Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Anderson Road, St Marys, Southampton SO14 5FE
Review Us
9.8 92 Reviews
  • Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City, Southampton
Located in the heart of Southampton and Ofsted-rated Good (January 2023), Play Away Day Nursery provides quality, convenient day care for children from 3 months to 5 years old. Outside the nursery, there is a bus stop and parking, making drop off and pick up times quick and easy for busy families.

The nursery is purpose-built and offers bright and spacious play areas for children and dedicated areas for when peace and quiet is needed. There is also a great outdoor space where children can play and explore under the shelter of all-weather protection, meaning outdoor play isn't limited to the summer months.

The team of practitioners are experienced and friendly. They get to know the children and their families and provide children with opportunities to engage in activities which suit their development stage and likes and dislikes, ensuring that they have the very best care during their early years.

The nursery is currently engaged in the "Eco Schools" initiative and the "Southampton Healthy Early Years Award (HEYA) in Physical Activity" initiative.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Lizzy Pennell (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 16

Total Places for Children

  • 102

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Offer full day and half day sessions. Half day sessions priced at £43.30

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • Car park available.

Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City Reviews (92)

9.8

Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.760) out of 10, based on 83 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City has 92 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
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Total of 92, showing 1-20
Review from J K (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves coming to nursery. Her confidence grew so quickly once she started here. Any changes she has had, she has been supported to the best of the staff's ability. Whether this was moving from the toddler room to the preschool room or potty training, she was able to do these with ease. All
of her individual quirks and differences are also supported and celebrated, meaning she always feels safe and happy here.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for sharing such wonderful feedback. We're delighted to hear that your daughter feels happy and supported at nursery, and that her confidence has grown so well. Our team is committed to…read more
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Review from Terry S (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent parent and child picnic. The nursery really goes above and beyond for the children.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're glad you enjoyed the parent and child picnic. Our team is committed to creating enjoyable experiences and memorable moments for the children and their…read more
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Review from T S (Father of Child) published on 30 October 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City have been amazing with our nearly 2-year-old boy. He has obviously created a great bond with the girls at Play Away since he says all their names at bedtime with a big smile! Always professional and caring, and he loves the activities!
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're pleased to hear that your child is enjoying their time at Play Away Day Nursery and engaging well with our team and activities.
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Review from Trinity H (Mother of Child) published on 29 October 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child enjoys going here, she always talks about staff and children highly, management also take any concerns seriously and they are dealt with quickly.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We're delighted to hear that your child enjoys coming here and feels happy with our staff and other children.
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Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic! Amazing facilities, lovely staff. Children always seem so happy and relaxed in their care. Nothing I could fault, would 100% recommend.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for the wonderful feedback. We're glad to hear you've had such a positive impression of our nursery. Creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel happy and secure is always our…read more
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Review from Natasha A (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been coming to Play Away for just over a year now and has been through 2 rooms (toddlers and preschool) and she absolutely loves coming. Her room teachers have been absolutely amazing with her and her confidence is blooming. She is always so excited for nursery.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that your child loves coming to Play Away and that her confidence is growing so well. Our team is dedicated to supporting every…read more
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Review from T N (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff is lovely and friendly. Overall very good experience, where I feel safe to leave my son. My son feels happy to be a part of Play Away Nursery.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your kind words! We're so pleased to hear that you feel confident leaving your son with us and that he feels happy being part of Play Away Nursery. Creating a safe and welcoming…read more
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Review from Maria G (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff of this nursery is amazing, they are always present and taking care of our child, plenty of activities, she enjoy coming on the nursery. Excellent food as well.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your child enjoys her time at the nursery and that you're happy with the care, activities, and food we provide.
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Review from Andy S (Father of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been coming to Play Away since he was a baby. My wife and I know how much he has been loved and looked after his time here. We feel our child is ready to start school this September because of attending this nursery.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your feedback. We're pleased to hear that your son has been well cared for during his time at Play Away and that he is prepared to start school this September. We wish him every success…read more
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Review from Anne L (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff were always attentive and caring towards kids. My daughter was happy all the time at pick ups.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you so much for your kind words. It's truly heartwarming to hear that your daughter was always happy at pick-up time-that's exactly what we strive for. Our team works hard to make sure every…read more
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Review from Audi G (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child is very happy here. She loves coming here and playing with her friends and her teachers are great.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your kind words! We're so happy to hear that your child loves coming to nursery and enjoys spending time with her friends and teachers.
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Review from A S (Father of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Play Away Nursery has been of great support to my child in her growth and her journey towards school. Staff has been very helpful and supportive to my child through out her time here. Special shoutout to one staff member who has been my child's favourite and helped her immensely in the nursery.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. We're truly grateful for your kind words and so pleased to hear that your child has felt supported and encouraged during her time with us.
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Review from Justyne R (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our son really likes the nursery. He always feels welcome here. Staff is very friendly and kind.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your kind words! We're so happy to hear that your son enjoys coming to nursery and feels welcome here. Our team works hard to create a friendly and caring environment, so it's lovely to…read more
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Review from Nicola W (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Two members of staff have been very welcoming and friendly in helping my son settle in. He is now loving nursery and making lots of friends.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're so glad to hear that your son is settling in well and enjoying his time at nursery. It's wonderful to know he's making friends and feeling happy here. We're…read more
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Review from C V (Father of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter is in the older babies room and I can honestly say shes a happy and enriched baby each and every time I pick her up. The team are extremely attentive to her behaviour and how she is developing. As a parent, its amazing to be able to hear each day how your child is developing. Play Away is
good to your kids!!
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're so happy to hear that your daughter is thriving in the older babies room and that you feel confident and supported as a parent. Our team takes great…read more
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Review from R S (Father of Child) published on 26 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child enjoys her time here and always looks forward to coming in.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your feedback. We're pleased to hear that your child is enjoying their time at the nursery and looks forward to attending. We aim to provide a positive and engaging environment for all…read more
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Review from C P (Father of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It's already 3rd year that my child is coming to the nursery, and he loves it. All staff is amazing and is doing a great job.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that your child has been enjoying their time with us for the past three years. It's truly wonderful to see them grow and thrive in our…read more
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Review from K O (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am feeling very supported by all staff in the nursery, my son is very happy to spend time there. He is getting more confident with english language.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your kind words! We're so happy to hear that your son is enjoying his time at the nursery and becoming more confident with his English. It's great to know that you feel supported by our…read more
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Review from G T (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely nursery. Staff are really caring, my child absolutely love one member of staff in particular. They work on constructive skills every day, they play outside too, they do yoga, dance and singing. My child loves all activities and her friends.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're so happy to hear that your child enjoys the variety of activities we offer and has built such strong connections with the team and friends. It's wonderful to…read more
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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I'm visiting Play Away Day Nursery for more than seven years and I am quite happy. Always happy to answer and questions and they have helped me many times if I needed extra sessions.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you so much for your kind words and loyalty over the years! We're thrilled to have been able to support your family and accommodate your needs whenever possible.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.760)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.760) out of 10 for Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 83 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 83 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.760 for Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City is calculated as follows: ( (764 Excellents x 5) + (218 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 992 Ratings = 4.76
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City is based on 83 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 102 number of registered child places is 20.4, which has been reached with 83 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (2)

