Business Details
33 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Childcare Solutions
Sunny Days has been providing high-quality childcare and education across Dorset and Devon for 30 years. Our Ofsted-rated Good nurseries offer a safe, nurturing environment for children aged 0-11 years, following the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Our team of professionally qualified staff, supported by our sister training company, deliver play-based learning tailored to each child's developmental needs.We prioritise safety, nutrition, and community partnerships, working closely with parents to create a sense of belonging. With four locations in Dorchester, Bridport, Honiton, and Broadstone, we combine structured activities with emotional and cognitive growth support to prepare children for their next educational stage.
Services
Childcare for Babies
Toddler Care
Preschool Education
After-School Play Clubs
Government-Funded Places
Nutritious Meals
Fun Activities
Parent Partnerships
Professional Training
Community Engagement
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We have 30 years' experience delivering childcare across Dorset and Devon
- All nurseries follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
- Our staff receive ongoing training through our sister company Side by Side Training
- Menus developed with the Early Years Nutrition Partnership ensure balanced nutrition
- We maintain Ofsted Good ratings across all our nursery locations
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Childcare for Babies
Our baby care programme provides a secure environment for infants up to 2 years. Qualified staff deliver tailored routines focusing on emotional bonding, sensory development, and early communication skills. Each nursery features dedicated baby rooms with age-appropriate resources that stimulate cognitive and physical growth while maintaining strict safety standards.
Toddler Care
Designed for children aged 2-3 years, our toddler programme encourages independence through structured play and social interaction. Activities develop motor skills, language acquisition, and early learning concepts. Staff implement individualised care plans while maintaining a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio to ensure personalised attention and safe exploration.
Preschool Education
Our Ofsted-registered pre-school provision prepares children aged 3-5 years for formal education. The curriculum combines play-based learning with literacy, numeracy, and creative development. Staff track progress against EYFS outcomes while fostering social skills through group activities and outdoor learning experiences in purpose-built environments.
After-School Play Clubs
For children aged 5-11 years, our after-school clubs offer a safe space for continued learning and recreation. Programmes include homework support, arts and crafts, physical activities, and themed projects. Staff facilitate transitions between school and nursery while maintaining continuity with our educational philosophy and safeguarding standards.
Government-Funded Places
We provide eligible families with access to government-funded childcare places. Our administration team guides parents through eligibility checks and funding declarations. This includes 15-30 hours weekly provision for 3-4 year-olds, with transparent communication about any additional costs for extended care or specialist activities beyond standard funding allocations.
Questions
How do I check eligibility for government-funded childcare?
Visit the government childcare choices website, follow their eligibility checker, and contact our admin team for guidance through the funding declaration process.
What nutrition standards do you follow?
Our menus are developed in collaboration with the Early Years Nutrition Partnership to ensure balanced meals meeting children's dietary requirements across all nursery stages.
Are your staff qualified?
All staff are either professionally qualified or undertaking apprenticeships through our sister company Side by Side Training, with ongoing professional development support.
What activities do you offer?
We provide structured play-based learning, outdoor activities, creative projects, and themed events aligned with the EYFS curriculum, with regular new activity ideas available online.
How are safeguarding standards maintained?
We follow Ofsted-registered policies including child protection, supervision protocols, and staff training, with all nurseries maintaining Good ratings for safety and care standards.
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Reviews (4)
Nicola Roberts
Jan 22, 2021
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Sunny Days has been great with both of my children, we started using Sunny Days in 2014 with my son and now my daughter since 2018. My son always looked forward to going and my daughter enjoys it even more. Would recommend.
Duncan Chambler
Dec 29, 2020
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Our two girls have gone to Sunny Days over the past 4 years. The nursery owners and their team have been outstanding, and our children love it. Weve never had tears and they love going to Dorchester Sunny Days each week. Jo (manager) and the team have been so accommodating throughout the pandemic (we are key workers) and the Scaddens have explained all the COVID Secure procedures with clarity. We feel very safe sending our children there. Our eldest daughter has now moved up to school and despite being young for the year group (June birthday) she was more than ready to transition Jane and
Tash Berry
Oct 09, 2020
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My son has just started and before that he wouldn't let me leave him at all. Over the last 2 week's of him being at sunny days he now has no problem going in, even going as far as not even saying goodbye to me.
Kyle Mitchell
Sep 16, 2020
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The team at Sunny Days in Dorchester have been a lifesavers (maybe literally!) on so many occasions. Our three kids through here from the baby room to after school clubs. They have been so accommodating and flexible. I can't believe how well they have just dealt with things throughout the pandemic. I've no concerns about recommending Sunny Days.
