Business Details
30 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Education in Desford
Established in 1996, Topsham House Day Nursery has been a trusted provider of childcare and early education for 29 years. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our rigorous staff selection process, ongoing professional development, and adherence to Ofsted regulations. We prioritise the safety and well-being of children through enhanced security measures and a nurturing environment. Our team, led by experienced professionals with qualifications in early childhood education, delivers a balanced approach to care and learning. We maintain high standards through regular training in paediatric first aid, child safeguarding, and food hygiene. Our nursery combines structured educational programmes with flexible, child-centred activities to support individual development.Over the years, we have built strong relationships with families, evidenced by consistent positive feedback and long-term parental engagement. Our kitchen team provides nutritious meals tailored to dietary needs, enhancing the holistic care we offer. We actively incorporate parental input to improve our services and maintain transparency in operations. With a proven track record of preparing children for school transitions, we remain dedicated to evolving our practices while upholding core values of integrity and care.
Services
Day Nursery Care
Pre-School Education
After-School Provision
Holiday Childcare
Parent Workshops
Nutrition Planning
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We maintain Ofsted-registered standards with qualified early years educators
- Our staff complete regular paediatric first aid and child safeguarding training
- We provide individually tailored learning programmes aligned with EYFS framework
- Our kitchen serves freshly prepared meals meeting specific dietary requirements
- We operate extended hours from 7:45am to 6:00pm for working families
What people say
Amazing support
Happy environment
Excellent service
Nutritious meals
Dedicated staff
Services
Day Nursery Care
Our full-day nursery provision supports children aged 0-5 with age-appropriate activities and care. Qualified practitioners implement individualised learning plans while maintaining a safe, stimulating environment. The service includes regular progress updates for parents and flexible drop-off/pickup arrangements.
Pre-School Education
Structured educational programmes prepare children for school transitions using EYFS framework guidelines. Activities develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills through play-based learning. Specialist resources and trained educators ensure curriculum requirements are met while maintaining child-led exploration opportunities.
After-School Provision
Extended care service supports school-aged children with supervised activities before and after school hours. The programme includes homework assistance, outdoor play, and creative projects. Staff facilitate smooth transitions between nursery and primary school environments for developing children.
Nutrition Planning
Daily freshly prepared meals meet specific dietary requirements while promoting healthy eating habits. Our kitchen team follows food hygiene regulations and accommodates allergies or cultural dietary preferences. Menus provide balanced nutrition aligned with children's developmental needs.
Parent Workshops
Educational sessions for parents cover child development topics and home learning strategies. The workshops foster collaboration between staff and families while providing practical tools for supporting children's growth outside nursery hours.
People
Susan Maxted
Owner
B.Ed (Hons) graduate with 29 years' experience in early years education. Founded Topsham House in 1996 after six years as a primary school teacher. Oversees nursery operations and strategic direction while maintaining educational standards.
Karen Haylett
Nursery Manager
Early Years Teacher with BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies. Managed Topsham House since 1996, ensuring Ofsted compliance and quality care. Coordinates staff training and daily nursery operations while maintaining educational frameworks.
Nikki Johnson
Deputy Manager
Level 5 BTEC qualified practitioner with first aid and safeguarding certifications. Assists in nursery management and covers leadership responsibilities. Brings 5 years' experience in early years education and child protection practices.
Rochelle Potter
Cook
Experienced kitchen professional with food safety and allergy training. Prepares nutritious meals meeting dietary requirements. Implements healthy eating strategies while accommodating individual children's nutritional needs within nursery guidelines.
Anne Moore
Office Manager
Handles administrative operations including fee management and funding coordination. Provides primary contact for financial matters while maintaining organisational efficiency. Brings recent experience in nursery administration systems and parent communications.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We provide care for children aged 0-5 years, with dedicated rooms for different developmental stages.
Are meals included in nursery fees?
Yes, we provide freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily as part of our standard childcare package.
How do you support children's learning and development?
Our qualified staff implement the EYFS framework through structured activities and play-based learning tailored to individual needs.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff have paediatric first aid, child safeguarding, and food hygiene certifications. Many hold Level 3+ qualifications in early years education.
What are your opening hours?
We operate Monday to Friday from 7:45am to 6:00pm, offering flexible session options for working families.
