Puffins at Clystheath

The Chapel, Woodwater Lane, Clyst Heath, Exeter EX2 7EY
Review Us
10 87 Reviews
Puffins at Clystheath provides a safe and engaging environment for children to enjoy their day at nursery and learn about the world around them. The nursery is a converted Victorian chapel and has been open since 1995.

Staff are qualified to provide a high level of care and boost children's learning and social skills through play.

The secure nursery also has a garden area which children are encouraged to play in all year round. As well as the garden area children are taken on regular trips to local parks and green areas which are enjoyable for children and adults alike.
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Type of Service

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

Person in charge

  • Chantelle (Childcare Centre Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 19

Total Places for Children

  • 60

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Under 2s with no Grant Funding:
    Daily (07:30-18:00) £79 per session
    Full week £335 per week
    Morning or afternoon rate £10 per hour (minimum 3 hours, maximum 6 hours)


    9-23 Month Grant Funding:
    Available for full day sessions or half day sessions
    25p per hour service charge (on hours with grant allocated)


    2 - 3yrs Sessions with no Grant Funding:
    Daily (07:30-18:00) £76 per session
    Morning or afternoon rate £9.50 per hour (minimum 3hr session, maximum 6hrs)


    2 - 3yrs Grant Funding:
    Available for full day sessions or half day sessions
    25p per hour service charge (on hours with grant allocated)
    Full Time 10% discount for 2 - 3yrs


    3 and 4yrs:
    £8 per hour; for hours not allocated with grant
    £1.15 per hour service charge (on hours with grant allocated)
    Over 40hrs booked 10% discount

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

Puffins at Clystheath Reviews (87)

Total of 87, showing 1-20
10

Puffins at Clystheath has a Review Score of 10 (9.964) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Puffins at Clystheath has 87 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 77
  • 9
  • 0
  • 1
  • 0

Date Published

87
1
2
14
73

Review from K C (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son attends this nursery, and I couldn't be happier with the care he receives. His key worker is absolutely wonderful-she works so hard to meet all of my son's needs and truly goes above and beyond. it's a warm, supportive environment where I feel confident my child is well looked after. Highly recommend
this setting!

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Review from J R (Mother of Child) published on 20 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son attended Puffins Clystheath for 3.5 years from age 11 months until leaving for school. The beautiful open plan environment attracted us to Puffins, as it ensures moving up between rooms is smooth, as children already know the space and all the staff. The staff prepare children well for the next
stage each time, especially pre-school, where they start phonics, morning circle time where they sing and greet each other, and serving themselves at lunch - perfect preparation for school. There are daily updates and pictures through the App, various trips on the bus/train into town, or walks to the park, all engaging the children in other environments. The staff always give a detailed handover at the end of each day at pickup. The manager is always on hand for any queries and is so helpful if you need anything. The staff are very supportive and are a credit to the nursery, it's obvious they care deeply about every child in their care and form strong bonds with them. I would highly recommend!

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Review from N B (Mother of Child) published on 13 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would recommend Puffins at Clyst Heath - my children enjoy going, they've done lots of different activities and learnt a lot in a safe and stimulating environment. The staff take feedback and concerns seriously and professionally. They are kind-hearted and went the extra mile to settle one of my
children when he was getting upset going in recently, including a home visit. The effort staff put into the preschool graduation shows how much thought they put into things for the children.

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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has been attending Puffins at Clystheath since the end of last summer and I absolutely could not fault the nursery or any of the staff at all, they are amazing! My little boy settled straight away and made great bonds with his key worker and other staff members instantly. They picked up
so quickly on his SEN quirks and difficulties and have been truly incredible with liaising with different professionals and getting all the necessary referrals in place so that we receive additional support at home and for my son whilst he’s at nursery. I really do believe that we would not be in the position we are now (with regards to receiving extra support etc) had Puffins not picked up on his behaviours and acted so quickly. Our little boy is thriving under the care of Puffins and I would absolutely recommend the nurseries to anyone - and often do.

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Review from G D (Mother of Child) published on 7 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really lovely staff. My little girl has found it a little hard going to nursery but all of the staff have been amazing. They even came to see her at home to help her settle in. The Nursery itself is also brilliant with lots to see/do and play with both inside and outside.

