Nanny Bears Childcare, Greendale Farm

A farm offers more than a rural backdrop here. In August 2024, children visited the on-site animals daily, connecting stories with living creatures, their food and their habitats. That gave new vocabulary a concrete meaning.

At its August 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated Nanny Bears Childcare, Greendale Farm Good and judged safeguarding effective. The nursery accepts children from three months to five years in Farringdon, near Exeter.

In August 2024, the setting occupied a separate building within Greendale farm. Outdoor learning included those daily farm visits, while vegetable preparation added another opportunity for investigation: toddlers and preschool children chopped vegetables, explored their interiors and learnt words to describe them. Practical tasks gave children something specific to talk about.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the August 2024 activities illustrate that through play and hands-on exploration: babies investigated animal figures and sounds, while older children experimented with coloured water.

Preparation for writing also involved physical practice. In August 2024, children lifted wet pom-poms with large tweezers, exercising coordination and hand muscles before using them for early writing.

In August 2024, key-person relationships gave children a familiar adult who understood them, and assessments helped staff plan their next learning steps. Conversations about feelings helped children recognise emotions; shared play included taking turns, helping carry resources and caring for dolls.

Ofsted's August 2024 inspection identified two priorities: making group activities more engaging and strengthening participation for children less confident in spoken communication. These matter together: a busy activity needs to include children who find it harder to express themselves.

Food formed part of the August 2024 healthy-living provision, with a resident chef preparing home-cooked meals. Outdoor physical play complemented conversations about healthy eating.

The address is Unit 4, Greendale Farm Shop, Sidmouth Road, Farringdon, Exeter, EX5 2JU. Opening hours are 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for one week over Christmas.

In August 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

• Group participation. The August 2024 improvement priorities concerned group activities and less confident verbal communicators. During a visit, discuss how staff now adapt these activities to include quieter children.
• Attendance arrangements. The opening window spans an early start and late finish. Which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your child's week?

For families drawn to animal encounters and practical learning, Greendale Farm has a clear appeal. The August 2024 examples connect language, physical skills and independence with things children can handle and investigate. Its year-round opening hours suit families needing care across the working week; participation in group learning remains a useful point to explore.