Play A Way Activity Centre

St Andrew's Church Hall, Christmas Street, Gillingham ME7 1TD
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9.9 101 Reviews
  • Play A Way Activity Centre, Gillingham
Play A Way Activity Centre, in Gillingham, is a fifty capacity nursery with an excellent community reputation, offering parents an open and honest service while their child is able to learn and develop in a healthy and secure atmosphere.

The facility is well-resourced for age-specific learning, looking to prepare each child well for the challenges of full-time education. They offer Day Nursery, After School Clubs and Holiday Club for all 3 months - 11 years old children.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Erica Edwards (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 18

Total Places for Children

  • 50

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Day Nursery Children:


    AM/PM Session: 08:30–11:30 (AM) or 12:30–15:30 (PM) - £30.00.
    Core Session: 08:30am–3:30pm - £60.00.
    Full Day: 07:00/07:30am-6:00pm - £67.50.
    Half Day: 07:00/07:30am–12:30pm or 12:30–6:00 pm - £42.00.
    Full week: 5 Full days – (Mon–Fri) - £315.00.
    Additional Hour - £10.50.


    School Age Fees-
    Breakfast club - £7.00.
    After school club - £14.00.
    Holiday club Core session 8.30am -3.30pm - £30.00.
    Holiday club Full Day 7.00am - 6.00pm - £35.00.

  • Available on request

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:00-18:00
    Tuesday 07:00-18:00
    Wednesday 07:00-18:00
    Thursday 07:00-18:00
    Friday 07:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Christmas

Play A Way Activity Centre Reviews (101)

9.9

Play A Way Activity Centre has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.907) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Play A Way Activity Centre has 101 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Play A Way Activity Centre
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Total of 101, showing 1-20
Review from Demi O (Mother of Child) published on 19 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at the nursery for almost 2 years now and I couldn't be more pleased.


The staff are really friendly and make an effort to know each child as an individual. He's met all his milestones while attending nursery and while I do not attribute this solely to them, they have supported the

care and guidance he receives at home to ensure there is no regression while he is at nursery. This was notable so when he was being potty trained as he only got better even though he has nursery sessions in between.


We have another son who's just been born and we feel very confident to have him join the nursery as well soon.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are so glad you are happy with the care we provide, and look forward to taking care of your new son.
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Review from M L (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending the nursery for a while and she is having the best experience, I was a bit worried changing her from child minder to nursery but the staff have been amazing and she has developed really well. My son attends the holiday club and absolutely loves it. Even with certain eating
difficulties he has, the staff have been so helpful and supportive.


This has been a great choice.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your wonderful review we are so glad you are happy with the care we provide for both your children.
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Review from Francesca H (Mother of Child) published on 8 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Could not recommend this nursery enough. I am a very anxious parent and the teachers reassured me so much. They are so caring towards the children. My daughter settled in so well and I get updates when she is at the nursery to let me know what she is up to so it makes it so much easier for me to leave
her and go to work. She absolutely adores her teachers and they really do care about the children. She has learnt so much since being there. I have also recommended this nursery to my friends who have then signed up their children and they are also thriving here.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, it means so much to us that we have eased your worries when going to work and so glad your child is enjoying their time with us.
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Review from Zena R (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hi I would really recommend this nursery the people are great with the children they are very organised. My son just loves going and always talks about what his done and his always doing something different whilst learning. The team always make you feel welcome. Glad I sent him here
Thanks everyone
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely we are so glad you are happy with the care we provide
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Review from David W (Foster Parent of Child) published on 6 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with the progress our son has made since joining playawaysThe staff are absolutely wonderful - so caring, patient, and attentive to his needs. They've really helped him grow in confidence, independence, and social skills, and it's been amazing to see how much he has developed
during his time there.


Every day he goes in with a big smile and comes home happy, full of stories about what he's been doing. It's clear he feels safe, valued, and nurtured, which means so much to us as parents. We are so grateful for the supportive environment the nursery provides and for the genuine care the staff show.


