Tops Exeter Nursery Celebrates GOOD Ofsted Rating

We’re proud to announce that Tops Exeter nursery has received a GOOD rating in our latest Ofsted inspection! This is a fantastic reflection of the care, dedication, and educational quality we provide for families in Exeter.

A Welcoming Exeter Nursery Where Children Thrive

Here at Tops Exeter, based at the University of Exeter, we’ve created a nurturing, family-centred environment where children feel safe, happy, and excited to learn.

Our recent Ofsted GOOD rating confirms what our families already know — that our nursery is a place where children flourish socially, emotionally, and academically. From the moment they arrive, children are warmly welcomed and supported by our caring team.

“Children enter this welcoming nursery happily… They benefit from frequent praise and show pride in their achievements.” — Ofsted, 2024

It’s this balance of structure, love, and freedom that helps every child develop confidence, kindness, and a love of learning from an early age.

What Makes Tops Exeter Nursery Stand Out?

A Curriculum Built Around Children’s Interests

Our broad and balanced curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and joy through child-led play, guided by our Environmental, Social & Cultural (ESC) values.

We were delighted to see the inspector highlight how staff skilfully extend children’s interests, like supporting toddlers with animal play or helping preschoolers build garages for toy trucks. Every moment becomes a learning opportunity.

Independent, Real-World Learning

We’re always looking for ways to empower children. One of our proudest achievements has been introducing a self-serve meal system. helping children develop practical skills and self-reliance in a safe, age-appropriate way.

Ofsted noted:

“Preschool children are keen to have a go at serving themselves their food, and they learn to do so carefully.”

These experiences support our mission of growing minds for a greener future — helping children become thoughtful, capable citizens.

Recognition for a Passionate, Professional Team

Our Senior Nursery Manager at Tops Exeter, Karleigh Parsons, shares:

“We’re thrilled that we have received a “Good” rating in our latest Ofsted report! The feedback highlights how children enter our welcoming nursery happily and thrive on frequent praise and engouement, and how the children take pride in their achievements. We are proud that they talk about how we proved broad and balanced curriculums that supports children. This is all down to the hard work and dedication of everyone in the team at Exeter, and everything they do to support the children and families who attend our setting”.

The GOOD rating is a testament to the teams hard work, care, and innovation. Every team member is committed to helping children learn and grow in ways that are fun, respectful, and deeply meaningful.

We’re also passionate about ongoing staff training and development, ensuring we stay at the forefront of early years education in Exeter.

Part of the Tops Day Nurseries Family

Tops Exeter is part of Tops Day Nurseries — a trusted and award-winning group of over 30 sustainable childcare settings across the South and Southwest. We’re known for our eco-conscious practices, inclusive values, and flexible childcare that works for real families.

We welcome children from 9 months to school age, with additional Hi5 Holiday Clubs for children up to age 11.

Book a Visit or Read Our Ofsted Report

If you’re looking for an Ofsted-rated nursery in Exeter that offers a warm, welcoming space with high-quality early years education, we’d love to meet you.

• Visit our Tops Exeter nursery page

• Read the full Ofsted report here

• Explore other Tops Day Nurseries across the region