Bright Start Early Years in Barnstaple (EX31 4AZ)

About this day nursery

Bright Start Early Years, located near Chivenor airfield in Barnstaple, provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children from 9 months. The nursery focuses on supporting each child's unique development through a child-centred approach, emphasising strong self-esteem.

They offer a cosy indoor play area and an outdoor play space for their 12-place nursery, catering to children aged 9 months to around 3 years. This stage focuses on Physical Development, Communication & Language, and Personal, Social & Emotional Development, with an introduction to the four specific areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

As children approach three years old, they transition to a larger pre-school room for up to 23 children, which also features its own outdoor area. Here, the curriculum builds on earlier development, shifting an equal emphasis to Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts and Design.

The setting promotes a Forest School ethos, incorporating "risky play" in a structured environment and fostering an appreciation for nature through a developing kitchen garden and wildlife reserve. The team prioritises continuous professional development to ensure their offerings are fresh and aligned with the latest research in child development.

They also have first-hand experience with the demands of military family life, allowing them to better support such families.

Our ethos

Bright Start Early Years promotes a Forest School ethos with an emphasis on "risky play" within a structured environment, fostering a connection with nature. Their approach is child-centred, aiming to build self-esteem and support unique development, while integrating the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. They also incorporate continuous professional development to ensure their practices are current with child development research.

What it's like

Children are very happy and settled in this setting and are keen and curious to explore the resources and activities available. Babies and toddlers have trusting relationships with attentive staff. The staff have high expectations for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Pricing & funding