The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

5 Raddenstile Lane, Exmouth EX8 2JH
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8.1 32 Reviews
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Care Provided by The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Raddenstile Childcare Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Mellissa Bartlett (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 25
  • Total Places for Children
  • 58
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

  • We charge per hour rather than session, minimum hours booked it 2 per day and min 2 days per week.
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The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery Reviews (32)

Total of 32, showing 1-20
8.1

The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery has a Review Score of 8.1 (8.086) out of 10, based on 1 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery has 32 reviews.

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Review from Sarah A (Mother of Child) published on 3 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely the best nursery and preschool in Exmouth! The staff are lovely, the facilities are great and our daughter loves going every day.
I love her 'keeping in touch book', it shows us what she has been up to during the day and shows us that she has been having a great time.

Reply from Kyah Steele, Marketing and Communications Manager at The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely words, we are so glad you joined us all those years ago.


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Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dolphin nursery came recommended to me after reaching out via social media for the best nurseries in the area, as I'd only moved here 14 months earlier and had little to no knowledge of the area.
Needless to say, taking a chance on Dolphin nursery was the best decision I made for both of my boys (two
boys under 2).
The management and team of staff across little Dinos and Little Explorers are absolutely fantastic with our children and never disappointed with the regular updates we have on a weekly basis with their (all about me books).
The management team are very approachable and accommodating when we've hit challenges and helped adjust our children's hours to suit our budget during this current climate.
If you are looking for a well-rounded nursery, I can't recommend them highly enough. Our boys are developing so well because of their support!

Reply from Mel Bartlett, Owner at The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

Thank you for your amazingly kind words, our aim is to make everyone feel special when they visit us and it's so lovely to read reviews from parents.


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Review from Rachel S (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am super impressed with how much my baby girl adores going to The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery. The staff are kind and caring, showing how much they care for her! She comes home happy after having a day full of activities and new learning. I go to work reassured that she's in excellent hands!

Reply from Mel Bartlett, Owner at The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

Wow, thank you for your kind words. We love having you guys as part of The Dolphin Family.


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Review from Jessica S (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a wonderful nursery! Initially, I was very worried about sending my son to nursery but the guys at The Dolphin really reassured me and went above and beyond to ease us in. They have been so amazing and now, just six weeks on, my son has settled in so well and has really taken to his key worker,
who is great! I cannot recommend highly enough.

Reply from Mel Bartlett, Manager at The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

WOW, thank you so much, Jessica, for your kind words. We love have you as part of our Dolphin Family.


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Review from Jessica W (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Dolphin is amazing, as soon as I viewed the nursery I felt how intimate and lovely it was compared to others we had viewed. Our daughter had a few taster sessions which confirmed our thoughts on the place and she’s always loved it, we’ve had no tears and she’s always so excited to go. The ladies
in her room are always so enthusiastic and do so many great activities with her which we get to see in her little book, where they stick photos and explain everything she has been up to. She is so cared for and they put my mind at ease as I know she is in the best hands with people who really have her best interests at heart. I would choose The Dolphin over and over again.

Reply from Mel Bartlett, Manager at The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

Thank you for your lovely words, Jess, we love having you as part of the Dolphin Family.


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Review from Rachel M (Mother of Child) published on 25 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child loves attending The Dolphin and has grown in confidence as a result.
I thoroughly recommend The Dolphin to any parent looking for a fun, friendly, flexible and safe, nurturing environment for their young child.

Reply from Mel Bartlett, Manager at The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

Thank you, We love having you as part of the Dolphin Family.


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Review from Andrew J (Father of Child) published on 18 December 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can’t recommend The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery enough! Friendly staff who treat my daughter like one of their own, whilst constantly bringing out the best in her with creative and fun activities!

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Review from Kezia P (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Easily the best nursery in the area. The staff are so friendly and caring. The food is all home-cooked and healthy. Children often go on activities outside of the nursery and learn new skills every day. I've personally seen the growth in my child’s maths, speech and social skills since joining just
a couple of months ago.

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Review from Louise S (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Dolphin Nursery and Preschool is a fantastic place for your child to be. It was recommended to me and as so many recommended it, I never looked anywhere else and it was a great decision. My son is in his final year before school now and he absolutely loves it. I never have a problem getting him
there in the mornings, he is always excited and ready to go. They are always doing fantastic activities with them covering everything and I have been able to see how much he is learning with them as he says stuff and I say
‘how do you know that?
The team are highly qualified, the preschool is a great space with lots of toys and educational things to play and learn with and the food is good. They are also flexible with hours and are very responsive to any changes. I feel they always do everything they can to help you in anyway.
One of my favourite things is the book we get back each week filled up with what they have been up to in writing and photos, it’s something we can keep forever.

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Review from Laura F (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend The Dolphin enough. Both of our children have been here and the staff are so accommodating, friendly, and welcoming. This is such a relief when life with young children and working can be so stressful.
Wonderful team.