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Review from Becci C (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My baby absolutely loves going to Puffins Nursery, since he's started he's coming on brilliantly! Can't thank the staff enough! I will definitely be recommending Puffins Nursery to anyone that is looking for a nursery!

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

Thank you for your review! It is lovely to hear to your child loves attending Puffins, we look forward to continuing this level of care for you and your family!

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Review from Megan S (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Couldn't ask for a better place to release my child into in a morning! She goes in a nightmare and comes home the happiest angel... that is down to the aptitude and obvious care of the staff... the carers work hard to bring the best out in your child and the administration staff are fantastic.

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

Thank you for writing this review, we are so glad that you as a family enjoy attending Puffins at Clystheath! We look forward to continuing this level of care for you throughout your time with us!

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Review from Chloe C (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery! My son is very happy here and is always having fun. The workers clearly care so much and are focused on each child’s wellbeing. He has come so much since joining. His speech, confidence, and eating have improved so much.

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

Thank you for this review! We are very happy to provide this level of care for you all!

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Review from Kirstie P (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I think as a mother you always worry about putting the care of your child in someone else's hands, I know that I did but on my first meeting with the team at Puffins I was quickly put at ease. I had visited a number of nurseries but Puffins felt like a 'home from home' setting. The team and management
were all so lovely and it was clear they genuinely enjoyed being there, there is a real sense of team morale. My son since attending has come along in leaps and bounds, his confidence and vocabulary have improved and each day he comes home and has learnt something new. I love that there is an app which is regularly updated so I know how much he has slept/ate ect and also that they provide photos of what he has been up to that day. Three members of staff in particular have looked after both of my boys and it is clear they have a real love for the children and staff. They have been nothing short of amazing and are wonderful at what they do. The manager is wonderful and has always helped with any queries.

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

What a lovely review to read! Thank you for taking the time to provide this review, it will be shared with our staff at Puffins Clystheath! We hope that we continue to provide this level of care for you as a family!

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Review from M L (Grandfather of Child) published on 7 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always been met with a warm welcome. My granddaughter is spoken to with kindness and enthusiasm for the day ahead.
There always appear to be plenty of activities and numerous staff to help the little ones.

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

Thank you for taking the time to write us this review. We always like to ensure that the children have plenty of things to explore and learn and it's lovely to hear that you feel your granddaughter is always met with a warm welcome. We look forward to caring for your granddaughter during the rest of her time with us at Puffins Clystheath.

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Review from Matt D (Father of Child) published on 7 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are so friendly and helpful and put in so much effort for the Xmas fair, always going the extra mile to make sure the kids have many different things to play with. Good luck with the paperchain!

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

We like to ensure that the children have lots of different ways to learn, explore and play and are glad that you feel we go the extra mile and also provide a high quality of care too! Thank you for taking the time to provide us with this feedback.

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Review from Zoe P (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Puffins Clystheath is an outstanding nursery.
Excellent communication from the manager and all the staff. As flexible as they they can be.
My girls thrive there and love going there. Always happy going in and seem to have the best time there.
Always doing extra things.
Can't fault them and have
no hesitation recommending them.

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

This is a lovely review to read! We are happy that your girls enjoy attending the setting at Clystheath. We appreciate the time you have taken to write this review and look forward to continuing to care for your children during their time with us.

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Review from J D (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Most incredible nursery. All the staff are wonderful and I cannot recommend them all enough. They offer a wide range of activities and development opportunities for the children. Our daughter loves it here.

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

Thank you for your feedback, the team at Clystheath are very happy that we can provide this level of care for your daughter!

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Review from R B (Father of Child) published on 7 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always very friendly and helpful, both of our kids love it and have really great connections with all the staff. They eat all the food which they love. They have grown as kids brilliantly and have progressed massively since upping days. Couldn't recommend them enough.

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

We appreciate your time in writing this review and are very happy that your children enjoy our setting at Clystheath!

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Review from Amy K (Mother of Child) published on 9 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Puffins at Clystheath are just honestly all so lovely and incredible! Fully cater to every need for your child and yourself! Would 100% recommend! I’m so glad I chose this nursery for my daughter. She has become the most clever strong independent happy little girl!

