Business Details
30 Years
experience
Trusted Day Nursery in Desford for Quality Childcare
Established in 1996, Topsham House Day Nursery has been a trusted provider of high-quality childcare and early education for 29 years. Our dedicated team, led by owner Susan Maxted, prioritises rigorous staff selection and continuous professional development to maintain exceptional standards. We focus on creating a secure, nurturing environment where children thrive through structured learning and play.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our Ofsted-regulated practices, tailored meal plans, and strong parent partnerships. With decades of collective experience, we blend expertise in early childhood education with compassionate care, ensuring each child's developmental needs are met. Our transparent communication and emphasis on safety have earned us enduring trust within the Desford community.
Services
Childcare
Early Education
Healthy Meals
After-School Care
Parent Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 29 years of expertise in childcare and early education
- Our team holds advanced qualifications in early years development
- We maintain Ofsted-registered standards across all operations
- Our staff undergo continuous safeguarding and first aid training
- We provide individually tailored meal plans for children's dietary needs
What people say
Amazing support
Warm and caring environment
Healthy meals
Excellent communication
Developmental progress
Services
Childcare
Our comprehensive childcare service provides secure, age-appropriate care for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Qualified practitioners deliver structured activities aligned with EYFS guidelines while maintaining flexible routines. Parents benefit from consistent progress updates and tailored transition support.
Early Education
We deliver curriculum-based early education through play-led learning environments. Our Ofsted-registered programmes develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills using specialist resources. Children engage in themed activities that stimulate curiosity and foundational academic abilities.
Healthy Meals
Daily freshly prepared meals meet nutritional guidelines with options for allergies and dietary requirements. Our cook creates balanced menus incorporating seasonal produce. Children develop healthy eating habits through interactive food experiences and family-style dining.
After-School Care
Flexible before and after-school provision supports working families with children aged 4-11 years. Activities include homework assistance, creative play, and outdoor games. Our staff ensure safe transportation between local schools and the nursery premises.
Parent Consultations
Regular consultation sessions provide detailed insights into children's development and learning progress. Parents receive personalised guidance for home activities and transition planning to primary school settings.
People
Susan Maxted
Owner
B.Ed (Hons) qualified educator with 29 years' nursery leadership experience. Former primary school teacher who established Topsham House in 1996 to combine quality childcare with early education.
Karen Haylett
Nursery Manager
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies graduate with Early Years Teacher Status. Managed the nursery since 1996, ensuring Ofsted compliance and operational excellence while overseeing staff development.
Nikki Johnson
Deputy Manager
Level 5 BTEC HNC qualified practitioner with paediatric first aid and safeguarding certifications. Oversees daily operations and staff coordination while managing nursery cover arrangements.
Anne Moore
Office Manager
Handles administrative operations including fee management and funding arrangements. Provides primary contact for financial and logistical nursery inquiries since joining in 2024.
Rochelle Potter
Cook
Experienced nursery chef with food safety and allergy training. Prepares nutritious meals meeting children's dietary requirements while encouraging healthy eating habits through creative presentation.
Questions
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday-Friday from 7:45am to 6:00pm, providing flexible childcare solutions for working families.
How do you support children's learning?
Our Ofsted-registered curriculum combines structured activities with free play, following EYFS guidelines to develop key skills through themed learning experiences.
What qualifications do staff hold?
All staff maintain paediatric first aid, safeguarding, and food hygiene certifications. Our team includes Early Years Teachers and Level 3-5 qualified practitioners.
How are meals provided?
Our dedicated chef prepares three fresh meals daily, accommodating allergies and dietary needs with prior notice and medical documentation.
Can I visit before enrolling?
We welcome prospective parents to arrange personal tours and trial sessions to experience our nursery environment and meet staff.
Reviews (4)
Kathleen Baxter
Aug 24, 2018
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Topsham have made my daughter’s first week brilliant. I was dreading not having her myself every day but knowing she’s having lots of fun with the lovely staff there really helped.
Kim Pott
Aug 24, 2016
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Kimble's Music and Movement are really looking forward to seeing all the children again at Topsham House Nursery.
Rebecca Hoy Previous Pears
Apr 23, 2015
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Topsham is fabulous. Our little man loves it and the support we receive from all the staff is priceless. Time flies so enjoy every minute! X
Hazel Cole
Mar 31, 2015
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Both of our kids were full time at Topsham House Nursery and learnt wonderful manners, especially when eating, learnt to play nicely and to respect others. They both really enjoyed their time and have wonderful memories of their carers