Reply from mel Bartlett at The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

Thank you for your lovely words, we love having you as part of the family.


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Review from Natalie M (Mother of Child) published on 19 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a wonderful experience at The Dolphin for both my children. My daughter made some fabulous friends that she continues to keep in touch with and has memories she will cherish for a lifetime. My son has just started and the staff have been amazing considering he was so young. Was made to feel comfortable
from day one.

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Review from Natalie S (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so pleased that we chose The Dolphin for our son. It was such a big decision but we have never looked back. Since starting there, our son has been so well looked after. The staff are amazing and work very hard. They are always happy to help out if we need to alter or add days.
I would highly
recommend The Dolphin to any parents looking for childcare.

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Review from Rosie W (Mother of Child) published on 16 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little girl has been attending The Dolphin for 18 months now and really enjoys it. She really enjoys the daily activities and they have helped with her development and her confidence has come on leaps and bounds. The staff are all very friendly and helpful. A big thumbs up from us.

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Review from Alexandra H (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started Dolphin Pre-school in January 2019 and we are thrilled with her progress so far. The staff are wonderful, all very approachable and friendly. They do some lovely activities with the children which are all recorded in an "All about me" book, with photographs which is lovely to read
through and see what they've been up too. The Pre-schoolers have also been out on some fabulous day trips which I was surprised that they manage to fit such lovely things into the day. The food the Dolphin provide is also all home cooked and delicious, my daughter often says how much she enjoys it. I would never have thought about sending my daughter anywhere else. We used the Dolphin Pre-school for my son and if anything has changed, it has only changed for the better. My daughter couldn't be cared for more. She loves going and is always eager to tell me what she has been doing. The Dolphin family really are just that, family - loving and welcoming and we wouldn't change them for the world!

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Review from Harry K (Father of Child) published on 3 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our boys love it at The Dolphin. Our first child, now nearly three, has been there since he was three months old and they have helped him to grow into a very confident and chatty child. Our second child has been there a month now (five months old) and I know I don’t have to worry. Everyone at The Dolphin
is friendly and very helpful!

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Review from Lauren K (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started The Dolphin last February. I was so nervous about leaving her when I went back to work. All the staff were very friendly and welcoming from our first visit. She has been there for just over a year now and she absolutely loves going to nursery. She has come on so much since she started.
The activities are fantastic and I love looking through her all about me book every week to see what they have been up to. We are so happy with our choice of nursery and would highly recommend The Dolphin!

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Review from Cara H (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When I was looking for a nursery for my little boy I knew what I was looking for and when I came to visit The Dolphin I knew they were what I was looking for. The staff are all so lovely, kind and helpful! I know I can put all my trust in them to care for my boy! They get up to a lot of activities indoors
and outdoors and you will see this in their ‘all about me book’ which I love!


My boy has only been there a few months now but he loves it when he’s there and I know I don’t have to worry because I know all the staff especially his key worker will see to all his needs and call me if they needed.


100% the best nursery in Exmouth.


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Review from Charlotte C (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going to The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery for a couple months now. He has come on so much! He is getting independent with eating and enjoying interaction with other children. The activities are amazing and always have a book full of photos from the day.
Considering he only goes 1
day a week and not even all day, he runs off straight away when we go to nursery.
The staff are always so welcoming and friendly. I find myself staying longer, just chatting. It’s so nice to know the setting and people that my boy is in and I can’t fault a thing. Highly recommend this amazing nursery. Big shout out to the staff in the little tots room. Such a happy fun environment thank you.

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Review from Anna R (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Just like any parent, I was nervous about my son starting nursery when I was returning to work! All of the staff have been so welcoming and friendly since day one, nothing is ever too much. My 11-month-old absolutely loves it there, the pictures in his all about me book prove that every week!! We definitely
chose the best nursery in Exmouth.

Reply from Mel Bartlett, Manager at The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

Wow, thank you so much Anna. It lovely to have you as part of the Dolphin Family.


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Review from Kirsty M (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Love this place. My eldest who’s now 7 went here and now my 20-month-old twins do. Very flexible as sometimes I ask for extra hours which they seem to always be able to do. Love that they use fresh produce for the cooked meals every day as well.

Reply from Mel Bartlett, Manager at The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind words Kirsty, It's lovely to have you back with us.


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Current Review Score: 8.1 (8.086)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.1 (8.086) out of 10 for The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 1 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.1 out of 5 from 1 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 5.000 for The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (12 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 12 Ratings = 5

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 3.086 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery is based on 1 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 = 3

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 58 number of registered child places is 11.6. 1 Positive Reviews ÷ 11.6 = 0.086

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery accepts?

The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery Open?

The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery have capacity for?

The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery has capacity for a total of 58 Children.

How far is The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery to the centre of Exmouth?

0.4 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery has a Basic Service – more info.