hdc Dartington

Gidleys Meadow, Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6JZ
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9.8 55 Reviews
  • hdc Dartington, Totnes
The beautiful hdc Dartington Nursery in Totnes is nestled between Dartmoor and the South Devon coastline. All rooms within the nursery have a hygge-inspired decor, helping children to feel comfortable and secure in a home-from-home environment.

The baby areas are spacious and lead directly onto a private decking area, overlooking the garden which provides plenty of fresh air and free movement. This room is carefully structured, to allow for quiet spaces made for sleeping and relaxation, as well as suitable spaces and equipment to encourage messy play.

The Meadow Room is for children approaching 2 years old and is equipped with a large variety of resources and natural objects to encourage your child's curiosity. There is a large garden area, designed to promote outdoor play, and to encourage an active lifestyle where the children can take part in activities such as running around, cycling, and much more.

In the Forest Room, children will join as they near three years old. They will experience a mix of child-led and adult-led activities, encouraging a holistic approach to learning, whilst developing their knowledge on food and the environment. Promoting a healthy lifestyle at Dartington Nursery is incredibly important, so the team encourage spending time outdoors and provide children with the opportunity to grow their own vegetables in the large outdoor garden.

The beautiful Tree Tops room is the last stop before your child goes to Primary School. The daily activities are specially designed to get your child ready for a more independent life. The team focus on providing support to families and children before, during and after the transition to school takes place.

The nursery offers exceptional care, enriched by unique learning opportunities for your child. One such experience is child-friendly cooking classes, helping to equip children with valuable skills and deeper knowledge of the cooking process.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Melissa Jordan (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 19

Total Places for Children

  • 87

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Full Day Session £74.20

  • A £100 non-refundable registration fee is required to secure a place. Exact days of attendance should be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to the child’s start date. Any changes are subject to availability.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • Parking is available outside the nursery making it easy for drop-off and pick-up.

hdc Dartington Reviews (55)