I couldn't recommend Playaways and highly enough - it's such a positive place for children to learn, play, and thrive.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, we are so pleased you are happy with the care we provide and the progress your son has made, it means so much to us all at Playaway.
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Review from Dami O (Mother of Child) published on 3 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff at Playaway are lovely and you can tell they really care for the children. My first daughter was there between 1-4 years and my youngest was in the baby room for about a month. They were both welcomed and fully integrated with lots of stimulating and fun activities for the pre-schoolers
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are glad you have been happy with our service.
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Review from Stephanie G (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started nursery in April at age 2, he had been with a childminder prior to this. Since starting nursery he has grown in confidence and loves everyday that he is there. The staff are amazing and caring, this is whether the child is in their room or not! I did not know what to expect when making
the change to a nursery setting. I have been so impressed with the level of care and affection my son receives. Home away from home!!!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, we are so glad we have made the transition a positive experience and glad you are happy with the care we provide, being a home from home is very important…read more
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Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
They have helped my little one settle in lovely they have great communication with me. There is always someone there to tell me what she has been doing and what she has been eating. All staff are very polite and caring towards the children I would definitely recommend play a way nursery to my friends
and family
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your lovely review, we are pleased you are happy with the care we are providing.
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Review from Chioma B (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had a terrible experience with another nursery with our first child and were quite paranoid when selecting a nursery for our second child. We told the staff about our experience and concerns and they listened. Our second child has thrived in this nursery and they have taken the utmost care with him.
The staff are all kind and accommodating and I can see that in the interactions with other parents and guardians as well. I would totally recommend Play A Way to anyone. My only complaint is that I didn't know about them earlier so that my oldest child could have attended as well.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, we are so happy that you are pleased with the care we provide for your son, it is our pleasure to take care of him.
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Review from Jummy O (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Play A Away is definitely a highly recommended nursery. The staff? They are all so sweet. I'm glad I chose them, my little one loves it and is always super excited to go to nursery. She adores all the ladies there and I see loads of learning development in her. The management is also great. I genuinely
cannot fault this nursery at all.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are so happy you are happy with the care we provide.
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Review from Carly T (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child has been attending the nursery for over a year, for four days a week, since just before they turned one. In that time, we've only had good experiences. All the staff we've come across are polite, helpful and take time to talk to us about our child's day and their development. Our child's speech
and social skills have soared since attending the nursery. They engage the children with lots of activities to develop their expressive, cognitive and motor skills, we've been completely satisfied with the curriculum delivery.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your wonderful review, it is our pleasure to take care of your child and so happy he is flourishing.
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Review from A J (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attends Play-A-Way Activity Centre full time in the lead up to starting 'big school'. From the moment she started, she has been incredibly happy there. They made her feel welcome and at home from her first day. My son uses their afterschool facilities which for a busy working mum is an absolute
lifesaver. They collect my son from school and both children have a home-cooked meal. The service is fantastic and everyone that works there are great. Special thank you to two particular members of staff, both of whom are always incredibly accommodating and flexible. The service is great value for money and I couldn't recommend them enough.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really do appreciate your feedback and we are so pleased you are happy with the care we provide for your children. It is our pleasure.
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Review from K M (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The manager and her team have been absolutely amazing with my little boy.
He has grown so much with his confidence, his speech and socialising.
Honestly couldn't fault the nursery! From communication to friendly parents at pick up; overall a great experience!
Thank you all so so much!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely review, it has been a pleasure to watch him build in confidence and we are so happy he has enjoyed his time with us, he will truly be missed.
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Review from Isata B (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What an amazing nursery! I have three of my children at Play A Way Nursery and no regret joining my children in such a very good nursery. My children enjoy going to nursery, they have learnt so many skills. Whenever they come home, they are excited about the nursery.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, I am so pleased that you are happy and your children are so happy to be with us too.
