inclusive environment.
The staff
here go above and beyond, my little boy loves it and always comes home so happy and content. It has a real family feel and I feel so lucky that my boy has been able to attend such a top-quality setting!
Reply from Jo Randles, Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Lyth HillThank you so much for your lovely review. I am so pleased you feel that your son is so well supported here. We love looking after him and will continue to support him in every way!
from Susan Q (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
My child loves going to nursery, she gets excited when she sees her key person. She is always met at the door with a smile and hug. The staff there are very caring and always give me detailed feedback. I am confident leaving my daughter there as I know she is safe and happy. The manager has a lovey
caring nature and always meets us when we go and pick our daughter up from nursery.
Reply from Jo Randles, Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Lyth HillThank you very much for your review. I am glad your daughter enjoys nursery.
from Tom A (Father of Child) published on 4 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Excellent staff who let you know what they have been up to during the day. The facilities are all up to date, clean and tidy. My daughter is always happy to go to nursery and always comes home with a smile.
Reply from Paige Firmstone, Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-GateThank you for your kind review Tom, it has been our pleasure to support your daughter and family during her time with us at Hillside! We look forward to continuing to care for your family. Kind Regards.
from A M (Mother of Child) published on 20 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
All of the staff makes an incredible effort to make both parents and children feel welcome and safe. You can tell how much my baby enjoys it and how she has developed a nice connection with the carers, which makes me feel good as a parent, to leave my baby in their care.
Reply from Paige Firmstone, Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-GateThank you so much for your lovely words and kind review. We have loved welcoming you to Hillside supporting your Baby and family on the beginning of your nursery journey.
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