hdc Dartington

Gidleys Meadow, Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6JZ
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9.8 46 Reviews
  • hdc Dartington, Totnes
The beautiful hdc Dartington Nursery in Totnes is nestled between Dartmoor and the South Devon coastline. All rooms within the nursery have a hygge-inspired decor, helping children to feel comfortable and secure in a home-from-home environment.

The baby areas are spacious and lead directly onto a private decking area, overlooking the garden which provides plenty of fresh air and free movement. This room is carefully structured, to allow for quiet spaces made for sleeping and relaxation, as well as suitable spaces and equipment to encourage messy play.

The Meadow Room is for children approaching 2 years old and is equipped with a large variety of resources and natural objects to encourage your child's curiosity. There is a large garden area, designed to promote outdoor play, and to encourage an active lifestyle where the children can take part in activities such as running around, cycling, and much more.

In the Forest Room, children will join as they near three years old. They will experience a mix of child-led and adult-led activities, encouraging a holistic approach to learning, whilst developing their knowledge on food and the environment. Promoting a healthy lifestyle at Dartington Nursery is incredibly important, so the team encourage spending time outdoors and provide children with the opportunity to grow their own vegetables in the large outdoor garden.

The beautiful Tree Tops room is the last stop before your child goes to Primary School. The daily activities are specially designed to get your child ready for a more independent life. The team focus on providing support to families and children before, during and after the transition to school takes place.

The nursery offers exceptional care, enriched by unique learning opportunities for your child. One such experience is child-friendly cooking classes, helping to equip children with valuable skills and deeper knowledge of the cooking process.

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Care Provided by hdc Dartington

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Melissa Jordan (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 19
  • Total Places for Children
  • 87
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 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 & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for hdc Dartington

  • Full Day Session £74.20

  • A £100 non-refundable registration fee is required to secure a place. Exact days of attendance should be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to the child’s start date. Any changes are subject to availability.
  • Parking

  • Parking is available outside the nursery making it easy for drop-off and pick-up.


hdc Dartington Reviews (46)

Total of 46, showing 1-20
9.8

hdc Dartington has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.785) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time hdc Dartington has 46 reviews.

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25

Review from T F (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at the nursery couldn't have been more helpful with helping our child settle in to nursery life. They have always been on hand to answer any questions we have and go above and beyond in every aspect of making them feel comfortable in a new setting.

Reply from Hannah Nabil, Marketing Business Partner at hdc Dartington

Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're so glad to hear that you felt supported during your child's transition into nursery. It means a lot to know our team has helped make the experience a positive one.


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Review from Emily B (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended HDC Dartington for almost a year.
All of the staff are kind, caring and so considerate of all of the children. My daughter absolutely loves going and I have seen her come on leaps and bounds since she has started here.
The nursery manager is lovely, approachable and always
so understanding.

Reply from Hannah Nabil, Marketing Business Partner at hdc Dartington

Thank you for the kind words about our nursery and team, we appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to support your daughter in her learning journey.


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Review from Christian W (Father of Child) published on 19 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everyone at the nursery has made us feel so welcome and I haven't had a negative experience in our first 6 months. Our son loves each day, and it has really helped him grow. It's been great and would recommend to any parent.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at hdc Dartington

Thank you for recommending our nursery. We are so pleased to read that your son settled in well.


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Review from L R (Mother of Child) published on 8 October 2024
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has just left to start primary school. She had the best 4 years at HDC and was so well prepared for school which made the transition so easy. The staff across her time here made her time really enjoyable and built great relationships with both our child and us as parents.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at hdc Dartington

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We aim to ensure each child leaves nursery ready for school and with a love of learning. We are delighted to read how well your daughter has settled at primary school as a result.


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Review from Jenny B (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2024
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We really couldn't be happier with HDC Dartmouth and would recommend it to any of our friends or family. Our daughter took a little while to settle but the staff were so positive, reactive to her needs and supportive to her (and us) while she worked it out. She now absolutely adores going and we love
to see how she is growing there. They are creative with activities, create a fun and inclusive environment and help us endlessly in working through these crazy toddler years! We can't wait to send our 2nd child come 2025.

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at hdc Dartington

Thank you, that's really important for the team to hear. We'll be sure to pass this on to them.


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Review from Thomas L (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have two children who attend HDC Dartington. It’s a lovely setting with truly exceptional staff who care deeply about the happiness and progress of the children. Both our children are very settled and happy here in the Forest and Orchard rooms.

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Review from G A (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery. Really caring, kind staff. Lots of different activities offered and lots of time spent outdoors. They really took time to help our little boy settle in when he started and he loves going now.

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Review from Owen B (Father of Child) published on 12 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We’ve been really impressed by HDC Dartington. All the staff we’ve met have been very professional and I’m happy to have my son there.
A big shout out to a particular staff member who has been exceptional and made our experience really good.

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Review from Alex W (Father of Child) published on 11 March 2024
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has loved being in treetops and always talks positively about his days. Issues are resolved really well and communication at the end of the day is always really informative. Thanks so much to the team for making his experience so enjoyable.

