Puffins at Manston Terrace

3 Manston Terrace, St Leonards, Exeter EX2 4NP
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9.9 57 Reviews
  • Puffins at Manston Terrace, Exeter
Puffins at Manston Terrace provides a wide variety of childcare services from children under the age of two to a holiday club for school aged children. Children are cared for across four age appropriate rooms which are designed with the specific needs of different age groups in mind.

Children are encouraged to play and learn together to boost their confidence and social skills in a loving environment. The outdoor area is used regularly by all children to provide them with an exciting place to explore and play in.

Inside a range of activities are on offer for children to spend time enjoying, whether on their own, as a group or with a member of the nursery’s qualified staff.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Molly C (Childcare Centre Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 19

Total Places for Children

  • 56

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 Holiday Club available during School Holidays for children aged 4 1/2-11)

Puffins at Manston Terrace Reviews (57)

9.9

Puffins at Manston Terrace has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.907) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Puffins at Manston Terrace has 57 reviews.

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Total of 57, showing 1-20
Review from E B (Mother of Child) published on 4 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved our son to Puffins Manston Terrace last month from another nursery, and the difference has been incredible! The baby room team are truly amazing - our son is so happy, settled, and confident here. We receive wonderfully thoughtful photo updates each day, and they even take the children on outings
to places like museums. The nursery clearly provides child-focused, individualised care, and we couldn't be more impressed. We're so grateful we made the move -the change in our son has been astonishing.
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Review from Irene G (Mother of Child) published on 14 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very satisfied! The staff is great, they are very friendly and professional. The children are offered many different and stimulating activities. The food menu is great and with the app they use I am always updated about what my son had to eat, how many nappy changes he had and I also receive cute
pics of him being busy in one of the activities. My son loves Puffin and I 100% recommend!
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Review from C P (Father of Child) published on 14 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Is a great nursery, my daughter is always happy to go, everybody is nice and helpful, lot of activities for the kids, the building is nice as well and they have a nice garden. I have seen lot of nurseries because I moved around a lot, and this is definitely in my top 3. Also not much personnel rotation,
which is good for the kids and a good sign for the nursery. I would be happy to recommend it to everybody
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Review from Tamara C (Mother of Child) published on 14 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My girl has been over 8 months now to Puffins and we are so happy seeing her so independent since then and jolly when we drop her off! I love the app that they use to keep you update of how the day is going! The staff is very kind,professional and approachable.
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Review from K T (Mother of Child) published on 30 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My twin children have been attending Puffins Manston Terrace since March 2025 and I can really see how much they are getting out of being in their care, they have learnt so much from them. They both absolutely love going into nursery and seeing all their friends and also all the kind staff members that
work along side them. I would highly recommend Puffins.
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Review from H B (Mother of Child) published on 10 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love our little one going to this nursery.
They have accommodated our need for irregular hours due to my working schedule.
The communication has been excellent.
We all enjoy that there is messy play and lots of toys.
We feel that it is a safe for our little one to explore, learn, socialise
and enjoy themselves.
They care well for our little one and he is happy he is there.
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Review from Harriet W (Mother of Child) published on 27 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
There aren't enough good words to say about Puffins Manston Terrace. The care from every member has been exceptional. They know our little boy as well as we know him and have helped him to learn and develop so much. They have been kind, caring and flexible from the very start. Nothing is too much for
them and the communication has been excellent at all times. We rave about Puffins and couldn't be more delighted to have chosen Puffins. Just the biggest thank you to everyone in the baby room - I know my little boy adores you all and loves coming to nursery with you.
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Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 27 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Puffins for 7 months now. We are delighted with the care that they provide. All members in the baby room and management have made a real effort with her and she loves going to nursery. They set up brilliant activities and the app is great for letting you know nappies, food and
sleep updates through the day as well as some photos of what they have been up to. They have always been really accommodating and understanding with booking extra days as well, as we have a term time-only contract but wanted to book a few extra days through the holidays for consistency.
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Review from Abi B (Mother of Child) published on 16 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children have been attending Puffins at Manston Terrace for 2 months now and they love it! The staff have developed a great relationship with them and they really care about each child. They have been very helpful and supportive in getting my children settled and they do loads of fun, messy activities
with them that we can't do at home! They have a lovely outside space where they spend a lot of time. The staff are great at making sure they wear weather-appropriate clothes and suncream when needed too. The app they use is also very reassuring, they post photos throughout the day of what the children have been doing, what they've eaten, when they've slept etc. Thank you all for doing such a wonderful job!
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Review from R P (Father of Child) published on 13 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are lovely, good communication and the place is great for a baby to play, explore and grow in. Daily updates over the app have been really nice. The team have included activities, food, nappies and sleep times. The team have also been flexible when our schedule has changed. Generally a really
lovely experience.