9.8

hdc Dartington has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.800) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time hdc Dartington has 55 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to hdc Dartington
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Total of 55, showing 21-40
Review from N A (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've been with HDC Dartington for over 2 years now, with both our children attending. The staff are fun, warm, caring and supportive and our girls have always loved their time here. The facilities are good, with nice outdoor space for the kids to play and learn, and the food is healthy and varied,
with opportunities for the older ones to grow and cook in summer.
Really happy, thank you!
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at hdc Dartington
The team will be delighted to hear this. Thank you for sharing.
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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves going to hdc Dartington! It is definitely down to the dedicated staff and wonderful outdoor-based play. It has been almost three years now, and we feel very blessed to have such a lovely place for her to grow while we work.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from J R (Father of Child) published on 17 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely team and both our children have been extremely happy here. Couldn't recommend it highly enough. Rooms are often updated, obvious investment in outdoor facilities and daily enthusiasm from all members of staff.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We're thrilled to have had the opportunity to care for both your children and that they've been so happy at our nursery. We take pride in updating our…read more
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Review from Helen K (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Humpty Dumpty Nursery has been such a special place to take my daughter. There are a range of themes and activities to ignite in her passion for learning. The staff are very caring as well. The outside space is also lovely and big. I would love to see a few more exposure outings for the children/possibly
use of the big field opposite the village stores. Nevertheless, all in all, I highly recommend this nursery.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you for your feedback, we really appreciate it!
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Review from Rita L (Grandmother of Child) published on 17 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandson has come on so well since going here. At first, he was hesitant going in, but now I’m lucky to get a kiss, he is straight in. He is still happy to see me when I pick him up which is lovely. I’m very happy with the nursery.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from Jasmin D (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl started in nursery 4 months ago, I was so scared of putting her in a nursery let alone someone else caring for her, but it's been the best decision. She learns so much, enjoys her days there, activities are just things you can't even think of at home. All staff but especially her key
worker have been nothing but amazing to me and my daughter. Couldn't be happier, so for that I'm ever so thankful.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're so glad that your little girl has adapted well to nursery life and is enjoying her time with us. Our team takes great pride in providing…read more
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Review from A G (Mother of Child) published on 1 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our children have been to hdc Dartington and absolutely flourished there. They both enjoy the outside space and the gardening activities on offer and we love the value that this nursery places on being outdoors.
The manager is doing a fantastic job of managing hdc Dartington and we would also
like to particularly thank three staff members. Who have all been so kind and who our kids have loved being with and have really benefitted from their guidance.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from Catherine V (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our daughters have gone to hdc Dartington and we are very happy with the experiences both have had. The staff are friendly, kind, knowledgeable and patient. The nursery is excellent and the children spend lots of time outdoors. Overall an excellent nursery.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from R D (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves it at nursery and we couldn’t be happier. Lovely outdoor space with lots of fun activities! He always comes back tired and happy. Everyone is extremely kind and friendly. They have recently moved to a new app but I’m sure once it is all in place communication will be as good as it was with
the old app. Thank you hdc Dartington!
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from Victoria B (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children love nursery, they are happy, engaged and have brilliant bonds with their key workers. They have a varied menu which is full of healthy foods and structured and imaginative activities. All 3 of our children have loved attending hdc Dartington and I feel very confident with the care and education
they’ve received.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from Kate G (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our daughters have gone to hdc Dartington and both love it. Our youngest is currently in The Meadow (toddler room) and runs in excitedly each morning. They do loads of fun activities with the children, like baking, painting, making music, growing vegetables in the garden and lots of free play.
Our eldest was really well prepared for school by the nursery with them adopting a school like routine in the last year where they practised getting changed for Physical Education and took more responsibility for themselves through the day along with having a good initial introduction to phonics and counting etc.
The staff are all really lovely, and clearly seem happy to work there, and the nursery itself has a nice calm feel with lots of outdoor space. The menu is varied and a lot healthier than what our eldest is now given at school. I would highly recommend this nursery.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you so much for your review about our nursery, we really appreciate it!
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Review from Kate H (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child seems to really enjoy her days at hdc Dartington. There is a really great space, particularly outdoors. All the staff come across as very friendly, caring, and dedicated, and we have been really pleased with how our daughter has settled in and got more and more involved with all the fun-looking
activities that are organised. The staff put a lot of time and effort into organising great activities and seem to really care about making the days fun and varied. We have been really pleased with how much outdoor time the children seem to have.
My satisfactory rating on value for money is not a reflection of the nursery itself. I think the nursery is great, just that childcare is a lot to afford, and that is not the fault of the nursery but the government.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you so much for your review; we really appreciate it!
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Review from Catherine M (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I've sent both my sons to hdc Dartington. Lovely facilities, fantastic hard working and caring staff. Supportive environment, and lots of outdoor play. They love to really cultivate your child's interests.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you for your review; we really appreciate it!
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Review from Ben R (Father of Child) published on 18 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved to Devon from London, and our son was immediately made welcome and part of the hdc family. We always look forward to hearing (and reading on the app platform) about his day and all the great activities they get up to. Lovely to have so much time and emphasis on outdoor activities.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Hi and thank you for your review; we really appreciate it!
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Review from Emily V (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at hdc are friendly, welcoming and helpful. I feel that our son is safe and loved there, and I feel confident dropping him off and leaving him in their capable hands.
They are really responsive to his and our needs and requests; they give him loads of opportunities to learn, explore and discover
the world at his own pace, and they always keep us informed and up to date with what is going on.
Thanks to the team- you are great!
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you for your review; we really appreciate it! We will make sure to pass your feedback onto the team.
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Review from Sam S (Father of Child) published on 18 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are kept up to date and have a happy child.
The staff are friendly and welcoming.
A good variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
My daughter has made bonds with the staff and she really enjoys it there.
I would recommend hdc Dartington as my daughter really enjoys it there.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you so much for your lovely review, it is very much appreciated.
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Review from S C (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two and a half year old attends this nursery, he loves it and I am impressed with the care and affection he is shown by the workers. The outside space is great for muddy play. He does lots of fun well planned and age appropriate activities each day. It is a lovely environment and he is thriving there.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from Lauren K (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child absolutely loves going to hdc Dartington.
I really like how they keep us informed on the weekly activities that are taking place through the app.
I would highly recommend them, all the staff are so kind.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Hi and thank you for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from B B (Father of Child) published on 18 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has attended the nursery since she was around year old and followed their groups from babies to preschool. All the staff are really lovely and in courage her to be herself and explore. Our daughter has become attached to her key person in every room who have helped her come on miles both
verbally and with her confidence. They alway have lots of activities and a great outdoor space for the children to run around/learn in.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Thank you for your kind feedback, it is much appreciated!
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Review from K L (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hdc is a fantastic nursery. There is plenty of outdoor space, the staff are brilliant and always getting the children involved in a range of activities. Our son loves it here and has developed really well and made great friends. I would highly recommend to any parent.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington
Hi and thank you for your review, it is much appreciated!
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.800)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.800) out of 10 for hdc Dartington is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.800 for hdc Dartington is calculated as follows: ( (202 Excellents x 5) + (46 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 250 Ratings = 4.8
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for hdc Dartington is based on 21 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 87 number of registered child places is 17.4, which has been reached with 21 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (5)

Meet the Team (1)

Melissa

Melissa Jordan

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2023

Hi! I'm Melissa and I'm the Nursery Manager here at hdc Dartington.


We look forward to welcoming you to our nursery!

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