Best nurseries in Devon
Nursery places are in high demand and most recommend registering for a place about six months prior to the required start date. For term-time only nursery places, many of the independent prep schools and state primaries have on-site pre-schools from aged 3. For full, year-round cover and places for younger children and babies, there are several highly praised chains that run across Devon, including: Early Years Alliance, Pixieland Day Nurseries, Bambinos, Happy Days, Tops Day Nurseries, Kiddi Caru and Old Station Nurseries.
Our article on choosing a nursery provides insight on the differences between types of setting as well as advice on what to look for and questions to ask.
On top of the chain offerings, below are a few recommended independent options in each area.
Nurseries in Exeter and east Devon
St Peter’s Prep in Lympstone near Exmouth has a wonderful nursery, very much the initial stepping stone into this idyllic school, taking children from age 3 from Exeter and across East Devon. To secure a place, St Peter’s recommends registering within the first 12 months after birth. Devon Nurseries, owned by the same proprietor as St Peter’s, runs three nurseries in Exeter and one in Exmouth, all welcoming babies from 3 months. The Grosvenor Day Nursery in central Exeter also comes highly recommended. Further east, The Folly in Axminster and Caterpillars in Colyton are both popular independent choices, along with Puffins in Beer. Further east again are nursery options in neighbouring Dorset.
Nurseries in Plymouth
Plymouth College Prep takes children from age 2 into its new purpose-built early years setting and advises registering at least an academic year prior to start. Bumblebees Day Nursery has an excellent local reputation and takes babies from 3 months, Kings School and Nursery takes children from age 2 – both recommend putting names down at birth to secure a place as they are oversubscribed and hugely popular.
Nurseries in north Devon
Chain nurseries are found in this area and three of the best independent all-through schools here have nursery offerings for children aged 2 or 3: Shebbear College runs Little Explorers Nursery for two to four year olds, West Buckland School nursery takes children from 3 and at Kingsley School children are welcomed from 2 years of age.
Nurseries in mid Devon
Alongside the chain nurseries for young babies on offer in this area, Blundell’s Preparatory School runs a nursery for children aged 3 and above.
Nurseries in south Devon
Ark in the Park in Newton Abbot has resident donkeys and pigs and is a firm local favourite for young babies and toddlers alongside Mama Bear’s Day Nursery in Paignton. Once you have passed the baby stage, Stover School near Newton Abbot has a fabulous nursery from age 3.
Nurseries in Dartmoor and west Devon
On the edge of Dartmoor, children from age two and a half to six can enjoy the highly regarded Chagford Montessori Nursery.