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Review from Nicholas B (Father of Child) published on 9 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such creative and caring staff and lovely garden and soft play room. Our child is extremely happy there, and we love the daily updates we get.
The only challenge has been that he gets to do so many fun and creative things at Puffins that he starts to get bored at home with us.
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Review from D S (Father of Child) published on 9 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our youngest is about to leave to go to school but between that one and our eldest we've had children in Puffins Manston Terrace for seven years, since they were babies through Bumblebees room and into pre-school, and for five days a week - and it's never been less than brilliant. They were always happy
to go in and it has helped them become confident, social, and creative. The staff are friendly, caring, and knowledgeable. We are extremely grateful to them and I'd recommend it in an instant.
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Review from Lisa P (Mother of Child) published on 9 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at the nursery are so lovely, always friendly and happy to help, you can tell they really care about the children they look after! Both of my daughters have been extremely happy here, and I would recommend the nursery to anyone.
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Review from Linda F (Mother of Child) published on 9 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy goes to Puffins at Manston Terrace and he loves it! The staff are well trained and supportive. The nursery itself is well-equipped, has a big garden too. They have all the fun toys and a friendly, emotionally supportive staff. Highly recommended!
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Review from Abigail K (Mother of Child) published on 17 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter is very happy at Puffins at Manston Terrace. All the staff are lovely, caring and welcoming. The food is great and our daughter eats it all. Thank you to the whole team for all your hard work, patience and the care and stimulation you give to our baby.
Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Manston Terrace
Hello, thank you for taking the time to write us this review which will be shared with our team! We look forward to continuing this level of care for the rest of your time with Puffins.
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Review from Teresa B (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff at Manston Terrance are so lovely! They do look after the children with patience and kindness. My son is very happy here and the communication through the app is very good. Manager also communicates through email and keeps us updated on all the new info. Highly recommended
Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Manston Terrace
Hi, thank you for taking the time to write this review. It is lovely to hear your feedback and we are very happy that we are able to provide this level of care for you and your family! We look forward…read more
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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter loves Puffins, she is never reluctant to go and the staff are always friendly and flexible. She has great fun on their days out when they have gone to the farm or playground and is looked after safely. Would recommend.
Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Manston Terrace
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with this feedback. We try to go out on lots of different trips and are glad that your daughter has enjoyed the trips out with us, we look forward to…read more
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Review from T H (Father of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent, caring, nurturing nursery that the children adore. The children thrive here, learn a lot and are well cared for. It is obvious the staff enjoy working here and enjoy looking after the children.
Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Manston Terrace
We appreciate you taking the time to leave us this review. We are very happy to be able to provide this level of care for you and your children and hope to continue this throughout your child's time…read more
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Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started Puffins at Manston Terrace in October and I really enjoy seeing all the fun activities and photos she does whilst at the nursery. She’s come on loads with her eating and socialisation skills. Her key workers have been amazing with helping her feel comfortable and played a pivotal
role in her development.
Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Manston Terrace
This is a lovely review to read, thank you for taking the time to write this! We are very pleased that we have been able to support your daughter to settle with us and support her to feel comfortable…read more
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Review from Mike K (Father of Child) published on 9 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Puffins at Manston Terrace have been nothing short of amazing. Our son has some additional needs and they have bent over backwards to accommodate him. The whole team are amazingly caring, kind and dedicated. We couldn't have asked for more.
Reply from Gabriella Rourke, Training and Office Administrator at Puffins at Manston Terrace
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with this feedback. We are very happy to be able to provide this level of care for you and your family!
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.907)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.907) out of 10 for Puffins at Manston Terrace is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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 4.907 for Puffins at Manston Terrace is calculated as follows: ( (208 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 226 Ratings = 4.907
  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 at Manston Terrace is based on 19 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 56 number of registered child places is 11.2, which has been reached with 19 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)

Molly

Molly C

Job Title: Childcare Centre Manager Joined: 2024

Puffins at Manston Terrace have an established team, led by Molly who has worked for Puffins since 2024.


Molly is Level 3 qualified in Childcare and is supported by her Deputy Fern.


The nursery is spread over 3 floors and has our Holiday Club on the top floor. 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.


Molly and Fern would love to show you around, so please get in contact.

Frequently Asked Questions about Puffins at Manston Terrace

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

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

What Days & Hours is Puffins at Manston Terrace Open?

Puffins at Manston Terrace 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 Manston Terrace have capacity for?

Puffins at Manston Terrace has capacity for a total of 56 Children.

How far is Puffins at Manston Terrace to the centre of Exeter?

0.9 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 Manston Terrace to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Puffins at Manston Terrace has an Enhanced Service - more info.