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.
Show Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City on the Map

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
  • 79
  • 13
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 92
  • 16
  • 42
  • 83
  • 9
Reviewer Connection to Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
  • 72
  • 19
  • 1
Total of 92, showing 21-40
Review from K R (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from D M (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S G (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M k (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Y I (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from K K (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M S (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Y H (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from F K (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
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…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from T T (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Fiori K (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from H B (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M S (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from R G (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from K D (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A G (Father of Child) published on 7 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from K G (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from W D (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Play Away Day Nursery are truly exceptional, highly qualified and truly caring and passionate about what they do. Every day my son comes home with a big smile and lots of stories about his day. It's a testimony to the wonderful care he gets, especially from two members of staff in particular
who are truly amazing with our son. Additionally, facilities are safe, clean and filled with equipment and educational toys for kids to be engaged. Management is also exceptional, especially supporting parents. Overall, it has been a wonderful choice for us. Thank you Play Away Nursery.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It's truly heart warming to hear how much your son enjoys his time at Play Away Day Nursery. Our team is passionate about creating a safe, engaging, and…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S M (Father of Child) published on 6 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at this nursery since April 2023, it is a brilliant establishment. Friendly staff and a safe place for the children. I am fully satisfied by the services provided.
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've had such a positive experience with our nursery since April 2023. Providing a safe and welcoming environment for the children is our…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

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.

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.