Adventurers

Home-grown onions turned into barbecue relish, building play inspired by the local cathedral, and babies exploring movement beside a mirror: Adventurers’ May 2026 nursery life connected learning with things children could touch, recognise and make. This Exeter setting has capacity for 66 children.

At its 27 May 2026 inspection, Ofsted awarded Strong standard in achievement, behaviour and routines, welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance, with safeguarding standards met. These are separate area judgements, rather than an overall grade.

In May 2026, the curriculum emphasised physical, social and emotional development within the early years foundation stage, the framework for children’s learning, development and care. In daily practice, that meant learning through play, conversation, movement and growing independence.

Babies used a bar, beam and mirror while practising balance and pulling themselves upright. Toddlers experimented with wooden vehicles on a slope, changing their grip as they lifted heavier objects. Older children’s construction play brought together protective equipment, a stepladder and mixing soil into pretend cement. These were concrete opportunities to practise movement, solve problems and explain ideas.

Story sessions also prompted conversation. Staff explained unfamiliar vocabulary and gave children time to formulate answers to questions. Family photographs, books of toddlers’ experiences and pictures of older children’s front doors supplied familiar starting points for talking about their lives.

Outside, May 2026 activities included directing water along paths and using rainwater from a water butt for play and watering plants. Children grew onions, tomatoes and sunflowers in the garden; a community barbecue connected the onions they had grown with food shared by families. The practical thread was clear: growing, making and discussing belonged together.

In May 2026, the key-person system linked children, staff and families, while handovers helped carry information between home and nursery. Conversations with parents covered behaviour, sleep routines and ways to continue learning at home. For families, this made everyday care part of the same conversation as development.

Individual support included equipment selected around children’s needs and interests. Early years pupil premium funding paid for a parachute and emotion stones to help with sharing, taking turns and understanding feelings. This gives a concrete example of how additional funding was used, rather than a general promise about support.

Baby-room staff physically checked sleeping babies in May 2026. Toddlers were encouraged to recognise when they needed the toilet, while older children practised pouring water and clearing their plates. Meals were prepared on site, with family food preferences contributing to menu choices.

Adventurers is at 64 Sylvan Road, Exeter, EX4 6HA. Children attending in May 2026 were aged 1 to 4; that is the age range at that visit.

In May 2026, opening hours were 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. These describe the opening window, rather than a particular attendance package.

• Additional support. At the May 2026 inspection, Ofsted asked leaders to extend their work on removing barriers so that children needing extra help benefit more fully. Families considering support needs should explore how individual goals and progress are discussed.
• Baby care. Physical sleep checks were part of care in May 2026. A visit offers a useful opportunity to discuss how sleep routines would fit your child.
• Attendance pattern. How would the nursery’s booking arrangements fit the days and hours your family needs?

Adventurers merits consideration by families who value practical play and close communication about children’s everyday development. Its May 2026 examples are specific: construction, growing food, familiar family images and conversations that give children time to think. The next step on additional support matters alongside the strong area judgements, especially for families whose children need extra help.