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.

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Total of 101, showing 21-40
Review from Chifundo M (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Play Away for the last 2 and a half years, from the moment we visited this nursery the staff were welcoming, friendly and took good care of the children. I immediately knew this was the nursery my daughter would attend. I can honestly say this was the best decision I made,
my daughter loved the nursery and all the staff, they looked after her so well and she grew in confidence and communication. I love the flexibility the nursery offers, the nursery has staff that truly cares about the well-being of the children. I was never worried about leaving my child with them. I felt she was in a safe and secure environment. I love their app as it kept me informed about how my child was getting on and progressing. I am forever thankful for the care and love they showed my daughter, I would recommend them to everyone.
Thank you all, we are forever grateful, we will tryly missing you! Wished you all the best for the future!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your amazing review, we appreciate your positive feedback and it has been a pleasure to take care of your daughter, she will truly be missed by us all too, we look forward to…read more
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Review from M N (Grandmother of Child) published on 25 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely friendly staff, grandson happy and engaging with them.
Of course, he has favourites but likes chatting with all staff. Highly recommend.
He has learnt so much here and made some good friends.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are so happy he has been happy and enjoyed his time with us, he will be truly missed and we wish him well for his new big journey at big school.
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Review from Liz W (Mother of Child) published on 8 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been coming to this nursery since March and I can honestly say he loves it. He clearly is in an environment that he feels settled, secure and confident in and enjoys all of the crafts and activities that are encouraged.
Everyone who works here clearly cares about the children and they have
played a massive part in my son's learning development. He is excited to go in each morning and always comes out looking happy (and tired!)
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are so happy your son enjoys his time at Play A Way, it is a pleasure to take care of him. Erica
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Review from Catherine B (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely over the moon with Play A Way, for so many reasons. We have seen such a massive improvement with our daughter in lots of different aspects of her development, which is so great to see. I was quite anxious about leaving my daughter to go back to work. It was all new and daunting but those
anxious feelings were soon put at ease when I had a tour of the nursery. I met the manager who was lovely, as she showed me around I could see the passion that she had for the children and nursery which gave me such a positive feeling. I got to have a taster hour with my daughter to see where her playroom would be and the activities the children do, I came out of the nursery and knew I wanted her to go there. The staff are all so lovely, friendly and welcoming. I feel the staff are approachable, and they are very honest too. Which for me is everything. I feel my daughter is in safe, caring hands. Thank you to all of you! You're all amazing!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are so glad that you are happy with the care we are providing and it is our pleasure to take care of your daughter and watch her grow. Thank you.
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Review from Déjà C (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I had a hard time finding a nursery that ticked all my boxes in regards to what I needed then I found Play A Way. I wasn't entirely sure but after a visit to the nursery, I definitely felt a lot more confident and decided this nursery was the one. I was given a full tour of the facility, and plenty
of information in regard to what your child's day would consist of and the lovely manager answered any further questions I had. I was still a little anxious as I assume most parents are when their child first starts nursery, however, after my son started I was fully confident in the nursery. All the staff are absolutely lovely they really get to know each child individually and build a healthy relationship with the kids, they are very attentive and polite. The activities they do throughout the day are both educational and fun, I love that they have tables set up with different activities that allows your child to have free choice. The setup of the nursery is very secure. My son absolutely loves it!
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 have your son start with us and we are so glad that he loves the nursery too. Thank you.
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Review from Alexandra S (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My baby started a different nursery one week before starting Play A Way. In that week my friendly and happy baby became scared, sad, and frustrated and was no way to let me go. I will not discuss what happened in that nursery but what I can tell is that the staff from Play A Way nursery are doing their
job and more. My baby is starting to be again happy and to trust people like he was doing before. The staff are so warm and they approach your issues delicately and they try to help all the time. If we go to nurseries from around the UK, everyone seems to smile but trust me on this, when the doors are closing, our babies don't receive so much happiness anymore.
At Play A Way it's not like that. I can tell by seeing my 18 month old baby happy. They do not smile just for appearances, they smile because they feel like doing so, and I'm sure they have bad days as well but for sure our babies will not feel this because they know how to do their jobs. Wish to be more like this.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your review, we have both shed tears for what your baby went through, but I am so glad that we have been able to help you in regaining trust and I am so glad that your baby is…read more
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Review from Yve N (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started attending Play A Way in September 2022 and she enjoys it. She's always looking forward to attending and I have no issues with the nursery.
The manager is very lovely, friendly and understanding.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you very much for your lovely review, we really appreciate your feedback. Thank you.
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Review from Rhea O (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at Playaway this year after turning three in June. Some of the biggest positives we found when selecting a nursery were the flexibility of the hours and how available the staff were. The manager was always happy to talk through any questions I had. My son was offered settling in sessions
before he began and, straight away, he went in confidently and didn't want to leave! All of the staff are welcoming and knowledgeable and keep you informed of your child's day to day experiences. His speech has come on leaps and bounds, as has his ability to want to try new things. I would highly recommend Playaway!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, we appreciate all the kind things you have to say about Playaway, and we are so happy that your son has settled so well. Thank you
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Review from Chloe W (Mother of Child) published on 8 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son recently started at Play A Way in September and he absolutely loves going to nursery. Since going to nursery he has started talking a lot more.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your review, we are glad that your son is enjoying his time with us and look forward to continuing to support him with his speech.
