Business Details
Child Care Excellence in Barnstaple | Swallows Day Nursery
Swallows Day Nursery was founded by Elaine Griffin, a childcare professional with over 40 years of experience, including roles as a childminder, teaching assistant, and nursery manager. Established in a converted building at Swimbridge Nursing Home, our facility combines a rural setting with modern childcare practices. Our qualified team, including Level 3 childcare specialists and safeguarding-trained staff, delivers play-based learning aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.We prioritise individualised care, supporting children's emotional and developmental needs while fostering independence and confidence. Our inclusive approach accommodates children with additional needs, and we maintain strong partnerships with families to ensure continuity of care. The nursery's flexible routines adapt to children's interests while maintaining structured learning opportunities through creative activities, outdoor play, and sensory experiences.
Services
Babies Care
Toddlers Program
Preschool Education
Special Needs Support
Flexible Hours
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined childcare expertise from our management team
- Our staff maintain current safeguarding and first aid certifications
- We provide individualised support for children with additional needs
- Daily routines combine structured learning with child-led exploration
- Our rural setting offers unique outdoor learning opportunities
What people say
Second family
Excellent staff
Confidence growth
Inclusive approach
Strong parent partnerships
Services
Babies Care
Our baby care program supports children from 0-2 years through responsive caregiving and sensory development activities. We follow individual routines for feeding and sleeping while introducing age-appropriate play experiences. Our staff engage infants in music, movement, and tactile exploration to stimulate early learning in a secure environment.
Toddlers Program
Designed for 2-3 year olds, this program balances structured activities with free play to develop social skills and independence. Daily sessions include physical activities, creative arts, and outdoor exploration while supporting toilet training and language development through interactive storytelling and group activities.
Preschool Education
Our preschool provision for 3-5 year olds follows the EYFS framework with a focus on school readiness. Children engage in literacy, numeracy, and creative arts activities alongside outdoor learning. We develop confidence through show-and-tell sessions and collaborative play while preparing children for formal education.
Special Needs Support
We provide tailored support for children with additional needs through individual care plans and staff training. Our team works closely with parents and external professionals to create inclusive learning environments. Adapted activities and sensory resources ensure all children can participate fully in nursery life.
Flexible Hours
Our flexible scheduling accommodates working families with early drop-off from 7:45am and late collection until 6:00pm. We offer meal provision for extended stays and maintain consistent staff ratios throughout the day to ensure quality care during all operating hours.
People
Elaine Griffin
Proprietor/Manager
With over 40 years of childcare experience, including NNEB qualification and SENCO training, Elaine leads our team in delivering high-quality early years education. She established Swallows Day Nursery to create a family-centred childcare environment.
Holly Fraser
Deputy Manager
Level 3 qualified childcare professional and baby manager, Holly brings expertise in safeguarding and first aid to our leadership team. She works closely with parents to ensure smooth transitions for new nursery arrivals.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We care for children from 0-5 years, with dedicated programs for babies (0-2), toddlers (2-3), and preschoolers (3-5).
Are staff qualified in childcare?
All our staff hold Level 2-3 childcare qualifications with current safeguarding and first aid certifications.
How do you support children with additional needs?
We create individual care plans, adapt activities, and collaborate with external professionals to ensure inclusive learning experiences.
What is your daily routine structure?
Our flexible routine combines structured learning sessions with free play, outdoor activities, and child-led exploration across all age groups.
Do you provide meals and snacks?
We offer breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks with fresh fruit. Children staying beyond 4pm receive tea options.
How do you communicate with parents?
We maintain daily communication through our contact book system and hold regular parent-teacher discussions about child progress.
