Puffins in the City

1 West Street, Exeter EX1 1BB
Review Us
9.8 52 Reviews
  • Puffins in the City, Exeter
Puffins in the City cares for children between the age of 0 and 5 in the spacious nursery which has both large indoor and outside areas. Children are helped to play and learn by a dedicated team of staff who enjoy working with children to give them the best start in life.

The nursery is ideally located near Princesshay shopping centre and has a safe parking drop off and pick up zone for parents to make the most of.

All staff are childcare qualified and dedicated to providing high quality nursery care.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Sasha (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 19

Total Places for Children

  • 55

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 in the City Reviews (52)

9.8

Puffins in the City has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.849) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Puffins in the City has 52 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 52
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  • 15
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Reviewer Connection to Puffins in the City
  • 42
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Review from Michael S (Father of Child) published on 14 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Would highly recommend Puffins In The City. All of the staff are friendly and caring and put the welfare of the children first. Our boys genuinely look forward to attending with the oldest most excited with the excursions they go on.
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Review from Rachel W (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are great, really welcoming and friendly with us as parents and with my son. The food looks really good. My son does a variety of fun activities indoors and outdoors and looks forward to going. They have taken the time to get to know him well. Thank you Puffins
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Review from Catarina C (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn't be happier with my experience at Puffins in the City Nursery.
The staff are caring, friendly, and attentive to my son's needs, and the communication with parents is excellent. We are kept informed about his daily activities, meals, and progress, along with lovely daily pictures of him enjoying
different activities.
Thank you to the entire team for all your hard work and dedication!
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Review from A P (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Puffins in the City are quite simply amazing!


My children always come home happy (albeit very tired after a great day!) and love telling me all the fun things they've been up to.


The genuine care and individual attention each child receives is so lovely to see.


The garden is on

the small side but the trips to the quay, the park and into town more than make up for this.


Thank you to everyone at Puffins for everything you do.

