New all-year nursery to open in Dawlish

Devon County Council have selected a new nursery provider in Dawlish, an area where there is an acute shortage of childcare places for under-fives.

The new nursery will be operated by Puffins of Exeter Ltd and will be open from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round and accept babies and children up to and including the age of five. 

The nursery will be housed in the caretaker’s bungalow next to Westcliff Primary Academy in Dawlish and work will shortly be underway to improve the interior and to ensure that all the necessary facilities are in place.

The appointment of Puffins followed a rigorous selection process and will deliver much-needed nursery places in a part of Devon where more provision is needed.

Dawlish has had a lack of childcare for children under the age of five for a number of years, partly due to a lack of suitable available buildings.

The previous Little Swans Preschool operated out of the Westcliff Bungalow but closed at the end of last year.

This had a significant impact on local families and meant that finding childcare became even more difficult.

Puffins of Exeter is well known to many in Devon, the family run business has been operating for more than three decades.

Priority for places will be given to families that live within Dawlish.

Demand for places is expected to be high. If you are interested please call Puffins on 01392 496017 or email enquiries@puffinsofexeter.com  to add your name onto the Puffins at Westcliff waiting list.