Business Details
42 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Learning Nurseries in Plymouth
Pixieland Day Nurseries has been nurturing and inspiring young minds for 40 years, making us a trusted choice for childcare in Plymouth, Saltash, and Cornwall. Founded in 1984 by Managing Director Caroline Francis, our vision was to create a safe, stimulating environment where children learn through play while parents feel confident in our care. Our key person system fosters strong relationships between children, parents, and staff, ensuring each child's well-being and emotional security. We prioritise play-based learning to ignite curiosity and build a foundation for lifelong success, supported by experienced staff who understand the importance of early years education.Our commitment to safety exceeds Ofsted requirements, with secure facilities, CCTV coverage, and a focus on healthy eating to instil positive habits from an early age. We work in partnership with parents to provide a seamless exchange of information about children's development through our online learning journal, Eylog. With purpose-built nurseries across Devon and Cornwall, we offer government-funded childcare options and tailored settling-in sessions to help every child thrive in a warm, inclusive environment.
Services
Day Nurseries
Early Years Education
Parent Partnerships
Healthy Meals
Safety & Security
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We've provided childcare expertise for 40 years since 1984
- Our key person system ensures personalised care and communication
- Play-based learning environments stimulate lifelong curiosity
- Secure nurseries with CCTV exceeding Ofsted safety requirements
- Healthy, balanced menus developed by nutrition specialists
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Caring staff
Engaging activities
Safe environment
Excellent communication
Healthy meals
Services
Day Nurseries
Our purpose-built nurseries in Plymouth, Saltash, and Cornwall provide safe, stimulating environments for children aged 9 months and above. Neutral decorations and natural toys encourage imaginative play, while experienced staff deliver tailored care. Each nursery combines structured learning with free-flow activities to support individual development and social skills.
Early Years Education
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to deliver play-based education that sparks curiosity and builds foundational skills. Creative activities and multi-cultural resources promote cognitive development while respecting diverse backgrounds. Our approach nurtures independence, sociability, and a lifelong love of learning through carefully planned experiences.
Parent Partnerships
The key person system ensures consistent communication between staff, children, and families. Our Eylog online journal provides real-time updates on developmental milestones and daily activities. This collaborative approach strengthens home-nursery connections, allowing parents to actively participate in their child's educational journey through shared observations and feedback.
Healthy Meals
Nutritionally balanced menus introduce children to diverse tastes and textures while promoting healthy eating habits. Our meals align with dietary guidelines and include explanations about food origins to educate young minds. We accommodate special dietary requirements and cultural preferences while making meal times engaging and educational experiences.
Safety & Security
Nurseries feature secure entry systems, fingerprint access, and comprehensive CCTV coverage exceeding Ofsted standards. Staff undergo rigorous safeguarding training to maintain a protective environment. Regular safety audits and risk assessments ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements while providing parents with complete peace of mind.
People
Caroline Francis
Managing Director
Founder of Pixieland Day Nurseries since 1984, Caroline established the first nursery at Mount Gould Hospital to support healthcare professionals. She pioneered the key person system and continues developing innovative childcare approaches that prioritise play-based learning and emotional security across all nursery locations.
Questions
What government-funded childcare options do you offer?
We accept eligible children for up to 30 hours of government-funded childcare starting in September. Parents must apply for an eligibility code by 31st August 2025 through the HMRC website or helpline.
How can I visit a Pixieland nursery?
Book a visit through our website to explore our Plymouth, Saltash, or Cornwall nurseries. We recommend scheduling a tour to experience our facilities and meet our childcare professionals before enrollment.
What safety measures are in place at your nurseries?
All nurseries feature secure entry systems, CCTV coverage, and staff trained in safeguarding procedures. Our facilities exceed Ofsted requirements with additional security measures including fingerprint access and monitored external areas.
How do you support children's dietary needs?
Our nutritionists design balanced menus introducing new foods while accommodating allergies and cultural preferences. We educate children about healthy eating through interactive food-related learning activities and discussions.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Our team includes experienced childcare professionals with relevant qualifications in early years education. All staff undergo regular safeguarding training and participate in ongoing professional development to maintain high care standards.
