Term time / All Year
Term Time
Sara's School
Ofsted: Good
(Jan 2024)
Number of places
21 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2024
Local authority
Devon
About this day nursery
Sara's School, located in Tedburn St. Mary, Exeter, operates as a childcare setting on non-domestic premises, offering term-time care for children aged 0 to 11 years. The nursery received a 'Good' rating in its latest Ofsted inspection on January 31, 2024.
Staff warmly welcome children and their families, fostering an environment where children confidently interact with familiar toys and resources, and parents have noted the good relationships children build with each other. The curriculum is ambitious and tailored to children's interests, with leaders having a clear vision for what children should learn over time.
Children at Sara's School particularly thrive in the outdoor area, enthusiastically engaging in a variety of activities, from counting insects to making 'frog pie' in the outdoor kitchen. This strong emphasis on outdoor learning supports their deep engagement and confident communication.
The nursery also excels in its provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), offering careful monitoring, early interventions for needs such as speech and language difficulties, and collaborative work with external agencies. Children demonstrate a love of books, enjoying stories in the outdoor reading den, and make good progress in their physical development through activities designed to enhance both fine and gross motor skills.
The nursery's hours are term time, with a breakfast club Tuesdays to Fridays and an after-school club Wednesdays and Thursdays. Some holiday care is also available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
What it's like
Staff warmly welcome children and their families. Children begin playing with their friends as soon as they arrive and confidently find familiar toys and resources. They work together to practise balancing on plastic stepping stones and take care to cross them all without falling over.
Outdoor learningAmbitious curriculumSEND provisionLove of booksPhysical developmentWarm welcome
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds
Key facts
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Sara's School
Last inspected 31 January 2024
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Staff warmly welcome children and their families. Children begin playing with their friends as soon as they arrive and confidently find familiar toys and resources. They work together to practise balancing on plastic stepping stones and take care to cross them all without falling over.
Inspector highlights
- Children learn particularly well in the outdoor area.
- Leaders have a secure understanding of what they want children to learn over time.
- Children demonstrate a love of books.
- Children make good progress in their physical development.
- Children become deeply engaged when learning outdoors.
Areas to develop
- 1provide more opportunities for children to develop their ability to hold meaningful conversations and discuss their ideas with others
- 2strengthen partnerships with parents to provide a consistent approach to help new children, especially babies, to settle more quickly.
Inspection #10308381 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents comment on the good relationships children make with each other over time.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is good. Staff monitor children's progress carefully and put in place early interventions to support children, such as those with speech and language difficulties. They work closely with other agencies where necessary, including taking part in local authority initiatives to support children with SEND.
Outdoor space
Children learn particularly well in the outdoor area. They delight as they collect and accurately count plastic insects and reptiles in small fishing nets and excitedly develop the activity by deciding to make 'frog pie for dinner' in the outdoor kitchen. Children become deeply engaged when learning outdoors, enthusiastically accessing the good range of activities on offer and talking confidently about what they are doing.
Inspection history
Date: December 2012
- January 2024Good
- March 2018Good
- September 2013Good
- December 2012Good
Frequently asked about Sara's School
About the setting
Sara's School registered in 2012 and is managed by the owner. It operates from the village hall in Tedburn St Mary, Devon. It is open during term time from 8am to 3pm on Tuesdays and Fridays, and from 8am to 5.30pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. There are five staff, including the owner. Of these, four have a relevant level 3 childcare qualification, and one is an apprentice. The setting receives early education funding to provide free places for children aged two, three and four years old.
- URN
- EY448999
- Registered person
- Smale, Sara Louise
- Day care type
- Full day care
- Register
- Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
- Establishment type
- Childcare on non-domestic premises
- Previous rating
- Good
Nearby day nurseries in Exeter
Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Sara's School.
-
3.4 miOfsted: Outstanding
Sweetpeas Early Years Provision
Crediton · EX17 5HY
-
3.9 miOfsted: Good
The Leap Frogs
Crediton · EX17 3AX
-
3.9 miOfsted: Good
Sunflowers Day Nursery
Crediton · EX17 3LA
-
4.0 miOfsted: Good
Pippins Pre-School (crediton)
Crediton · EX17 2BN
-
4.3 miOfsted: Outstanding
Muddy Boots Childcare
Exeter · EX5 5AY
4.3(6 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