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

This was a lovely review to read. We are happy that we have been able to provide this level of care for your daughter!

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Review from Anissia H (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves attending nursery! The staff are lovely and very professional. They have been amazing with helping my son through potty training, their support has been instrumental in the process! The children take part in a great range of activities (we enjoy seeing the photos and videos!) and they get
to spend lots of time playing outdoors.

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

Thank you for providing us with this feedback, we like to hear that you have enjoyed seeing the pictures and videos of some of the activities we have carried out with the children. We hope that you continue to see our childcare in such a high quality for you time with us.

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Review from S G (Mother of Child) published on 23 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My toddler has been coming to Puffins, Clyst Heath for over 2 years now. He is so content and happy there. All the staff are so dedicated and you can see they all have a good relationship with the children. Our younger child has been attending the same nursery for nearly 6 months and the staff try to
ensure they can play and see each other as much as possible. Our younger child had more of a struggle settling but the staff were patient, did a home visit and lots of little settling in sessions to get her used to them. We get some lovely photos sent home on Tapestry and get regular updates about their days. They both go on lots of trips and they are content going into nursery in the morning. The staff at Puffins have been really flexible with us when we had issues with our universal credit claim and we were able to resolve it quickly. Also a bonus, they offer sibling discount. Puffins have also been flexible with the days we have booked, due to a potential change in my working hours.

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Review from Alanna C (Aunt of Child) published on 26 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My niece has thrived since being at Clystheath Puffins, her speech has greatly developed as well as her social skills. She goes on exciting trips and adventures the staff are excellent and are very accommodating to all needs. Overall, an excellent nursery!

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

We are glad that your niece enjoys her time with us and that her attendance has supported her social skills and speech. We always try where possible to get the children out on trips and are pleased that your niece has been able to attend some. Thank you for your time providing this feedback.

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Review from Ana B (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn't be more pleased with this nursery. My son loved to be there. He stayed for two years, and every day he wants to go there. The staff are very friendly and passionate.
They explore different kinds of activities, especially during preschool. During the year, they go outside to take some walks
at the local park or library or even to see the trains. I would like to leave my appreciation to all staff for the support we received during this time.

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

We have passed on your feedback to our team and are very pleased to be able to provide a good service for you and your son. We do love to take the children on trips out and are glad that you appreciate this too.

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Review from Jamie-lee Y (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter was having trouble transitioning to the bumble bee room from the baby room. All the staff and managers were so helpful in helping ease the transition by arranging some settling sessions that I could also attend. The staff were all amazing and it really helped. She is now in the bumble bee
room and is very happy.
Thank you, everyone.

Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Clystheath

Thank you for taking the time to review the setting. We are very pleased that we have been able to offer support in the transition between rooms for your daughter. We wish your daughter lots of enjoyment for the rest of her time here with us.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.964)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.964) out of 10 for Puffins at Clystheath is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.964 for Puffins at Clystheath is calculated as follows: ( (161 Excellents x 5) + (6 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 167 Ratings = 4.964

  • b) 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 Puffins at Clystheath is based on 14 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 60 number of registered child places is 12, which has been reached with 14 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for Puffins at Clystheath

Meet the Team (1)

Chantelle

Chantelle C

Job Title: Childcare Centre Manager

Joined: 2016

Puffins at Clystheath have an established team, led by Chantelle who has worked for Puffins since 2016.

Chantelle is Level 3 qualified in Childcare with a Level 5 Lead Practitioner qualification and is supported by her Deputy Kira.

The nursery is spread over 1 floor with individual spaces for each age group. Children can explore a variety of different rooms, supported by caring and diligent staff who work hard to ensure every child is loved and cared for as an individual.

Chantelle and Kira would love to show you around, so please get in contact.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Puffins at Clystheath

What is the Age Range of Children that Puffins at Clystheath accepts?

Puffins at Clystheath accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Puffins at Clystheath Open?

Puffins at Clystheath is open: 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.

How many Children does Puffins at Clystheath have capacity for?

Puffins at Clystheath has capacity for a total of 60 Children.

How far is Puffins at Clystheath to the centre of Exeter?

2.5 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Puffins at Clystheath to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Puffins at Clystheath has an Enhanced Service - more info.