Our Nursery
Our Nursery
Opened in 2013, Discovery Nursery welcomes children aged 3 months to 5 years, set across two floors with four main rooms, a dining room, and three gardens. Nestled in the centre of Exeter on Heavitree Road, close to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, we are open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm, providing a caring, creative environment for every stage of early childhood.
At Discovery Nursery, creativity and curiosity are at the heart of everything we do. We provide a nurturing, inspiring space where children feel safe, valued, and ready to explore the world around them. We believe children learn best when they are encouraged to explore, discover, investigate, and ask questions. Through thoughtfully created environments and inviting learning experiences, we support children to become creative and critical thinkers, unearthing ideas, following their interests, and developing a lifelong love of learning. Our children and practitioners learn alongside one another, imaginative, adventurous, and inquisitive in a warm and supportive environment.
Outdoor Learning
Our outdoor spaces are central to life at Discovery, giving the nursery a strong outdoor learning feel. We fully embrace outdoor learning, giving children the freedom to connect with nature and learn through hands-on experiences. We are fortunate to have a dedicated outdoor woodland area and Sound Garden, where children can get creative making mud pies, explore the natural world, learn new skills, create music, and take appropriate risks in a safe and supported way.
Life at Discovery is wonderfully unique; there's no single "typical day." Each room follows a rhythm shaped by the children within it, evolving over time to reflect their interests and personalities. While every day offers new opportunities for exploration, our consistent routines ensure children feel secure, confident, and ready to embrace what comes next.
Maddie Smale
Nursery Manager
Angela Kerswell
Deputy Manager
Sarah Smith
Department Lead
Chloee Styles
Department Lead
Jess Hoskin
Department Lead
Ellie Richards
Department Lead
Facilities & Outdoor Locations
At Discovery Nursery in Exeter, our environment is thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Set across two floors, our nursery features four dedicated rooms, each carefully tailored to meet the needs and interests of different age groups. Our dining spaces provide a calm, social space where children can enjoy meals together and build independence. The nursery’s outside space is our centrepiece: it’s a place for exploration and joy!
Outdoor Exploration
Our outdoor space is a true extension of our learning environment and a big part of what makes Discovery so special. With three unique garden sections, children have endless opportunities to explore, create, and connect with nature.
Ofsted
We are proud to have been rated Good in all areas in our most recent Ofsted inspection (December 2024), recognising the strong quality of education, care, and the supportive environment we create for every child.