Nanny Bears Childcare, Cotley Barn

Sheep, reindeer and farm vehicles gave even the youngest children something concrete to investigate at Cotley Barn in May 2024. Farm experiences shaped the nursery's character in May 2024: plants to grow, natural materials to collect and animals to learn about.

Nanny Bears Childcare, Cotley Barn accepts children aged 3 to 36 months in Whimple, Exeter. At its May 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good and found safeguarding effective.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning through play and children's development and care. In May 2024, activities connected imaginative play with practical learning: pretending to tackle fires prompted conversations about safety, problem-solving and comparing quantities.

The setting followed the Hygge approach, centred on comfort and wellbeing, in May 2024. A cosy space for sleep provided a concrete expression of that emphasis. Outdoors, children grew plants and gathered materials for creative work; indoors, dough, flowers and coloured water offered different textures to investigate.

Books also invited participation. In May 2024, children chose stories by voting and acted them out, while babies listened to adults reading. Action songs and yoga added movement to the day. These experiences gave children different ways to join in, through movement, listening and make-believe.

In May 2024, staff followed individual care routines and parents' preferences, supported toilet training and helped babies practise crawling and walking. Toddlers practised everyday independence by serving food, changing clothes and washing their hands. Threading materials and handling clips, magnets and tongs gave them opportunities to practise smaller hand movements.

At the May 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that the special educational needs coordinator worked with staff, parents and other professionals to identify learning gaps and support progress, and that parents received regular information about care and development. Assessment and collaboration helped staff identify learning gaps and coordinate support with parents and other professionals.

Children ate nutritious meals and snacks in May 2024 and rested in a comfortable sleep space.

The address is Cotley Barn, Woodhayes Lane, Whimple, Exeter EX5 2QR. Opening hours are 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas.

In May 2024, the setting provided funded early education for three-year-olds.

• Quieter children. In May 2024, some quieter children missed opportunities to contribute during group activities. Families whose child needs encouragement to speak should explore how staff include them.
• Activity organisation. In May 2024, children sometimes left activities that became crowded or were not fully prepared. How activities are adjusted to sustain interest is a useful visit topic.
• Attendance and charges. Which booking patterns and funded arrangements would suit your child, and what would the written quotation include for meals and consumables?

The May 2024 account will appeal to families drawn to farm experiences and practical, sensory play for babies and toddlers. The May 2024 picture combines everyday independence, books and outdoor exploration with individual care routines. Quieter children's participation and the organisation of activities deserve attention alongside those strengths.