Lizzy

Lizzy Pennell

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 1997

Hi, I’m Lizzy, the nursery manager at Play Away Southampton City. I have been at the nursery since 1997 and have over 25 years’ experience working in early years.


I started my career as a trainee and have worked my way up to Nursery Manager, taking on the position in 2011. The role allowed me to take on further responsibilities and grow and develop within the nursery.


I have completed a diploma in CACHE, a foundation degree, and hold a BA in childcare and education.


I am the nursery SENCO and the safeguarding lead.


I am a mum of two boys who have both been through nursery. I enjoy taekwondo, jiu jitsu, support my local football club and have a love for Formula 1.


I am incredibly passionate about my nursery and seeing the children develop in the rooms, and supporting my team in providing the best care possible. We are currently introducing the curiosity approach within the nursery, giving children the opportunity to expand on their natural interests.

Melanie

Melanie Mattocks

Job Title: Deputy Manager

I’ve spent the past 8 years working in childcare, alongside 25 years of parenting experience, including raising my own child with ADHD. I hold Level 3 and 5 CACHE Awards in Childcare and a Level 3 SENCO Award, and have worked with all age groups across the EYFS as a room leader, reception staff, deputy manager, and SENCO.


Supporting children with SEN is close to my heart, and I’ve trained in Lego-based programmes, play therapy, and schema play to help every child shine.

Frequently Asked Questions about Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

What is the Age Range of Children that Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City accepts?

Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City Open?

Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City have capacity for?

Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City has capacity for a total of 102 Children.

How far is Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City to the centre of Southampton?

0.9 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City has an Enhanced Service - more info.