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Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Anderson Road, St Marys, Southampton SO14 5FE
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Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City, Southampton
Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City, Southampton
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...  

Funding & Fees

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

Contact Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City to get a personalised quote:

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

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

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

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 (94)

9.8

Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.756) out of 10, based on 69 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City has 94 reviews.

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Showing 94 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from G T (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 know she loves everything from yoga to outdoor play.

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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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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Review from K R (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Play Away Nursery has been fantastic for my daughter. She has attended since the age of 9 months and will be going to school in September. All the staff are amazing and have really helped with her development as shes moved up through different rooms.

Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're so happy to have been part of your daughter's journey and to see her grow with the support of our amazing team.

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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Great nursery and amazing staff. Always welcoming to the parents. Both children attended this nursery, was great first time around and eve better now, was always first choice. Both had same key worked, amazing for both children they loved her!

Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you so much for your kind words and continued trust in us! We're thrilled to hear that both of your children had such positive experiences at the nursery, and it's great to know that the consistency of having the same key worker was beneficial for them.

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Review from D M (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
Great nursery
always good feedback form staff
considerate staff

kids love it here

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 children love it here and that you're receiving great feedback from our team.

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Review from S G (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My daughter has been receiving great support and encouragement transferring from nappies to using there toilet. Furthermore I can notice such an improvement in her speech.

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 your daughter is receiving the support she needs during her toilet training transition and that her speech is improving.

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Review from M k (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My baby girl has joined the nursery Sep 2024 when she was 2 years and 3 months. She had a hard time for the first few weeks due to separation, as she only know me and her father to take care of her. The teachers heps her to feel safe and loved, they all wonderful and caring. Know my baby girl love her day at the nursery. She even find a friend. I recommend them to any parent who is worry about they baby going to nursery for first time. I just wanted to say thanks for all the team.

Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for sharing your experience! We understand how tough those first few weeks of separation can be, and we're so happy to hear that our caring team helped your little one feel safe and loved. It's wonderful to know she now enjoys her days at nursery and has even made a friend!

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Review from Y I (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Play Away staff always reassure me and update me with my daughter's progress. My daughter always comes home happy and shares with us what fun activities she has done with her favourite teachers. She loves the musical sessions where the kids have the chance to dance and sing. I feel very happy that my daughter enjoys her time at the nursery and I'm confident to trust Play Away staff.

Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It's amazing to hear how much your daughter enjoys her time at nursery, especially the musical sessions! We love seeing children happy, engaged, and excited to share their experiences at home.

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Review from K K (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Very good care. Good contact with staff. I happy that my daughter attends this nursery. Thank you :)

Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that you're happy with the care and communication at our nursery.

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Review from M S (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My kid is happy by going to play away to nursery. The teachers are very supporting to each and every need required and assisting all the time. Being a mother, I say I am happy with their service offering to my kid.

Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your kind words! Its wonderful to hear that your child is happy at Play Away Nursery. Our team is dedicated to providing the best care and support, and were so glad you feel confident in our service.

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Review from Y H (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

First of all, I really thank you to play away school. Every thing is excellent, the exactly how to treat children, my kids are very excellent in talking, understanding all their progressing. I am full of satisfied of them. So thank u for give me this chance.

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 thrilled to hear how much your children are progressing and that you're satisfied with the care and learning they're receiving.

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Review from F K (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I really interested about Play Away nursery because you are really doing hard work to help and improving the kinds. My daughter when she came from school, she is wonderful and amazing. So keep up. So thanks more.

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 wonderful to hear that your daughter is thriving and enjoying her time at Play Away Nursery. We're passionate about helping children learn and grow, and your support means the world to us.

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Review from T T (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
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I am happy for all the service and teaching my children here and I recommend to other family.

Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We're so happy to hear that you're pleased with our service and teaching.

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Review from Fiori K (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

First of all I really thank you to Play Away school. Everything is excellent, the way and how they treat the children. My kids are very excellent in talking, understanding all their progress. I am fully satisfied of them, so thank you for giving them this chance.

Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that you're happy with your children's progress and their experience at Play Away. Our team is dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment, and it's heart warming to know that it's making a difference.

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Review from H B (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
The staff are helpful and very happy. They do the best for my children. All preschool staff are very positive.

Still have some concerns about my child's speech, not concerned about understanding. I feel like I can talk to the manager and another staff member. Very helpful.

Reply from Gemma Craig, PLT Manager at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that you feel supported by our team and that you're happy with the care your child is receiving. We understand your concerns about speech development and will continue to monitor and support your child's progress. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or need additional assistance.

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Review from M S (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

All the staff in baby's room are so friendly and helpful. My son really enjoys going to his room. Big shout out for 4 staff members in particular. Thank you for all you help with my child's progress. Also the manager, who has been amazing support for years with our family. We love Play Away Day Nursery. All the best in 2025.

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Review from R G (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Brilliant nursery! Both of my children attend age 2 and 4. They really enjoy their time at the nursery and have good connections with staff. All the staff are lovely and welcoming with high energy and friendly attitudes. The children enjoy Fun and engaging activities. Communication is great and handovers are always detailed. Couldn't ask for a better bunch to care for my little ones.

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 so glad to hear that both of your children are enjoying their time at the nursery and have built strong connections with our team. It's great to know that the activities are engaging and that the communication and handovers are helpful for you.

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Review from K D (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

The team at Play away Day Nursery are fabulous! They've provided child centred care and opportunities for our daughter and have got to know her as an individual. She, in turn, loves attending this nursery/preschool and refers to those who look after her as best friends! We are relieved to have found this childcare, who we trust, appreciate and know our daughter feels safe and cared for by. Thanks to all. It'll be a sad day when she moves up to school and leaves the awesome pre school team and her friends.

Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your lovely feedback! It's heartwarming to hear how much your daughter loves attending Play Away Day Nursery and how she's formed such special bonds with the team. We're so glad that you feel confident and at ease, knowing she is safe, cared for, and truly valued as an individual.

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Review from A G (Father of Child) published on 7 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

We are extremely grateful for the amazing job that is done with our daughter by Play Away Day Nursery staff. She seems to be very happy and active child. Also her learning and exploring abilities have had a huge improvement since starting nursery here.

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 thrilled to hear that your daughter is happy, active, and thriving with us at Play Away Day Nursery. It's amazing to know that her learning and exploring abilities have grown so much since starting, this is exactly what we aim for.

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Review from K G (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

She has been here since almost 7 months old and not one day she has cried to go to the nursery. That shows the love she has for the nursery. All the teachers have been amazing and I feel that is the main reason she feels connected. She remembers all the teachers names, even those who have left, as they are fantastic and she loves them. My child will miss you all!

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 so happy to hear that your daughter has always felt loved and comfortable at the nursery. The fact that she's always excited to come and remembers all the teachers shows how much of an impact the team has had on her and we're truly grateful for your trust in us.

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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (2)

Lizzy Pennell Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 1997
Lizzy Pennell

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 Mattocks Job Title: Deputy Manager
Melanie Mattocks

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.

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