Inspiring Little Explorers Every Day
Where children discover curiosity, creativity & adventure
A Warm Welcome to Discovery Nursery, Exeter
Welcome to Discovery Nursery in Exeter, a place where curiosity leads the way and every child’s journey is uniquely their own.
Located on Heavitree Road in Exeter, close to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, our nursery is perfectly situated within the community, offering a warm and welcoming space for children and families alike. The nursery is open from 7:30am – 6pm Monday to Friday, and welcomes children aged between 3 months – 5 years.
At the heart of everything we do is a belief that children learn best through exploration. We carefully create environments and meaningful learning invitations that inspire children to explore, discover, investigate, enquire, unearth and detect. Whether indoors or outdoors, each space is thoughtfully designed to spark imagination and encourage a love of learning.
Our pedagogy is rooted in creativity and connection. Our children and practitioners learn side by side, guided by shared values of being imaginative, curious, adventurous, determined and inquisitive. Together, we nurture confidence, independence and a genuine joy for discovery, all within a safe, supportive and loving environment.
Life at our nursery is dynamic and ever evolving. There is no “typical” day at Discovery. Each room follows its own rhythm, with routines that adapt and change each term to reflect the personalities, interests and needs of the children. This flexible approach ensures that every child feels seen, valued and inspired in their learning journey.
We embrace the outdoors as an essential part of childhood, encouraging creativity and imagination in natural spaces where children can truly thrive.
Welcome to a place where learning is an adventure, and every child is free to discover who they are.
Comment from Nursery Manager
At Discovery Nursery, we give your child the freedom to explore, adventure, and become the inventor of their own life. Through a creative and imaginative environment, children are supported to grow and thrive, while feeling safe and nurtured by caring key people.
Our outdoor space connects children with nature, allowing them to experience the earth firsthand, building sensory awareness and supporting emotional regulation. As an all-weather nursery, we help children understand the seasons, nature, and their place within it.
Community is at the heart of our Discovery family.
Maddie Smale
Nursery Manager
Learning & Care
At Discovery Nursery, we educate children through thoughtfully created environments and learning invitations that inspire them to explore, discover, investigate, enquire, unearth and detect. We nurture a love of books and storytelling to help children access the world around them, while playful experiences with numbers encourage confidence and enjoyment in early problem-solving. Every child is supported to be unique, developing their own voice, interests and identity within a creative and imaginative space.
Our pedagogy brings together children and practitioners who are curious, adventurous, determined and inquisitive, learning side by side in a safe and loving environment. We embrace the outdoors as a vital part of childhood, celebrating muddy play, fresh air and open-ended exploration. Through strong communication, partnership and shared events, we build our Discovery family, creating a place where children and families feel secure, valued and able to grow together.
A Typical Day
There’s no such thing as a typical day at Discovery Nursery, each room follows its own rhythm. Routines evolve with children’s interests, encouraging exploration, creativity and outdoor adventure. Every day is shaped by curiosity, imagination and the joy of discovering something new.
Age Ranges & Rooms
Discovery Nursery offers inspiring spaces across two floors. With four main rooms, a dining area and three unique gardens to explore, including a sound garden, creative cove and a large, adventure-filled mud kitchen.
Our Learning Approach
At Discovery Nursery, we inspire children to explore, discover and learn through creative, imaginative environments, indoors and out. We build a love of books, numbers and individuality in a safe, nurturing space. We are a curious, adventurous community where our Discovery families grow together.
Fees & Funding
We offer government-funded hours for eligible children from 9 months old, alongside flexible sessions and wraparound care to suit your routine. Visit our Fees & Funding page to learn more about our session options, consumables, and how we make government funding go further for you.
Meet The Team
Our team is at the heart of everything we do at Discovery. Warm, experienced and deeply caring, they create the gentle and reassuring atmosphere that defines our nursery.
Each member of staff takes the time to build strong, trusting relationships with both children and families, ensuring every child feels understood, supported and truly at home. We work closely with parents, sharing each milestone and celebrating every achievement together.
Maddie Smale
Nursery Manager
Angela Kerswell
Deputy Manager
Sarah Smith
Department Lead
Chloee Styles
Department Lead
Jess Hoskin
Department Lead
Ellie Richards
Department Lead
Get In Touch
We would love to hear from you. Whether you’d like to arrange a visit, ask a question, or learn more about a place for your child, our friendly team is here to help.
At Discovery Nursery, we understand how important choosing the right setting is, and we are here to support you from your very first enquiry. We look forward to welcoming you into our Discovery community. If you would like to get in touch with us please call 01392 459336 or fill in our contact form
