Opening hours
Monday - Friday; Early bird session: 8.45am – 9.15am; Morning session: 9.15am to 12.15pm; Afternoon session: 12.15pm to 3.15 pm
Clyst Valley Pre-School
Ofsted: Good
(Dec 2022)
Number of places
26 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Dec 2022
Local authority
Devon
About this day nursery
Clyst Valley Pre-School, established in 1975 in Clyst St Mary near Exeter, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children ranging from 2 years 8 months up to school age. The pre-school focuses on learning through play and exploration, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to foster confidence, independence, and a love for learning.
They work closely with families, tailoring support to each child's individual needs. Housed in an eco-friendly building that opened in 2011, the facility features engaging indoor learning areas such as a story corner, messy play area, and literacy/numeracy zones, complemented by a well-equipped outdoor space including an all-weather artificial grass area and a thriving allotment developed in 2024.
The pre-school is a registered charity, governed by a committee of parents, and prides itself on its dedicated and experienced staff who ensure an inclusive setting for all children, including those with special educational needs and those for whom English is an additional language. While maintaining close links with Clyst St Mary Primary School, the pre-school operates independently, preparing children for a smooth transition to various local primary schools.
They hold numerous social and educational events throughout the year, inviting families to participate in their vibrant community life.
What it's like
Children happily and confidently enter the pre-school, keen to explore the inviting activities available to them. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress. Outside, children use their physical skills to mark out a pretend road on the floor and then ride their bicycles around it.
Established since 1975Eco-friendly buildingOutdoor allotmentCharity-runExperienced and dedicated staff
Pricing & funding
Fees are charged and payable half-termly in advance. Invoices are distributed to parents at the beginning of each term.
Funding accepted
15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds
- Early bird session£3.50 / day
- 2 year olds - Morning session (9.15 – 12.15)£25.50 / session
- 2 year olds - Afternoon session (12.15 – 3.15)£25.50 / session
- 2 year olds - Full day£51 / day
- 3-5 year olds - Morning session (9.15 – 12.15)£19.50 / session
Good to know
- Fees are payable half-termly in advance.
- Invoices are sent out at the beginning of each term, where applicable.
Key facts
Food
Children bring packed lunches; no hot meals are provided
Age range
2 years 8 months to school age
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Established
2001
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Clyst Valley Pre-School
Last inspected 7 December 2022 · Joanne Steward
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Children happily and confidently enter the pre-school, keen to explore the inviting activities available to them. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress. Outside, children use their physical skills to mark out a pretend road on the floor and then ride their bicycles around it.
Inspector highlights
- Children happily and confidently enter the pre-school, keen to explore the inviting activities available to them.
- All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress.
- Children have a good understanding of routines.
- Children have good opportunities to develop their early reading skills.
- Leaders and staff have made improvements since the last inspection.
Areas to develop
- 1develop mathematical activities even further to ensure older children have sufficient challenge
- 2provide further opportunities for children to extend their language development, particularly during mealtimes, to support their communication skills.
Inspection #10230950 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
"Parents speak highly of the pre-school. They say staff share regular information with them about their child's learning."
"Parents talk about how the pre-school's social media sites and noticeboard provide them with the knowledge of what activities children will be enjoying."
"They comment how staff are friendly, approachable and supportive to them as a family."
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress. Children with developmental delays and SEND have their specific needs met through a range of effective strategies.
Outdoor space
Outside, children use their physical skills to mark out a pretend road on the floor and then ride their bicycles around it. Staff talk to them about not riding their bicycles too fast and to be aware of others while cycling to prevent injuries.
Parent Reviews of Clyst Valley Pre-School
5.0
(13)
Olivia Murray
2 months ago
As a family, we have been so pleased with the pre school and what it has offered for both of our children. The lovely nurturing environment has been great for our kids and helped them to transition from nursery to school. The exciting learning tasks alongside the routine and structure has helped them get them ready and the staff really go out of their way to put the needs of your child at the forefront of their minds. They are always providing the children with wonderful social / learning opportunities and making it a fun place to be. I have always felt that they are super on it with communication too - they never miss a message in the communication book! A brilliant pre school!
Read on Google
Lottie Hartnell
2 months ago
Both my children have attended this preschool and they were fantastic. They support I received for my first child who has very complex needs was second to none they got him all additional help he needed before before he started school and he spent an extra year in the pre school. My daughter didn’t lie preschool to start with as she was very attached to me but within a matter of weeks she was settled in the pre school staff really make an effort to get to know the individual child and there interests and will do everything they can to support them moving forward from the day they start to the day before they start school Final comment AMAZING PRE SCHOOL with even more amazing staff Lottie
Read on Google
Zoe
2 months ago
My son has come on so much and grown in so much confidence since starting at Clyst Valley Preschool. All the staff are great and really helpful. We will be sad to leave when the time comes!
Read on Google
Jo Carter
8 years ago
My son currently enjoys Clyst Valley Pre-School and their lovely modern classroom. The staff are fantastic; providing excellent pastoral care, daily feedback, as well as sharing educational learning goals regularly. He has really blossomed in both confidence and knowledge since joining.
Read on Google
Kitty-Cat Platt
8 years ago
My eldest child (now 7) had a wonderful, nurturing, supportive, rich experience at Clyst Valley Preschool which my 3 year old son is now also experiencing. They are supportive and understanding of his needs and communicate brilliantly with myself and the other agencies.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Clyst Valley Pre-School. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: August 2004
- January 2023Good
- December 2022Good
- March 2022Requires improvement
- February 2022Requires improvement
- December 2015Outstanding
- November 2015Outstanding
- March 2009Outstanding
- February 2009Outstanding
- July 2006Outstanding
- June 2006Outstanding
- August 2004Good
Frequently asked about Clyst Valley Pre-School
Nearby day nurseries in Exeter
Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Clyst Valley Pre-School.
-
0.5 miOfsted: Good
Echoes Childcare
Exeter · EX5 1FY
-
1.0 miOfsted: Good
Puffins Clyst Heath
Exeter · EX2 7TA
-
1.1 miOfsted: Outstanding
Puffins At Sowton
Exeter · EX2 7LL
5.0(28 reviews) -
1.3 miOfsted: Good
Happy Days Nursery Exeter
Exeter · EX2 7XE
5.0(8 reviews) -
1.4 miOfsted: Good
Little Pearls Nursery
Exeter · EX2 5AZ
-
1.5 miOfsted: Good
Kiddi Caru Nursery
Exeter · EX1 3QS
4.2(5 reviews)
Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.
Claim listingShare this nursery
Send to a partner, friend or family member.
This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more