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Review from G P (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Cannot fault the team at Southernhay, all of them so so lovely and friendly nothing ever too much! The manager has always gone above and beyond even before becoming management and both of my children who attended/attend the nursery absolutely adore her, cannot fault her at all!
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Review from Chloe C (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Puffins have been excellent at caring for our son. We were new to Exeter this year and loved Puffins as soon as we visited; it was fun, engaging and our little boy is always so happy to be at nursery. The variety of activities and outings are great. The quality of care in Southernhay's baby room is
great. I particularly want to call out Two ladies who have always been responsive, attentive and very caring.
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Review from K L (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy was welcomed with such love and care after being at a different nursery that didn't meet his needs. The staff moved at his pace and have been amazing. As his time is coming to an end he is going to greatly miss the staff. Thank you for making the rest of his time before primary school
a lovely experience for him.
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Review from T H (Father of Child) published on 5 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Puffins are excellent. Two kids have been through puffins and the staff are consistently great. The kids love them and they pay attention to their needs. They seem more flexible than other nurseries in the area friends have used.
Reply from Cara Barraclough, Social media and Business marketing at Puffins in the City
Thank you for your nice review! We are glad to hear how happy the children are.
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Review from Craig B (Father of Child) published on 2 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with our daughter's progress from starting. Her speech has come on extremely well. Her potty training was advanced thanks to the staff's noticing signs she was ready. The staff were all very welcoming and she loves her days there.
Reply from Cara Barraclough, Social media and Business marketing at Puffins in the City
Thank you for kind review. We are happy to hear how well your daughter is progressing with us at Puffins.
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Review from Douglas S (Father of Child) published on 1 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Puffins in Southernhay for about a year and a half now. We have always found them attentive and caring. They make a point to take the children on excursions into various areas of the city, our daughter always talks about the fun times she has. Her learning and development
have been commendable, we thank all the staff for their care and support in her development. A special thank you to two staff members in particular who our daughter always talks about.
Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins in the City
Thank you for providing us with this feedback! We look forward to creating lots more memories with your daughter and you as a family!
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Review from Giulia M (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm happy with the nursery, staff, premises and activities. The staff are caring and willing to listen to our needs, and the children are involved in exciting activities, indoors and outdoors, daily. My child is always happy at the end of the day!
Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins in the City
Thank you for taking the time to write this feedback for us. We are very happy to be able to provide this level of care for your child!
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Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Puffins in the City is fantastic. Both of my children have attended the nursery and we have been incredibly lucky with the lovely staff and experiences they offer. The setting works really well for transitioning from each room. We’re very lucky to have found this nursery!
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Review from Kay W (Grandmother of Child) published on 16 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm so pleased with my granddaughter settling in so well over the last month, she is really thriving from her time in nursery.
The staff are all so kind and caring. They always go above and beyond with my granddaughter.
I'm always kept up to date with information. It's truly a very positive experience
for us all knowing my granddaughter is very happy at Puffins, Southernhay.
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Review from H S (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Puffins in the City for a year and a half and it’s lovely.
The staff are really friendly and my little boy is always happy when we pick him up.
They do all sorts of lovely activities and trips which I really like.
Also, the fact that everything is included is so helpful as
all I need to worry about is a spare change of clothes!
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Review from D C (Father of Child) published on 9 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff and the nursery are great. Both our children have enjoyed going to nursery here. They especially enjoy the regular trips into the city centre with the nursery workers. The nursery and the staff hold regular fairs and events which the children really enjoy as well.
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Review from Jenna W (Mother of Child) published on 26 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been going to Puffins in the City since she was 9 months old (she is now over 3 years old). She has always enjoyed going there and seeing friends and staff. She (and we) have got on with all the staff (old and new). A very friendly, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere which your child
will love! Thank you all for looking after our daughter so well!
Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins in the City
It has been lovely having your daughter be with us for so long! We appreciate your review and are pleased that we have been able to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for you.
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Review from Lucy R (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Really lovely setting. The staff are kind, dedicated and always trying to be as flexible and accommodating as possible. They do lots of nice activities with the kids. Also, the nursery is very well-managed and efficient. We have had children there since 2019 and we love this nursery.
Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins in the City
Thank you for taking the time to write this review for us! We appreciate your feedback and hope to continue this for you in the future!
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Review from Helen P (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been going to Puffins since she was 11 months old and we have used two of the different sites. Our daughter is now 4 years and she has absolutely loved her time at Puffins. When we had to move sites to a Puffins based further out of the city due to an office move, the team created a
wonderful and caring transfer, our daughter settled really quickly. I couldn’t recommend the staff more, they care for my daughter like she’s one of their own.
Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins in the City
Thank you for your time in writing this review. It is lovely to hear that you felt the transition was smooth and supported your daughter to settle!
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Review from K R (Mother of Child) published on 12 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful nursery - our son has grown in confidence and ability massively since starting with Puffins and is really keen to go there in the mornings. He speaks so positively of his key workers and friends and is really happy there.
Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins in the City
It is lovely to read your feedback about Puffins in the City, its lovely to here that your son enjoys his time with us and is keen in the mornings to attend. We hope that you all continue to enjoy our…read more
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Review from Martina E (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son enjoys this place a lot and we are all happy for that. Also, staff are amazing and helpful.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.849)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.849) out of 10 for Puffins in the City 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 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 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 4.849 for Puffins in the City is calculated as follows: ( (155 Excellents x 5) + (21 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 179 Ratings = 4.849
  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 Puffins in the City is based on 15 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 55 number of registered child places is 11, which has been reached with 15 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 (0)

Meet the Team (1)

Sasha

Sasha S

Job Title: Childcare Centre Manager Joined: 2018

Puffins at Southernhay have an established team, led by Sasha who has worked for Puffins since 2018.


Sasha is Level 3 qualified in Childcare and is supported by her Deputy Chloe.


The nursery is spread over 1 floor with individual rooms 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.


Sasha and Chloe would love to show you around, so please get in contact.

Frequently Asked Questions about Puffins in the City

What is the Age Range of Children that Puffins in the City accepts?

Puffins in the City accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Puffins in the City Open?

Puffins in the City 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 in the City have capacity for?

Puffins in the City has capacity for a total of 55 Children.

How far is Puffins in the City to the centre of Exeter?

0.2 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 in the City to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Puffins in the City has an Enhanced Service - more info.