Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, all year round
Westhill Nursery
Ofsted: Outstanding
(Nov 2022)
Number of places
24 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Nov 2022
Local authority
Devon
About this day nursery
Westhill Nursery, located in Braunton, North Devon, offers a warm and welcoming early years setting for children from birth to five years old. Established in 1960, this outstanding provider focuses on high-quality full-day care in a nurturing environment.
With a small capacity, the nursery provides a personal, family-like atmosphere where each child is encouraged to grow, explore, and thrive. The experienced team is dedicated to supporting individual development through a blend of play, discovery, and learning.
A unique aspect is the Forest School, held three times a week, providing children with opportunities to connect with nature, build resilience, and develop a love for the outdoors. The nursery also emphasises imaginative role-play, critical thinking through puzzles, and physical development in its outdoor play area.
Language-rich learning is fostered through poetry, storytelling, and open conversations. Children are encouraged to express themselves in group discussions and one-on-one interactions, with the aim of supporting their innate curiosity.
Westhill Nursery is open year-round, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and works closely with families to ensure a consistent and supportive experience for every child.
Our ethos
At West Hill and Forest School, we believe early childhood should be joyful, meaningful, and full of wonder—and we are here to make this happen. We believe in education for sustainability, actively engaging in sustainable practices everyday and the promotion of a sense of responsibility, respect, empowerment, enquiry and the social change to make a better difference. Our unique learning landscape is inspired by nature pedagogies; including learning elements of Emilia Reggio, Montessori and McMillan theories.
What it's like
Children have a brilliant time at this nursery. They have an exceptional learning experience in a joyful and nurturing environment. The team of dedicated staff supports the children to explore, create and learn.
Forest SchoolSmall capacityPlay-based learningNurturing environment
Pricing & funding
Pricing on request
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Key facts
Age range
0 to 5 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Session types
full-day care
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Westhill Nursery
Last inspected 16 November 2022
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
What it's like to attend
Children have a brilliant time at this nursery. They have an exceptional learning experience in a joyful and nurturing environment. The team of dedicated staff supports the children to explore, create and learn.
Inspector highlights
- All children make excellent progress.
- There is a strong and highly effective focus on developing children's language and communication.
- The manager and staff have excellent knowledge and teaching skills.
- The setting supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) brilliantly.
- Children make lovely friendships.
Inspection #10234051 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents report that they are very happy with the nursery and highly recommend it.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
The setting supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) brilliantly. Links with local agencies that support children with SEND are strong. Children with SEND receive a high-quality level of care and education and make excellent progress. Families of children with SEND are very well supported.
Outdoor space
Outdoors, younger children experience playing with bubbly water in a role-play kitchen. Older children enjoy physical play on a climbing frame and slide. The children explore outdoor learning in a forest school environment twice a week.
Parent Reviews of Westhill Nursery
3.7
(3)
Laura Welburn
7 years ago
My son loves this place. Ruth is fantastic with children and has provided a really stimulating environment. The forest school is brilliant.
Read on Google
Tobias Wolff-Maritz
a year ago
Ruth Other
7 years ago
Reviews from Google for Westhill Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: August 2006
- December 2022Outstanding
- November 2022Outstanding
- February 2017Good
- January 2017Good
- May 2013Outstanding
- April 2013Outstanding
- February 2011Outstanding
- January 2011Good
- March 2007Good
- February 2007Outstanding
- August 2006Inadequate
Frequently asked about Westhill Nursery
About the setting
Westhill Nursery was established in 1960. It is privately owned and has been run by the same family since opening. The nursery operates in the grounds of the provider's home in Braunton, North Devon. It is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm, all year round, with a breakfast and after-school club. The provider, who is also the manager, holds early years professional status and employs five additional staff, four of whom hold level 3 early years qualifications, and one is currently working towards an early years qualification. The nursery provides funded early years education for children aged two, three and four years.
- URN
- 106394
- Registered person
- Anne Garland and Ruth Garland Partnership
- 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 Braunton
Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Westhill Nursery.
-
0.2 miOfsted: Good
Little Fishes Pre-school and Nursery
Braunton · EX33 1AQ
5.0(5 reviews) -
0.2 miOfsted: Good
Beach Buddies Braunton
Braunton · EX33 2JA
-
1.6 miOfsted: Good
Bright Start Early Years
Barnstaple · EX31 4AZ
-
1.8 miAwaiting first inspection
Bright Start Early Years
Barnstaple · EX31 4BA
-
3.1 miOfsted: Good
EarlyBirds Day Nursery
Barnstaple · EX31 3BL
-
3.2 miOfsted: Good
Little Butterflies Day Nursery
Barnstaple · EX31 3DD
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