Business Details
25 Years
experience
Trusted Family-Run Day Nursery in Newton Abbot
Ark in the Park Day Nursery, established in 2001, is a family-run business dedicated to nurturing children's development through a holistic approach. Located in a historic property overlooking Forde Park, Newton Abbot, we provide a stimulating environment with extensive outdoor spaces, including a newly constructed wooden deck for all-weather play. Our team of qualified professionals prioritises individualised care, ensuring continuity and familiarity for children transitioning between age groups.With 23 years of operational history, we combine deep-rooted experience with innovative practices to foster lifelong learning. Our curriculum integrates physical activity, creative exploration, and emotional development, supported by a qualified chef who prepares nutritious meals catering to all dietary needs. We maintain rigorous safety standards, including DBS-checked staff and accessible facilities, to create a trusted environment where children thrive.
Services
Day Nursery
Outdoor Play Areas
Nutritional Meals
Special Educational Needs Support
Age-Specific Rooms
Curriculum Development
After-School Care
Baby Room
Toddler Room
Garden Activities
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We are a family-run nursery with 23 years of operational experience.
- Our team includes DBS-checked staff with special educational needs expertise.
- We offer 5,000 sq ft of outdoor play space with all-weather facilities.
- Our chef prepares daily homemade meals catering to allergies and diets.
- We provide consistent caregiver assignments for emotional security.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Day Nursery
Our day nursery provides age-specific care for children from babies to pre-schoolers. We maintain low staff-to-child ratios to ensure individual attention. The service operates in five dedicated rooms with tailored learning environments.
Outdoor Play Areas
We offer 5,000 sq ft of outdoor space featuring astro turf, a tarmac race track, and a wooden deck with all-weather facilities. The garden includes shaded areas, water play zones, and secure spaces for different age groups.
Special Educational Needs Support
Our nursery provides tailored support for children with special educational needs. We have dedicated coordinators and staff trained in Makaton communication. Individualised plans are developed in collaboration with parents and specialists.
Nutritional Meal Plans
A professional chef prepares three daily meals and snacks using fresh ingredients. We accommodate allergies, vegetarian and vegan diets while maintaining a nut-free environment. Meals are designed to meet children's dietary requirements.
Curriculum Development
Our curriculum focuses on holistic development through physical activity, creative expression, and emotional intelligence. We implement regular evaluations to adapt teaching methods and ensure alignment with children's evolving needs and interests.
People
Toria Hyder
Owner / Director
With over 20 years in childcare, Toria founded Ark in the Park in 2001. She has three children and extensive experience in nursery management, combining personal passion with professional expertise in early years education.
Victoria Barrett
Nursery Manager
Victoria has 13 years' experience in early years education, including international placements. She specialises in toddler development and outdoor learning, joining Ark in 2022 to lead daily nursery operations.
Lucy
Administration Manager
Lucy has worked at Ark for 21 years, progressing from nursery assistant to administration manager. She manages office operations while maintaining close contact with children, combining organisational expertise with childcare experience.
Clare
Junior Crocodiles Room Leader
With 16.5 years at Ark, Clare leads the Junior Crocodiles room and coordinates SEN support. She has specialist expertise in speech and language development, applying 29 years' total childcare experience to her role.
Selina
Chef
Selina has been our chef for 16 years, creating nutritious meals for children. With a background in hotel catering, she ensures balanced nutrition while accommodating dietary requirements, making meal times an educational experience.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care for babies from 6 weeks to pre-school children up to 5 years through our age-specific rooms.
Do you offer outdoor learning activities?
Yes, we have 5,000 sq ft of outdoor space with dedicated play areas, including a wooden deck and all-weather facilities for daily exploration.
How do you support children with special needs?
Our SEN coordinators develop individualised plans in collaboration with parents and specialists, with staff trained in Makaton communication and inclusive practices.
Are meals included in nursery fees?
Yes, we provide breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, and tea. Our chef prepares all meals fresh daily, catering to allergies and dietary requirements.
Is the nursery accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, we have a ramped entrance and accessible facilities throughout the nursery to accommodate pushchairs and wheelchairs.
How do you communicate with parents?
We maintain regular communication through daily updates, formal meetings, and our administration team, ensuring parents stay informed about their child's progress.
