
About Tic Tocs

Our Nursery
Nestled on Haldon Road in the heart of Exeter, Tic Tocs Nursery is small but perfectly formed, a place where every child is known, valued, and inspired to thrive. Opened in 1996 and becoming the first nursery acquired by our Devon Nurseries group in 2006, Tic Tocs has a long-standing reputation for providing inclusive and culturally diverse education. Located close to Exeter College and Exeter University, we welcome children from all over the world, celebrating diversity in every corner of our nursery.
At the heart of everything we do is our CHRICK philosophy: Confident, Happy, Respectful, Independent, Curious, and Kind. These values guide our learning environments, daily routines, and activities, shaping the way children and practitioners learn and grow together.






Why Tic Tocs?
Tic Tocs Nursery has three large, thoughtfully prepared rooms for children, a kitchen, and a garden, all designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, and exploration. Our outdoor space provides opportunities for adventure, problem-solving, and physical development, helping children build confidence and independence.
We are proud to be truly multicultural, with children and staff speaking around 20 different languages, including Arabic. Every child is supported to feel a sense of belonging, and every culture is celebrated as part of our vibrant community.
Our dedicated staff team is committed to giving children the best possible start in life, combining warmth, expertise, and professional development to ensure every child thrives. We are open Monday to Friday, 7:45am – 6pm, welcoming children aged 3 months to 5 years.
At Tic Tocs, we don’t just care for children, we help them flourish, fostering confident, happy, respectful, independent, curious, and kind learners ready for the next stage of their journey.
Our Team

Jessica Chalk
Nursery Manager
Jessica joined Tic Tocs Jan 2022 and became manager in December 2023. She welcomed her beautiful daughter in June 2026 and is passionate about inclusive education and enjoys taking the children out on trips, particularly, and inviting parents into the nursery to take part in community activities.

Alma Ruiz
Acting Nursery Manager
Alma joined us in June 2026, with has over 30 years of experience working with children and experience in nursery management since 2008. With a background in Montessori education, psychology, and educational leadership, she is passionate about creating nurturing environments where children can flourish. As part of the senior leadership team, Alma is overseeing the day-to-day management of Tic Tocs while Jessica is on maternity leave, supporting children, families, and colleagues to maintain the highest standards of care and education. Originally from Mexico with French and Spanish heritage, Alma enjoys spending time with her family, keeping active, cooking, and making the most of the outdoors.

Maxine Stead
Deputy Manager
Maxine has been part of the company since 2004. She began her journey at Acorns, before moving to TicTocs in January 2015. Throughout her career, she has been fortunate to take on a variety of roles, starting as a nursery apprentice and progressing to Deputy Manager. Working within the Ladybirds Room, Maxine particularly enjoys supporting the youngest children as they grow and develop, from non-mobile babies to confident, walking and talking little people. She finds great joy in witnessing these important milestones and feels privileged to play a part in the very beginning of each child's learning journey. Outside of work, Maxine enjoys spending time with her teenager and much-loved dog!

Ghada Qamhieh
Department Lead
Ghada joined the Tic Tocs team in June 2004 and has enjoyed working with children of all ages across the nursery’s various rooms. Originally from Palestine, she holds a degree in Arabic Literature and has lived in the UK since the early 2000s with her husband while he pursued his higher education. As a proud Level 3 qualified practitioner, Ghada is passionate about supporting children throughout their early years and finds great fulfilment in watching them grow, develop, and thrive. One of the most rewarding aspects of her role has been seeing former nursery children continue their journeys through education, with some progressing on to college and university. Outside of work, Ghada enjoys cooking, walking, reading, and gardening, and values the balance these hobbies bring to her life.

Zohra Nasir
Department Lead
Zohra is the Cubs Room Leader and holds a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education. She has been a valued member of the Tic Tocs team for over 17 years, bringing a wealth of experience, dedication, and care to her role. She lives in Torquay with her three children. In her spare time, she enjoys walking along the beach and spending quality time with her family.

See For Yourself
Explore our facilities and outdoor spaces, and read our latest Ofsted ratings and reports — everything you need to feel confident in your choice.

Facilities & Outdoor Spaces
Our recently revamped outdoor space is a vibrant and inspiring area where children can explore, create, and connect with the natural world every day.

Ofsted Ratings & Reports
We're proud of the care and learning we provide at Tic Tocs. Read our latest Ofsted reports and see what inspectors had to say about our nursery.
