Business Details
21 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Preschool Services in Exeter & South Hams
Founded in 2005 by Harriet Sharp and Paula Stone, Exwick Ark began as a small sessional preschool addressing a lack of high-quality nursery provision in Exeter. What started as a single classroom has grown into a network of four nurseries and an out-of-school club across Exeter and The South Hams. Our approach is built on Christian principles, fostering values such as love, kindness, patience, and gentleness in every aspect of our care. With over 15 years of combined experience in education, our directors lead a team dedicated to creating nurturing environments where children thrive.Each setting maintains a strong focus on individualised support, ensuring families receive care aligned with their needs. As a registered provider with Ofsted (RP903483), we uphold rigorous standards in early years education. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted choice for parents seeking reliable, values-driven childcare solutions.
Services
Preschool Programs
Nursery Care
Out of School Club
Early Years Education
Christian-Based Childcare
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Established in 2005 with four nurseries and an out-of-school club
- Built on Christian principles of love, kindness, and patience
- Directors hold formal qualifications in education (B.Ed, B.Eng)
- Ofsted-registered settings meeting rigorous childcare standards
- Specialised in individualised care for children aged 0-11
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Preschool Programs
Our preschool programs cater to children aged 2-5, focusing on foundational skills through play-based learning. Qualified educators deliver Ofsted-compliant curricula that nurture social, emotional, and cognitive development in a safe, Christian-values environment.
Nursery Care
Full-day childcare for infants and toddlers aged 0-2, offering secure, stimulating environments with individualised attention. Our staff provide nurturing care aligned with Christian principles, ensuring parents peace of mind during working hours.
Out of School Club
Supervised activities and homework support for children aged 5-11 before and after school hours. The club provides a safe space for social development while accommodating parents' schedules in Exeter and The South Hams.
Early Years Education
Curriculum-based early education following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Our qualified teachers deliver structured learning through play, preparing children for primary school while maintaining a focus on Christian values.
Christian-Based Childcare
Childcare services integrating Christian teachings into daily activities, promoting kindness, patience, and empathy. This approach creates a distinctive environment where spiritual development complements educational milestones for families seeking faith-aligned provision.
People
Paula Stone
Managing Director
Co-founder with a B.Ed (Hons) in Education, Paula has led Exwick Ark's pedagogical development since 2005, combining teaching expertise with operational leadership to maintain high-quality childcare standards.
Harriet Sharp
Managing Director
Co-founder holding a B.Eng in Engineering, Harriet contributes strategic oversight to Exwick Ark's expansion while ensuring technical compliance with childcare regulations across all four nursery settings.
Questions
What age groups do your nurseries cater to?
We provide care for children aged 0-11, with dedicated infant/toddler nursery spaces, preschool programs for 2-5 year olds, and after-school clubs for primary school children.
Are your nurseries Ofsted registered?
Yes, all our settings are registered with Ofsted under number RP903483, meeting national standards for safety, staff qualifications, and educational outcomes.
How do Christian values influence daily activities?
Our staff model love, kindness, and patience in interactions, incorporating Bible stories and prayer into learning while respecting diverse family backgrounds across our Exeter and South Hams locations.
What are your operating hours?
Nurseries operate 07:30-18:00 Monday-Friday. Out-of-school clubs run 07:30-09:00 and 15:00-18:00 on school days, with holiday care available at selected locations.
How do you support children's educational development?
Our qualified educators follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum through structured play, literacy/numeracy activities, and outdoor learning experiences tailored to individual developmental needs.
