Nanny Bears Childcare, Bradfords Farm

A converted barn and farm surroundings give Nanny Bears Childcare, Bradfords Farm its character. At its February 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. The strongest practical thread was children learning through activity: stories, sand play and outdoor exploration.

The nursery accepts children aged 3 to 60 months and has 49 places in total. Its rural setting will appeal to families who value space for outdoor play alongside preparation for school.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, connecting play with developing communication, physical skills and independence. In February 2025, stories involved expressive voices and faces, helping children follow characters' feelings and practise listening.

Sand play gave mathematical ideas a physical form. Children counted scoops, filled containers and compared sizes. The mud kitchen brought pretend cooking together with an interest in recipes, giving writing a purpose within play.

During February 2025, children explored facilities on the farm and spent time outdoors daily. Yoga added movement and opportunities to practise balance. These activities made outdoor space part of learning rather than simply somewhere to take a break.

At the February 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that the key-person arrangements helped children settle, room moves took account of emotional and developmental readiness, and the curriculum supported preparation for future learning. For parents, that connects familiar relationships with carefully timed changes.

In February 2025, staff helped children work through disagreements and feelings, encouraging sharing and cooperation. Parents' evenings complemented updates about learning with ideas for activities at home. The nursery provided vegetarian food, and children practised handwashing while learning why hygiene matters.

Staff wellbeing also received attention in February 2025. The team had support for professional development, and practitioners evaluated their work to identify improvements.

The address is Bradford Farm, Uplowman, Tiverton, EX16 7DQ. Opening hours are 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with closures for bank holidays and one week over Christmas.

• Developing conversation. In February 2025, staff sometimes missed opportunities to extend children's thinking through questions. The improvement priority was more consistent discussion that encouraged children to explain their ideas and experiences.
• Planning attendance. The opening window spans the working day, while bank holidays and the Christmas closure require other arrangements. At a visit, ask which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your week, and request a written quotation covering meals and consumables.

This nursery suits families seeking a farm setting and year-round weekday opening. The February 2025 picture combined outdoor activity with close relationships and practical preparation for school. More searching questions during play were the clear development point, making the quality of everyday conversation a useful priority when choosing.