Business Details
21 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Exeter
Founded in 2005 by brothers Chris and Graham Bryant, Munchkins Day Nursery has consistently exceeded parental expectations by delivering tailored, high-quality childcare. As a family-run establishment, we understand the importance of entrusting your child to a nurturing environment. Our three dedicated units cater to children aged 8 weeks to 5 years, ensuring age-appropriate care and development. With 4 Early Years Teachers and 1 Qualified Teacher on staffexceeding Ofsted requirementswe prioritise continuous professional development. Our unique features include the Five Star Nurserycam facility, allowing secure parental observation, and an onsite chef preparing fresh, locally sourced meals.The nurserys tranquil setting in St Leonards, Exeter, combined with a large enclosed garden, fosters holistic learning through play. We maintain a 1:2 adult-to-child ratio during outings, ensuring safety while expanding learning experiences. Our Tapestry online learning journal documents each childs progress, and our Well-Being Room underscores our commitment to emotional development. With 18 years of operational history, we blend experience with innovation to create confident, happy children ready for school.
Services
Daisies Unit
Busy Birds Unit
Preschool Unit
Nurserycam Facility
Fresh Meals
Tapestry Journals
Outdoor Learning
SEND Support
Well-Being Room
Parent Engagement
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Family-run nursery with 18 years of experience in Exeter
- Exceeds Ofsted standards with 4 Early Years Teachers
- Secure Nurserycam facility for real-time parental observation
- Tailored care adapting to each child's individual needs
- Onsite chef preparing fresh, locally sourced meals daily
What people say
Cared for them so well
Safe and supportive environment
Staff were wonderful
Prepared child for school
Secure Nurserycam facility
Services
Daisies Unit
Our Daisies Unit caters to children aged 8 weeks to 21 months, offering a secure, sensory-rich environment with dedicated keyworkers. Two settle sessions ease transitions, while a structured routine balances naps, meals, and play. The unit features a messy room for sensory development and a climbing frame to build motor skills, ensuring a nurturing 'home away from home' experience.
Busy Birds Unit
Busy Birds supports children aged 21 months to 3 years, fostering independence through rolling mealtimes and structured activities. Daily tooth brushing promotes dental health, while weekly ballet lessons enhance physical development. The curriculum includes focused garden activities, peer interaction, and small-group work to develop social and emotional skills in a stimulating environment.
Preschool Unit
Our Preschool Unit prepares children aged 3-5 years for school through a balance of child-led play and staff-planned activities. Free-flow access to outdoor spaces encourages exploration, while rolling mealtimes promote independence. The curriculum emphasizes personal, social, and emotional development, with staff modeling positive behaviors during sit-down lunches and structured learning sessions.
Nurserycam Facility
The Five Star Nurserycam system allows parents to view secure, real-time images of their child via encrypted online access. Each parent receives a unique password to view only their childs room during attendance hours, using banking-grade security. This feature reduces separation anxiety and keeps families engaged in their childs daily experiences.
Fresh Meals
Onsite chefs prepare three daily meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast, two-course lunches, and afternoon snacks accommodate dietary needs, including allergies. Meals are designed to introduce new foods, with staff modeling healthy eating habits during communal lunchtimes to encourage adventurous eating and proper table manners.
People
Graham (Paul) Bryant
Company Director/Early Years Teacher
Graham (Paul) Bryant, co-founder and director, holds Early Years Teacher status. With 18 years of leadership, he champions individualised care and staff development. His vision prioritises children's emotional well-being and educational readiness, ensuring Munchkins maintains exceptional standards.
Mandi
Manager
Mandi oversees daily operations, ensuring compliance with Ofsted standards. With 4 years in her role, she focuses on staff training and parent engagement. Her leadership maintains the nurserys reputation for excellence in early years education.
Kate
Deputy Manager
Kate supports operational management, with 5 years of experience in childcare. She specialises in curriculum development and staff mentoring, ensuring consistent delivery of Munchkins educational philosophy across all age groups.
Chloe
Daisies Unit Leader
Chloe leads the Daisies Unit, specialising in infant care. With 5 years at Munchkins, she creates nurturing routines for babies, focusing on sensory development and secure attachment. Her approach ensures smooth transitions for new families.
Leah
Wellness Lead
Leah oversees emotional well-being and leads the Preschool Unit. With 7 years of experience, she integrates mental health support into daily activities, promoting resilience and self-expression through play-based learning tailored to school readiness.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We support children aged 8 weeks to 5 years across three units: Daisies (8 weeks-21 months), Busy Birds (21 months-3 years), and Preschool (3-5 years).
How do you ensure child safety?
We maintain a 1:2 adult-to-child ratio during outings, use secure Nurserycam monitoring, and follow strict Ofsted-compliant safeguarding policies for a safe environment.
Are meals included in fees?
Yes, all meals (breakfast, two-course lunch, afternoon snack) are included, prepared fresh daily by our onsite chef using locally sourced ingredients.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
We employ 4 Early Years Teachers and 1 Qualified Teacher, exceeding Ofsted requirements, with ongoing professional development for all childcare staff.
Can parents observe nursery activities?
Yes, our Five Star Nurserycam system allows secure online viewing of your child’s room during attendance hours via encrypted access.
How do you support school readiness?
Preschool activities focus on independence, social skills, and structured learning, with staff guiding children through transitions to ensure confidence for formal education.
Reviews (6)
Niki Warner
Sep 09, 2021
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Our daughter had the privilege of attending Munchkins for a little over two years and I can honestly say that we have only ever had positive experiences. We viewed several nursery settings but were immediately struck by the ground and then soon after by the staff...but for us it was how engaged the children were that swung our decision to send her there. She always comes home full of tall tales of the adventures she has had there and we feel very lucky to have been able to find such an engaging setting for her. I know that foundations have been set for our very confident girl and we only hope
Tamsyn Burrows
Jun 23, 2021
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I can’t really put into words how much we’ve loved having our little girl at the Munchkins, it’s such a nice environment and the staff are wonderful. We’d keep her there forever if we could!!
Rachel Halloumi
May 15, 2021
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My son has loved going here since June 2020, he's never once cried at drop off and he actually grins as he runs up to the door - if that's not good feedback for a nursery then I don't know what is! The staff are lovely and warm, they always keep me updated on the fun things he's been up to and they often send him home with art work and pictures. The kids spend lots of time playing outside come rain or shine and all their meals are cooked fresh on site. I'd definitely recommend Munchkins ❤
Amanda Taylor
May 01, 2021
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A very professional and friendly nursery who managed settling our son during a pandemic, managed our anxieties also! They provide plenty of information and if needed there is always someone to talk to. Our son is very happy there!
Jana Dalajkova Sucha
Jul 28, 2019
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We couldn't ask for a better nursery for our son! Staff are friendly and caring, rooms are well equipped. Our son loves it there and that says it all 😊
Hayley Heaver
Dec 04, 2018
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A fabulous children’s nursery...with super friendly & professional staff in an awesome & well equipped environment. 👌🏽
