Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Early Education in Bridestowe
Established in 1971, we have dedicated ourselves to providing exceptional early years education and childcare services. Our journey began as a pioneering concept in rural Devon and has evolved into a trusted community institution serving children aged 2-12. With a team of highly qualified professionals holding Level 3 qualifications and above, we combine decades of collective experience with continuous professional development to maintain the highest standards. Our Ofsted-recognised excellence reflects our commitment to nurturing environments that foster learning through play and structured educational frameworks. Situated on the edge of Dartmoor, we've maintained strong community ties while expanding our services to include preschool, breakfast club, after-school provision, and holiday programmes.Our 2017 transition to a Community Interest Company ensures our social enterprise mission continues to prioritise quality childcare over profit. The 2016 redevelopment of our outdoor play area, featuring bespoke installations like the SS Friendship play boat, demonstrates our ongoing investment in innovative learning environments. Our staff's extensive SEN expertise and partnerships with local schools ensure tailored support for every child's developmental journey. Regular parental engagement through initiatives like our Tapestry e-learning platform and community events like sports day reinforce our holistic approach to early years education.
Services
Preschool
After School Club
Holiday Club
Breakfast Club
SEN Support
Outdoor Play
Community Activities
Parent Partnerships
E-Learning Journals
Baby Toddler Group
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years' experience delivering childcare since 1971
- Our staff hold Level 3 qualifications and above in Early Years education
- We maintain an 'almost Outstanding' Ofsted inspection rating
- Our purpose-built facilities include innovative outdoor learning spaces
- We offer specialist SEN support with dedicated trained practitioners
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Experienced staff
Great facilities
Nurturing environment
Popular holiday clubs
Community focus
Services
Preschool
Our preschool programme for 2-5 year olds combines structured learning with free-flow play. Qualified educators follow the EYFS curriculum while personalising development plans. The setting's 'almost Outstanding' Ofsted rating reflects our commitment to quality early years education through both indoor and outdoor activities.
After School Club
Operating Monday-Friday until 6pm, our after-school provision offers structured activities and free play. Staff qualified in Playwork Principles facilitate social development through cooking sessions, creative projects, and outdoor games. The service includes transportation from local schools and light refreshments for children.
Holiday Club
Available during school holidays, our holiday club provides themed activities following Playwork Principles. Children participate in planned excursions and creative projects while maintaining flexibility for spontaneous play. The programme runs 8am-5pm with packed lunch requirements and occasional additional activity fees.
SEN Support
Our team includes specialists with Level 3 SENCO qualifications and Makaton training. Individualised support plans ensure children with additional needs access all programmes. The setting's inclusive approach combines specialist resources with staff expertise developed through ongoing professional development.
Baby Toddler Group
Weekly Thursday morning sessions for pre-preschool children and caregivers. Themed activities promote early development through sensory play, music, and social interaction. Led by qualified practitioners, these sessions also provide parental support and community connection opportunities.
People
Laura Ley
Setting Director and Manager
With qualifications including a Foundation Degree in Early Years Management, Laura has led Treetops since 2007. Her career progression from parent committee member to CIC Director demonstrates deep organisational commitment. Specialises in safeguarding and leadership development.
Nicky Summersby
Preschool Leader and SENCO
A Level 3 Safeguarding Officer with a Foundation Degree in Early Years, Nicky oversees preschool operations and SEN provision. Her 15+ years' experience includes NVQ assessments and implementing Playwork Principles across all services.
Jackie Butler
Early Years Practitioner
Qualified to Level 3 in Childcare and Playwork, Jackie leads holiday clubs and SEN initiatives. Holds Makaton certification and specialises in creative curriculum planning. Coordinates the Baby Toddler Group sessions with community engagement focus.
Catherine Goff
Playworker
Level 3 Playwork qualified practitioner with specific responsibility for health and safety. Brings experience from running Tumble Tots franchises to develop active learning programmes. Implements safeguarding protocols in after-school provision.
Charlotte Reddaway
Early Years Practitioner
Trained through college work placement to Level 3 Early Years qualification. Specialises in SEN support across all services. Combines practical experience with ongoing professional development to maintain current best practices in childcare.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We provide services for children aged 2-12 years across our preschool, after-school, and holiday club programmes.
Do you accept government childcare funding?
Yes, we accept Early Years Funding for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds including 30-hour entitlements and childcare vouchers.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff hold minimum Level 3 qualifications in Childcare or Playwork, with many holding Foundation Degrees and specialist SEN certifications.
How do you support children with special needs?
Our SENCO-qualified team implements individualised plans using Makaton communication tools and specialist resources developed through 15+ years' experience.
What outdoor facilities do you offer?
Our award-winning outdoor space features wet-pour surfaces, bespoke play structures like the SS Friendship boat, and natural play areas with fruit-growing gardens.
Are meals provided in your clubs?
After-school club includes light refreshments, while holiday club requires packed lunches. Breakfast Club offers optional meal provision at additional cost.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Jade Oliver-Deacon
May 16, 2020
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Treetops is a wonderful setting for any pre-school child, located in Bridestowe and with a stunning backdrop of Dartmoor. The staff are excellent, taking care to look after every child and encourage and support those that need additional help. They help to deliver what your child needs in a friendly and fun environment. I can highly recommend Treetops; my 6 year old loved it and my 2 year old can't wait to go back after lockdown! Thank you to all the staff - you do an amazing job every day!!
Annie Christie
May 01, 2020
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Treetops is a fabulous little community pre school that packs a punch. Both my girls have benefited greatly from attending this setting with staff who really care and are always there to play, help or give a cuddle, just like family. There’s always a huge range of activities indoors and out for the children and the views from the outdoor play area… are unsurpassed! We always looked forward to the annual sports day! Staff have their own specialisms too, making for a strong team. Makaton is widely used and there was often the homey smells of bread baking to greet you at pick up. All
Penny Chestnutt
Jan 29, 2020
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I am so grateful to all the team at Treetops for making my daughters time at Preschool such a positive experience. The staff there have been proactive yet tactful in helping to address some developmental issues and have done all they can to support both me and my little girl. In time this will give her the most positive start at school possible and… I dont think this would have been the case if she hadn't been at Treetops. I would not hesitate to recommend Treetops to anyone. My daughter has really thrived there and all the team are so genuinely caring and approachable.
Angie Scullion
Jan 23, 2020
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They impletemented so many different tools to help aid my daughters learning experience. My daughter has a down syndrome diagnosis. They got specialised groups/people in to help with her adjustment into a school/nursery environment. She also had a 1-1 worker. They helped her socially, emotionally, physically and educationally and I can definitely… say that my little girl thrived being there.They were also there for me, to help me with everything. They really gave her a head start when it came to start school, which is something I noticed when comparing treetops with other nurseries. I will