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at hdc Dartington

That's really kind to say, thank you very much, we'll let the team know.


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Review from Catherine R (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loved it and my daughter loves it still! The atmosphere the staff create is so warm and welcoming that both our kids have always been so happy to go in. The kids have loved sharing the great activities they do in the day and we really couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Thank you for making
their journey into school such a positive one.

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at hdc Dartington

That's really kind to say, thank you very much, we'll let the team know.


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Review from N A (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We've been with HDC Dartington for over 2 years now, with both our children attending. The staff are fun, warm, caring and supportive and our girls have always loved their time here. The facilities are good, with nice outdoor space for the kids to play and learn, and the food is healthy and varied,
with opportunities for the older ones to grow and cook in summer.
Really happy, thank you!

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at hdc Dartington

The team will be delighted to hear this. Thank you for sharing.


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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves going to hdc Dartington! It is definitely down to the dedicated staff and wonderful outdoor-based play. It has been almost three years now, and we feel very blessed to have such a lovely place for her to grow while we work.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington

Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it!


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Review from J R (Father of Child) published on 17 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely team and both our children have been extremely happy here. Couldn't recommend it highly enough. Rooms are often updated, obvious investment in outdoor facilities and daily enthusiasm from all members of staff.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington

Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We're thrilled to have had the opportunity to care for both your children and that they've been so happy at our nursery. We take pride in updating our rooms and investing in outdoor facilities to provide the best environment for the children. Our team's daily enthusiasm comes from our passion for what we do.
Thanks again for being a part of our nursery community.


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Review from Helen K (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2023
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Humpty Dumpty Nursery has been such a special place to take my daughter. There are a range of themes and activities to ignite in her passion for learning. The staff are very caring as well. The outside space is also lovely and big. I would love to see a few more exposure outings for the children/possibly
use of the big field opposite the village stores. Nevertheless, all in all, I highly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington

Thank you for your feedback, we really appreciate it!


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Review from Rita L (Grandmother of Child) published on 17 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandson has come on so well since going here. At first, he was hesitant going in, but now I’m lucky to get a kiss, he is straight in. He is still happy to see me when I pick him up which is lovely. I’m very happy with the nursery.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington

Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!


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Review from Jasmin D (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl started in nursery 4 months ago, I was so scared of putting her in a nursery let alone someone else caring for her, but it's been the best decision. She learns so much, enjoys her days there, activities are just things you can't even think of at home. All staff but especially her key
worker have been nothing but amazing to me and my daughter. Couldn't be happier, so for that I'm ever so thankful.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're so glad that your little girl has adapted well to nursery life and is enjoying her time with us. Our team takes great pride in providing enriching activities and exceptional care to all the children. We understand how important it is to build trust, and we're grateful for your kind words about her key worker and our team. We're here to support you both, and we're thankful to have your family as part of our nursery community. Thank you for choosing us!


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Review from A G (Mother of Child) published on 1 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of our children have been to hdc Dartington and absolutely flourished there. They both enjoy the outside space and the gardening activities on offer and we love the value that this nursery places on being outdoors.
The manager is doing a fantastic job of managing hdc Dartington and we would also
like to particularly thank three staff members. Who have all been so kind and who our kids have loved being with and have really benefitted from their guidance.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington

Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!


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Review from C M (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Lovely staff. Great outdoors area for all but the babies although they need it the least so I don’t think this is a problem. Really good food cooked on site by their really friendly cook. We are kept well informed about how our children are doing.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington

Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it!


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Review from Catherine V (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of our daughters have gone to hdc Dartington and we are very happy with the experiences both have had. The staff are friendly, kind, knowledgeable and patient. The nursery is excellent and the children spend lots of time outdoors. Overall an excellent nursery.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington

Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it!


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Review from R D (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2023
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves it at nursery and we couldn’t be happier. Lovely outdoor space with lots of fun activities! He always comes back tired and happy. Everyone is extremely kind and friendly. They have recently moved to a new app but I’m sure once it is all in place communication will be as good as it was with
the old app. Thank you hdc Dartington!

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at hdc Dartington

Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it!


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.785)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.785) out of 10 for hdc Dartington is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.785 for hdc Dartington is calculated as follows: ( (195 Excellents x 5) + (51 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 247 Ratings = 4.785

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for hdc Dartington is based on 21 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 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • 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 87 number of registered child places is 17.4, which has been reached with 21 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • 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.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (4)

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Meet the Team (1)

Melissa

Melissa Jordan

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2023

Hi! I'm Melissa and I'm the Nursery Manager here at hdc Dartington.


We look forward to welcoming you to our nursery!


Frequently Asked Questions about hdc Dartington

What is the Age Range of Children that hdc Dartington accepts?

hdc Dartington accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is hdc Dartington Open?

hdc Dartington 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 hdc Dartington have capacity for?

hdc Dartington has capacity for a total of 87 Children.

How far is hdc Dartington to the centre of Totnes?

1.5 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 hdc Dartington to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. hdc Dartington has a Platinum Service – more info.