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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Reviewer Connection to Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
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Total of 92, showing 61-80
Review from Andreea B (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful nursery who takes care of the children. The teachers are very respectful and helpful, lots of activities and learning.
Reply from Sonny, Marketing at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear that you've had such a positive experience with our nursery. Our dedicated teachers truly care about creating a nurturing environment full of…read more
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Review from Amy S (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a fantastic 3 years we've had at this nursery. The staff treat the children like family. My daughter loves coming here and it has helped her become the confident little girl she has become, ready for school in September. I know we will both miss the nursery.
Reply from Sonny, Marketing at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your heartfelt words! It's been such a joy to watch your daughter blossom into the confident little girl she is today, ready to take on the adventures of school. We'll certainly miss…read more
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Review from Zsofia K (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son had a great time in Paddington Group.
The teachers were supportive and kind all the way through.
Reply from Sonny, Marketing at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your kind words! We're so pleased to hear that your son enjoyed his time in the Paddington Group. Our teachers strive to be supportive and kind, so it's wonderful to know that it made a…read more
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Review from O A (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Play Away Nursery is an ideal place to tutor and nurse toddlers. The management is very relatable and the staff are actively in the duty of giving quality care.
I consider their service child-centred, efficient, equitable and very effective. My sons have learnt a lot of new stuff and they love all
their teachers, they always look forward to come to the nursery. It has been a pleasure and I will readily refer anyone in search of a nursery because the service is reliable.
Reply from Sonny, Marketing at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
What a glowing review - thank you so much! We're passionate about providing a child-centred, caring environment, and it's fantastic to hear that your sons have thrived and loved their time with us.…read more
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Review from Katie C (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child started at Play Away in September 2023 and is now leaving for school. I can't express how grateful I am to the manager and all staff who have supported his development and kept him so comfortable and happy. My child has ASD so he hasn't always been straightforward but everyone at Play Away
has taken initiative and worked with him. The support that I have had with his school EHCP and general school transition has been overwhelming and I really couldn't have done it without them. I'd recommend Play Away to everyone.
Reply from Sonny, Marketing at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Your words have truly touched our hearts - thank you! It's been an absolute privilege to support your son's development, and we're so proud of the progress he's made. We know the journey hasn't always…read more
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Review from Anna S (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are extremely happy how our son grown and how much he learnt during his stay in Play Away Nursery.
Thank you all nursery staff for your great work, friendly attitude and your patience with our son.
We will miss you.
Reply from Sonny, Marketing at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
We're absolutely delighted to hear how much your son has grown and learned during his time with us! Thank you for recognising the hard work and dedication of our staff. We've loved being part of his…read more
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Review from Safia P (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been coming for 4 months and enjoyed her experience.
Reply from Sonny, Marketing at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad to hear that your daughter has enjoyed her time with us over the past few months. It's wonderful to know she's had a positive experience, and we…read more
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Review from Miriam I (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are amazing and I never worry when my kids are in nursery. I like that staff don't change often. I would prefer less rotation of staff in the baby room and fees should be shown on their website.
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely review! We appreciate your kind words about the nursery and the team.
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Review from Amy S (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic nursery all the staff are caring and engaging with all the children in their care. My daughter loves attending and her learning and development has really grown.
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely review! We appreciate your kind words about the nursery and the team.
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Review from Azzam M (Father of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The dedicated staff and the wonderful head teacher just exude warmth, professionalism and genuine care for the children.
Their approach to early childhood education is nothing short of exceptional, fostering an inclusive and stimulating atmosphere for the little ones.
Shout out to Play Away and Elmers
class staff. We love you!
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that your little one is having a lovely experience at our nursery and appreciate your kind words about the team.
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Review from Metkel M (Father of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic. All the teachers are very friendly.
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely review! We appreciate your kind words about the nursery and the team.
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Review from K W (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son loves coming to nursery, he always talks to me about who he has played with and the activities he participates in. His favourite part of his nursery day is exploring the garden, especially the climbing frame and the mud kitchen.
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear that your little one loves coming to the nursery and enjoys the activities planned for them.
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Review from S K (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to give my 5* about Play Away Nursery because there are lots of learning activities for children and staff is friendly and understanding. They understand your personal circumstances and work accordingly. Lots of activities for children and I am so happy about my child's development.
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear that your little one loves coming to the nursery and enjoys the activities planned for them.
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Review from Rebecca S (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has taken a while to settle in as he's an anxious child - but we are so happy with the love and care he gets at Play Away.
He always comes home happy and enjoys telling me about his day. His vocabulary has also really developed whilst being here.
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear that your child has settled in seamlessly at our nursery It's heartwarming to know that they love coming to the nursery.
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Review from Adepeju F (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been so blessed with amazing teachers who are always happy to be explicit to our enquiries and very kind in looking after my daughter. As a mom battling with some illness, I do not have to worry about my daughter as she's always happy to be in school. Bless you all.
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely review! It brings us immense joy to hear that our teachers have been amazing, addressing your inquiries with happiness and kindness while looking after your daughter.
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Review from Fernanda B (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Spring fair and craft event - attended with my child. Was great fun. My child enjoyed all the activities, especially eating his chocolate egg and brownie. All staff were friendly and welcoming. A range of activities, even I got into the arts and crafts. Great family fun.
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely review! We appreciate your kind words about the nursery and glad that you enjoyed the event.
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Review from S K (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Nice environment and activities but high turnover of staff. Slightly unsatisfied with communication at the time of pickup. Handover between staff needs improvement. My child really enjoys the nursery and has developed a lot of skills there. Slightly more expensive compared to other nurseries.
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your review which is important to us, and we appreciate your feedback, please do contact us at feedback@familyfirstnurseries.com so we can discuss concerns.
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Review from K F (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Play Way since she was 11 months old. She has loved making new friends and has made amazing bonds with the staff in the baby room, it is obvious that they really care for the children. She has come on leaps and since being here and I feel really supported by them in relation
to her needs.
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that your daughter has enjoyed her time at Play Way, forming strong bonds with the caring staff and making new friends.
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Review from M G (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing idea for a family day of Christmas activities for a good cause. Staff, as always, were welcoming and happy. Both of my children (10 and 3 years old) love Play Away and the whole team. Thank you.
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely review! We're so pleased to hear that your family enjoyed the Christmas activities for a good cause at Play Away.
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Review from Emma T (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girls loves the nusery. Each and every member of staff has the kids welfare as top priority. Wonderful place and a very happy parent.
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City
Thank you for your lovely review! We are pleased to hear that your little girl loves the nursery, and we appreciate your kind words about the staff's dedication to the children's welfare.
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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

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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.

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