Business Details
38 Years
experience
Trusted Early Years Education in Exeter
Founded in 1988, Start Right Nursery School has provided high-quality early years education for children aged 2-4 in Exeter, Devon. Established by qualified teacher Caryll Ingerslev and her partner Peter, the nursery combines a nurturing home environment with structured academic and creative development programs. Our team of experienced educators delivers a unique curriculum encompassing Forest School outdoor learning, music (violin, cello, drums), dance, and foreign language instruction.We prioritised individualised learning through small group sessions, maintained strong parent partnerships, and held Ofsted-registered status. With specialist programs like Start Right Forest School and Kodaly-inspired music education, we aimed to develop children's curiosity, confidence, and foundational academic skills while fostering emotional and physical development in a safe, inspiring setting.
Services
Core Curriculum
Forest School
Dance Classes
Music Instruction
Cooking Activities
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offered 35+ years of specialist early years education experience through our founders' leadership
- Our unique curriculum combined Forest School outdoor learning with music and dance specialisms
- Qualified teachers held advanced qualifications including Postgraduate Diplomas in Early Years Education
- We maintained a low 1:10 staff-child ratio with 26 places per session for personalised attention
- Specialist programs included Start Right Forest School and Royal School of Ballet-inspired dance
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Fantastic start to life
Amazing place
Unique environment
Excellent learning experience
Special place
Services
Core Curriculum
Our structured educational program followed the Early Years Foundation Stage framework while offering enhanced academic opportunities. Children engaged in both child-initiated and adult-led activities across three learning areas with individualised attention through key worker systems. The curriculum focused on developing communication, mathematical skills, and creative expression through play-based learning.
Forest School
Start Right Forest School provided regular outdoor education in natural environments to develop children's curiosity and risk assessment skills. Through self-directed play and exploration, we nurtured confidence, creativity, and environmental awareness while maintaining strong safety protocols and observational learning techniques.
Dance Classes
Our dance program incorporated Royal School of Ballet-inspired movement education to develop physical coordination and musicality. Children participated in weekly ballet-inspired sessions that enhanced gross motor skills while making learning enjoyable through creative expression and music.
Music Instruction
We offered specialist music education including violin, cello, and drum instruction using Kodaly and Dalcroze methodologies. Our program developed musical skills through listening, singing, and instrumental play while fostering creativity and fine motor development in young children.
Cooking Activities
Practical cooking sessions formed part of our curriculum to develop life skills and sensory exploration. Children engaged in food preparation activities that promoted mathematical concepts, language development, and social skills while creating edible creations to share with families.
People
Caryll Ingerslev
Headteacher and Manager
Qualified teacher with B.Ed (Hons) from Exeter University and Postgraduate Diploma in Early Years Education. Developed Start Right Nursery School since 1988, holding Early Years Professional Status and pursuing PhD at University of Sheffield.
Peter Ingerslev
Deputy Manager
Former architect and lecturer with Postgraduate Diploma in Early Years Education. Co-managed Start Right Nursery School since 1993 and led Forest School training initiatives after qualification from Bicton College in 2006.
Hannah Baker
Forest School Leader
Qualified teacher with specialist Forest School training, responsible for developing outdoor learning programs. Combined primary school teaching experience with early years expertise to create engaging natural environment educational experiences.
Emma Whittingham
Deputy Forest School Leader
PhD holder in Human Geography with Forest School qualification since 2018. Supported Hannah Baker in delivering outdoor education programs while applying academic research to practical early years learning environments.
Jayne O'Loughlin
Dance Instructor
Qualified primary teacher with 15 years' experience, specialising in ballet-inspired movement education. Developed children's physical coordination through Start Right Dance program while supporting special educational needs.
Questions
Has Start Right Nursery School closed permanently?
Yes, the nursery school has closed permanently as stated on their official website.
What educational programs were offered?
We provided Start Right Core Curriculum, Forest School outdoor learning, dance classes, and music instruction (violin, cello, drums).
Were funding options available?
We offered local authority funded places for 3-4 year olds, 2-year-old funding, and limited 30-hour funding places.
What qualifications did staff hold?
Our team included qualified teachers with Postgraduate Diplomas in Early Years Education and Forest School Leaders with specialist training.
Was the nursery Ofsted-registered?
Yes, we were Ofsted-registered with a May 2018 inspection report available on our website.
Reviews (1)
Liz Spencer
Oct 23, 2015
Report
Simply the best nursery school in Exeter. A hidden gem. Amazing staff and a truly unique setting. Both our children have flourished here. Highly recommended.