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Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Before my son started at Play a Way, I was so scared and reluctant to send him as he was two and was only saying "mum". However the manager said we don't have to jump right in, starting with one morning a week, and assigned him a key person, they built up a repore with our son and helped him adjust
to a new environment, new people and he loves nursery. The manager then offered my son three days, and now my son is not only saying so many new words but his key worker and the other staff there, have started teaching him sign language too! As well as offering to refer him to speech and language therapy. I'm so proud of my boy and how far he has come on in the short time he has been at Play a Way. I have five children and this is by far, the best nursery and not just because of the setting, but because of the staff! I'm now excited for him to go full-time when he turns three. The staff, truly are amazing, understanding and compassionate. They focused on my concerns and my son is doing great.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, it has been a pleasure to take care of your son and help him to progress and we look forward to the future. Thank you.
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Review from Stacey W (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children have attended play-away second child for 2 years now, it’s an outstanding well organised place. The staff are amazing very friendly and polite, never had any issues my children have loved every moment and thrived in such a positive environment. I highly recommend this nursery to anyone and
we are sad that the time has come for the next step into big school. 5 stars from us!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely review, it was a pleasure to take care of both your children, we wish you all the best for the future. Thank you.
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Review from J P (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started 4 months ago at the nursery and he settled very quickly. It wouldn't have been this easy if the staff didn't encourage him to feel comfortable as English was not his mother tongue. Now, he is speaking and understanding English well. He loves to go to the nursery, meet his friends and
discover new activities. The App allows the parents to follow up child's settlement. Definitely would recommend it!
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 take care of your son. Thank you.
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Review from Caitlin N (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to this nursery since March 2022.
He was a little upset when he first started but the staff were amazing with him and in no time settled in. He even puts his hand out waiting to go into the nursery now. I love to see that he enjoys it.
The updates I get on the nursery website
of what he has been up to are great and he always has so much fun.
I could not fault this nursery at all and very happy I chose my son to go here.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your very kind review, we are so glad that you are happy with the care we provide your son and we love him being here at Playaway too. Thank you.
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Review from Oana C (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very lovely nursery with amazing staff. My baby enjoys going to nursery, and she has learned and developed a lot since going here. I always recommend the nursery to everybody, as they are doing a really great job.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your wonderful review; it is lovely to have your daughter here with us at Play A Way. Thank you.
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Review from Kirsty M (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is very happy and settled at this nursery. The staff are friendly and engaging and work hard to help the children develop.
My older son attended this nursery for two years, and he also really benefited from the care and encouragement received from the staff.
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 take care of both of your boys. Thank you.
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Review from J I (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending this nursery since he was a baby and he will be leaving nursery this year to go to school.
The staff were great in each room, and even though he found it a bit difficult in the beginning, everyone made sure he was looked after and well cared for.
I feel like he is really
prepared to go to school, as the ladies working at Play A Way have done an amazing job of getting the preschoolers ready.
I love that this nursery has outside space and they are encouraging the children to head out multiple times a day.
All the staff are approachable and always have a positive attitude towards the children and their development.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your amazing review, we are thankful for all the amazing things you have to say about Play A Way. We know that your son will do amazing at big school and he will be missed so…read more
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Review from N R (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at Play A Way in October 2021 and now does 3 full days a week. He loves it and always comes home happy! His development has come a long way since joining and he's definitely grown more confident to interact with other children. The staff are very interactive with the children and keep
us parents updated with pictures and development progress on the app which I find really useful as I like to see what he gets up to when I'm not around.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your wonderful review, we are so happy that you are happy with the care we provide for your son and we are happy that he is growing in confidence. Thank you.
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Review from Carley W (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is 17 months and has been attending the baby room since the beginning of February 2022. The care she receives is second to none. The baby room staff and manager are so caring and attentive. My daughter, who was super clingy to me at first, is very happy when I drop her off and clearly has
gained confidence by attending nursery and enjoys all the activities there. Would strongly recommend.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely review. It is a pleasure to take care of your daughter, and we are all so happy she has gained confidence while with us. Thank you.
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Review from Cat N (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I chose Play A Way because my oldest son loved this nursery so much! I love it and I know my daughter who just started will love it too! Staff is amazing! So happy for my daughter as she's gonna have a great experience!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate your feedback. Thank you.
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Review from Carla L (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attended the playgroup for a year before moving schools and couldn't have praised the staff enough. He was at ease being dropped off in the mornings and loved playing in the garden, and also enjoyed the food even though he's fussy!


Would recommend.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your lovely review, we are glad he enjoyed the food and we all miss him very much. Thank you.
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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

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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.

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