Nanny Bears Childcare, Hope Hall

Books, singing and learning to manage feelings give Nanny Bears Childcare, Hope Hall its character. At its January 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received good support. The practical detail beneath that judgement matters: adults adapted activities to children's interests, while two improvement points concerned older children's waiting time and independence.

Based at Hope Hall on Hope Road in Exeter, EX2 5JN, the nursery accepts children aged 24 to 60 months. Its appeal rests on everyday relationships and play rather than a catalogue of branded programmes.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the January 2025 examples included stories, conversation and singing through play. Children shared books with friends and carried songs from group activities into their own games. These gave them opportunities to practise language beyond adult-led activities.

In January 2025, regular yoga activities also continued into children's independent play. Adults introduced vocabulary in the toy kitchen and discussed the weather with toddlers using the outdoor area. Learning drew on what children were already doing, making conversation part of play rather than a separate task.

There was a practical limitation. In January 2025, some changes between activities left older children waiting and losing interest. Keeping those intervals purposeful was one of the required improvements.

In January 2025, stories helped children name feelings, while staff responded to an interest in cleaning by arranging toy-car washing. Children also helped friends put toys away. These examples connect emotional learning with ordinary shared tasks.

For additional needs, the January 2025 arrangements included individual support plans, discussions with parents and consistent language between adults. Additional funding paid for resources and training; changes to role play supported children who found social exchanges difficult.

Daily conversations and parents' evenings formed the January 2025 communication pattern. Staff had supervision, training and induction arrangements too. At the handwashing station, children practised personal care, including cleaning their faces using a cloth and mirror. Independence was less consistent at meals: toddlers could serve themselves, but adults often served preschool children instead.

Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates throughout the year, closing for bank holidays and Christmas. Its address is Hope Hall, Hope Road, Exeter, EX2 5JN.

In January 2025, the nursery offered government-funded childcare places. Families considering funding should distinguish that inspection-time provision from the arrangements they need for their intended attendance.

• Older children's activity changes. January 2025 observations included waiting that interrupted engagement. On a visit, ask how preschool children stay occupied between activities.
• Everyday independence. In January 2025, adults sometimes served preschool children's food despite younger children serving themselves. Ask how older children now practise doing things for themselves.
• Attendance and funding. The year-round opening window extends across the working day. Ask which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements fit your family's week, including the treatment of meals and consumables.

Hope Hall suits families seeking care for children aged 24 to 60 months who value books, conversation and emotional learning. The January 2025 account gives those priorities concrete substance. For older children, the decision should also take account of the two improvements around activity changes and independence, both of which affect the texture of an ordinary day.