Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School, Plymouth

Inclusion is the strongest part of the picture at this Pennycross nursery. At its 6 February 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged inclusion Strong standard, the other assessed areas Expected standard, and safeguarding standards met. That gives parents a clear distinction between its strongest provision and the aspects still needing work.

Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School, Plymouth has capacity for 115 children at Springhill Green. The February 2026 picture combines attentive individual care with practical learning: babies exchanging sounds with adults, toddlers exploring outdoors and preschool children developing self-care skills. Communication with older children and the organisation of routines are the important qualifications.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing together language, physical development and learning through play. In February 2026, mathematical ideas came through stories and play, with children counting and comparing shapes and sizes. Babies practised walking using furniture for support, while adults responded to their sounds and sang with them.

Outdoor discovery gave those ideas something tangible. In February 2026, preschool children dug potatoes from planters with trowels and counted their finds; toddlers examined bugs using magnifying glasses. These were opportunities to connect numbers and observation with something children could handle and investigate.

The limitations matter too. In February 2026, adults sometimes talked over toddlers and preschool children or gave instructions while turned away from them. Listening and attention were consequently less secure for some children. Moving between indoor and outdoor activities, and some larger group activities, could also leave children unsettled or distracted.

In February 2026, key persons adjusted care around individual needs, including babies' sleep patterns, and kept parents informed about changes in development and care. Familiar adults offered babies comfort and company. For families, the useful detail is the connection between a child's routine and the adult responsible for understanding it.

At the February 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that prompt assessment, adaptations and collaboration with families and external professionals supported children with SEND, with targeted small-group work helping children engage with their peers. Visits involving therapy ponies and experiences of chicks hatching were used to encourage confidence and relationships.

Everyday independence also featured in February 2026. Toddlers practised managing coats, shoes and handwashing; preschool children poured drinks and used cutlery. A toothbrushing programme helped preschool children learn dental care, while yoga sessions used breathing and relaxation to help them manage feelings. Preparation for the next stage included practical habits as well as activities.

The address is Springhill Green, Pennycross, Plymouth, PL2 3RW. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with care across the year and closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

Childcare enquiries can be made on 01752 77 66 33 or through the contact form by selecting Springhill Green, Plymouth. This identifies the Pennycross nursery separately from the group's other Plymouth location.

• Older children's communication. Strengthening toddlers' and preschool children's listening and speaking was a February 2026 improvement priority. On a visit, ask how staff now give instructions and make space for children to respond.
• Changes between activities. February 2026 routines sometimes left older children distracted or unsettled. Ask to see how indoor-to-outdoor changes and larger group activities are organised.
• Matching care to your week. Opening hours span the working day. Ask which booking patterns, funded arrangements and meal and consumable charges would apply to your child's attendance.

This nursery merits consideration by families who place individual care and support for additional needs high on their priorities. Its February 2026 inclusion judgement is the strongest reason, supported by concrete examples of adaptations and collaboration. Families needing weekday care across the year also have a substantial opening window. For parents of toddlers and preschool children, the decision should give equal weight to the communication and routine improvements identified in February 2026.