Parent Testimonials

What our families say

We asked local families about their experience at Dolphin Pre-school & Nursery. Here's what they told us.

What made you choose Dolphin?

"Asked on Facebook what nursery local people would recommend and most answers were Dolphin. We were under the impression it would be hard to get a place but once we contacted we had a spot within weeks!"
"Everything - the flexibility of the hours, the team, the rooms, the day trips, the relaxed and chilled feeling."
"We liked the family-run feeling and the passion from Mel when we came for a viewing. Dolphin came highly recommended by trusted friends."
"Good reviews and Ofsted report. When I visited everyone was friendly and welcoming."
"I've always heard nothing but good reviews about Dolphin."
"The reputation stemming years back."
"The warm welcome and the friendliness of the team! The little ones seemed engaged and entertained."
"We got a really lovely feeling when we viewed and all the children seemed really happy and comfortable. It was really nice to see a baby being sung to and cuddled to be soothed when we walked in - it made me feel more relaxed about leaving Loui as it was clear he was going to be very well cared for. We also loved the idea of the All About Me books."
"Our daughter attended Dolphin a few years back so there was absolutely no doubt in our mind that we wanted Archie to go there too. We love the family feel the Dolphin has - all the team are absolutely amazing and caring and overall we just love it and would, and have, highly recommended to friends."
"Friendly, great reputation, available hours."
"I've heard so many good things. Everyone I spoke to said how amazing the Dolphin was - and they are very right!"
"All my children have gone here. It's by far the best setting in Exmouth."
"I like that I can pick the times for drop off and pick up we need to fit around work."
"Family feel, everyone seemed so caring. The different rooms to cater for the growing minds and needs of each age group."
"Authenticity and friendliness of the team and management. Also the way they bring out the best in your children."
"The whole team at Dolphin are just amazing. My daughter is the most precious thing in the world and trust is paramount - Dolphin Pre-school just shone with enthusiasm and care and I felt it was a safe place for her to be."
"The family vibe of the setting."
"The family feel, everyone was so friendly - and I really liked being able to pick our own hours rather than having set sessions."
"The family feel when we looked around. Mel showed an interest in our daughter and interacted with her, whereas other nurseries we looked around were quite cold and didn't even look at her or ask her name."
"Great reputation, friendly and family approach, close to home."

What do you like most about Dolphin?

"The team are friendly and down to earth - the Dolphin works almost like an extended family to my child."
"The team are incredible with our daughter. They are a joy to speak to on drop off and pick up."
"I love the detailed handovers. As a parent of a child who attends two nurseries, it has made me realise that Dolphin are truly on the ball with everything - where my daughter's things are, what she has done that day, how well she has eaten, even down to good or bad nappies. It makes me happy to know her day and I love seeing the photos too."
"Our key worker."
"The ladies are wonderful. Always feel reassured leaving my babies with them."
"Lovely friendly atmosphere, lovely play areas with a large amount of toys. The book bags with their lovely photos to show all Roman's lovely work and see what he's been up to. Team are amazing."
"The team are so friendly and helpful, and they know my child well."
"We feel you love our child as much as we do!"
"That when I leave Loui here, I know he is going to have the best day and will be very well cared for."
"The friendly team and positive vibes throughout the building."
"All the team are lovely. It's very welcoming and accommodating. A proper little family!"
"The team! Even if it may not be the case, they make you feel like your child is a favourite and I truly believe he gets all the cuddles and love he could whilst we cannot be with him!"
"The fantastic team we came across in every room is what makes Dolphin stand out. They have not only cared for and nurtured our little girl from just 8 months old but they have welcomed and supported us as a family for the past four years."

Does your child enjoy coming to Dolphin?

"My child loves going to the Dolphin - he skips in every morning."
"Yes! She gets very excited."
"Reuben loves it. As soon as we pull up he's so excited. He loves his key worker and all the other children in his room."
"Yes. He does cry when I drop him off but I'm reassured that he stops soon after I leave. Also his All About Me book looks like he's having a wonderful time."
"100%. Archie gets upset on the days he's not in! He is always talking about his friends and peers and always bounces in with the biggest smile on his face!"
"Yes absolutely - Maisie knows straight away as soon as we get to the big red door we are at nursery and she has the biggest smiles on her face. She loves playing with her friends."
"Yes! He will be handed off to literally anyone even if I don't recognise them and it takes me ages to get him out because he is too busy playing!"
"He looks forward to going and sometimes can't wait to get there. Even when he has a bad day he tells me one of the team made it better and how they did."
"As soon as we are driving down the lane towards Dolphin, Maya will get excited and shout 'Nursery! Nursery!' and is always very happy to go in with the team."
"Yes - she is a super shy child but she's always in a rush to get to Dolphin and see her friends. So must feel extremely comfortable."
"Yes, he loves being there. He often signs the nursery sign when he's not there. And I hear from the team about how much he's enjoyed himself when he's been there, even when he's been upset at dropping off time."