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Review from Charlotte R (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Play A Way for nearly a year now after we moved to the area. Staff are amazing, they listen when you speak and hear any worries you have and try to help, supportive with life outside of the nursery too. I was shocked at the amount of things they do with the children, you get
updates on your children through the app so you can see what your kids do there.
I honestly could not say enough nice things about Play A Way, we love it.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we do try to be as supportive as we possibly can, we are so happy you are happy with the care we provide.
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Review from R S (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to Play-a-Way since March 2024 and her development has excelled so much since joining. I think being around children of a similar age is so useful to help develop their social, communication, sharing skills etc. and genuinely believe this nursery has supported with this. The
transition of being on maternity leave and the first nursery drop off can be very daunting but I felt as though the staff were very reassuring, which made it all a little bit easier. Although the nursery itself needs a bit of TLC, the staff are lovely and the children all seem happy which is what's most important!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your review, we are so happy to be a part of your child's growth, I am so pleased the transition back to work was helped by us as this can be so overwhelming for parents…read more
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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Play A Way nursery for over a year and he absolutely loves it. He has a home-cooked meal every day, provided by the nursery which is a great bonus. My son loves attending here. His speech and social skills have massively developed thanks to the staff who really go above and
beyond for him. Can't fault this nursery at all, overall, very accommodating, respectful of your wishes as a parent and informative on updates about your child whilst in their care.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback, I am so glad you are happy with the care we provide, it is our pleasure to have him with us.
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Review from L L (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started in September and has settled well at Play A Way Activity Centre. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and made me feel comfortable leaving my child so I can go to work at ease. On my first visit, my son was happily playing and there was lots of activities for him to enjoy. I am
very pleased with the updates on the app as I can see him enjoying his day and where he is within his development. He always looks engaged in activities when they are uploaded on the app and is happy when I drop and pick him up. The staff feedback how he has been and always have time to share what he has done with his day, either face to face or on the app.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for such a wonderful review, I am so happy you have been happy with the care we have provided and we have eased the stress of going to work knowing he is in our care.
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Review from B C (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The place is more than good I can say. It feels like home for kids. I have two girls and both loved going in there. One started the reception and still crying that she wants to go back to the nursery because she misses the staff. The kids just love the staff, all are brilliant 10+!!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely review, I am so glad your girls enjoyed their time with us.
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Review from T N (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves attending this nursery and has come on so much since he started at the nursery just over a year ago. The staff are always welcoming and are very flexible.
My little man always says he has had a great day.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely review, it means so much to me that the children that attend with us are happy, so I am so glad your son loves the time he spends with us.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.907)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.907) out of 10 for Play A Way Activity Centre is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 23 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 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 4.907 for Play A Way Activity Centre is calculated as follows: ( (246 Excellents x 5) + (21 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 269 Ratings = 4.907
  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 A Way Activity Centre is based on 23 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 50 number of registered child places is 10, which has been reached with 23 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 (0)

Meet the Team (1)

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Erica Edwards

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2009

Erica started her journey with Play-a-Way as a volunteer in June 2009 and has worked her way up to become the Nursery Manager. Erica holds a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s workforce and Level 3 NVQ in Management.

Frequently Asked Questions about Play A Way Activity Centre

What is the Age Range of Children that Play A Way Activity Centre accepts?

Play A Way Activity Centre accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Play A Way Activity Centre Open?

Play A Way Activity Centre is open: Monday 07:00-18:00, Tuesday 07:00-18:00, Wednesday 07:00-18:00, Thursday 07:00-18:00, Friday 07:00-18:00.

How many Children does Play A Way Activity Centre have capacity for?

Play A Way Activity Centre has capacity for a total of 50 Children.

How far is Play A Way Activity Centre to the centre of Gillingham?

0.8 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 A Way Activity Centre to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Play A Way Activity Centre has an Enhanced Service - more info.