Then
A nursery with roots in support
The Brambles grew from the wish to give Royal Marines and local families a warm, high-quality early-years home.
About Brambles
A nursery built around care, curiosity and confidence.
We're a warm, nature-led day nursery in Pen Elm, Taunton — caring for children from babies to pre-school in an outstanding setting with regular Forest School and freshly cooked meals.
our place
Our ethos
Children seen, heard, and held.
At The Brambles, children are seen as individuals. We create a warm, stimulating and caring environment where they can explore, build confidence, develop independence — and feel safe enough to be themselves.
Safe
Calm rooms, clear routines and a key person who knows your child.
Happy
Joyful days, real conversation and play that means something.
Respected
Children's voices are part of how each day takes shape.
Curious
Bug jars, story corners, woodland questions — wonder, every day.
Independent
Coats on by themselves, plates cleared, ideas of their own.
Our story
From a Royal Marines wish to an outstanding nursery.
Today
Outstanding in every category
Ofsted rated us Outstanding overall in 2021 — across quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership.
Weekly
Forest School several times a week
Whatever the weather, qualified practitioners take children into the woodland to climb, build, hunt for bugs and tell stories. Owls get bi-weekly sessions.
Always
A real partnership with parents
An online learning profile parents can read and contribute to, plus a proper handover at the end of every day.
Our roots
Born from the Go Commando partnership.
The Brambles is a project developed by Go Commando (Registered Charity No 1139194) — supporting Royal Marine families and the local civilian community. Today we welcome both military and civilian families — and that warmth is part of who we are.
Meet the team
The Brambles is run by Amy & Laura.
Owned and run as the Laura Davies and Amy Rowe Partnership.
Nursery Manager
Amy Rowe
Married with two young girls. BTEC National Diploma in Childhood Studies (early years). Worked in childcare as a nanny in Hong Kong, Italy, London and Somerset, and was a childminder locally for over six years. Keen horse rider and book lover.
Nursery Manager
Laura Davies
Foundation Degree in Early Years. Has worked in a variety of settings including a special school, children's holiday rep in Greece and France, nursery and childminding. Fitness enthusiast.
At a glance
The numbers behind the nursery.
40 places
Children
16 in our team
Staff
1 adult : 3 babies (Robins)
Baby ratio
51 weeks a year
Open
3 months – 4y 11m
Ages
EY553802
Ofsted URN
Why families choose us
The reasons parents tell us they stay.
Outstanding Ofsted
Outstanding in every category we were judged on.
Regular Forest School
Run by qualified practitioners, in our own woodland — several times a week.
Freshly cooked food
Made on-site with Very Good FSA standards.
Long opening hours
7:45am – 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Funding registered
15, 30 hours and 2-year-old funding.
Inclusive setting
Caring for additional needs, allergies and cultural needs.