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 41-60
Review from Robyn S (Mother of Child) published on 14 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started earlier this year, and she loves it. Her development and independence have grown so much. All the staff have been fantastic, supportive and understanding. Our daughter loves going there, has made friends and hates it when she’s not there. Her main teacher, in particular, has been
great in helping us get the speech therapy that my daughter requires. Next year our son will hopefully be going there too. The app they use to record progress is fantastic, full of amazing comments and photos, so we can get an update on progress and things or activities that our daughter likes to do.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your amazing review; we are so happy that your daughter has had such a good experience with us. Thank you.
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Review from Stephanie M (Mother of Child) published on 14 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Warm and caring staff with high expectations of behaviour in their breakfast and after school clubs. Staff have great relationships with the children and parents. Give absolutely great care to both of my children.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your lovely review. We are glad you are happy with the care we provide. Thank you.
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Review from Loren H (Mother of Child) published on 14 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The best nursery! My daughter is at the nursery, currently in the baby room and loves going in! It has made her come out of her shell, and I never have to worry knowing she is there. My son went to the nursery a few years ago, and all the staff are pretty much the same from 3-years ago to now. It is
a family-friendly nursery, and I cannot recommend it enough! Thank you for all you do!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your fantastic review; we are so happy your daughter loves coming and you are happy with the care we provide. Thank you.
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Review from Daniella O (Mother of Child) published on 13 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Could not recommend this nursery enough, was my son's first time going to nursery and from the moment he started he loved it. The staff are amazing and my little boy loved them all. His keyworker, I could not say enough good things about her, she worked through all of my little boy's troubles and worries
and made his time there the best. Amazing nursery and amazing staff.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your amazing review, it is really nice to read such kind words about Play A Way. Thank you.
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Review from L K (Mother of Child) published on 13 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I love this nursery. Since my son has been attending here, I have seen so many changes in him and he also loves it. Since he has been attending the nursery there haven't been any issue or problem and he settled down so quickly and that's why as soon as we arrive, he's always ready to go in and the staff
are really nice! My mind is in so much peace whenever I leave my son here because if there's anything, they always let me know.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your lovely review, I am so happy that you have had a good experience with us and glad that your son is happy. Thank you.
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Review from Raluca O (Mother of Child) published on 12 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The best Nursery in town, amazing staff, the staff from the nursery are always going above and beyond for kids which is really much appreciated. I can not praise the staff enough for the way they are looking after children, their dedication is just fantastic.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your amazing review, we are glad that you are happy with the care we are providing and that our dedication to the children and their happiness shines through. Thank you.
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Review from Ada H (Mother of Child) published on 12 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My little boy has been coming since he was 1.5 and my daughter does after school and holiday club. Both love it, staff are so friendly and approachable, lovely environment and atmosphere always. Would highly recommend.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your review, we are so happy that both your children love coming to our nursery and that you have had a great experience with us. Thank you.
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Review from Caroline S (Mother of Child) published on 12 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After searching around Gillingham for a nursery for my 2-year-old, we found Play A Way Activity Centre. The manager has been amazing from showing me around, explained their ethos as a nursery and ensuring my daughter felt at ease with her new surroundings. They have a lovely set up of rooms from babies
to pre-school as well as a lovely nurture space in the garden which was a big reason we choose the nursery- outdoor learning is so important to child development. Staff always give you a short brief explanation of the child’s day on pick up. My daughter always leaves nursery happy and asking when she’s going back.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your review, I am so happy you feel this way and that myself and all the staff at Play A Way have made you and your daughter feel at ease and happy to be here. We really try to make the…read more
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Review from Katie D (Mother of Child) published on 4 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at Play A Way when he was roughly 10 months old and has been attending twice a week for a couple of months now. From the first settling in session, he settled right in and has built great relationships with the girls who work there. My other son, noticing his brothers delight with the
nursery also wanted to attend, so often joined in with summer school over the school holidays. I can not recommend the nursery enough, the girls are lovely and put my mind at ease about leaving my baby for the very first time, they are always eager to help with nothing too much for them. If only I knew about this nursery when my eldest was starting nursery!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your review, we are so glad that you are happy with the care we provide for your boys and look forward to see them grow.
Thank you.
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Review from Amy J (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started in September while I study at uni, she is 2 years old and has gone in full time. She absolutely loves this nursery and really looks forward to coming back every day! In fact, if I tell her she isn’t going in because it’s Saturday she will cry because she wants to go.
The staff are
all lovely! They have put my mum brain at ease when it comes to leaving her all day! I know my little one is in safe hands when I’m not around and she will continue to learn and grow because of the staff here.
Also just an add on about how good the safeguarding is, my daughter's dad went to pick her up and even though he is on the list of who can pick her up the staff still asked for ID and double-checked with the list to make sure! So the safeguarding is brilliant and it’s nice to know they do this when someone other than you comes to collect your child.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your amazing review, it has been a pleasure to take care of your child, and we are very happy that our safeguarding procedures has put your mind at ease as the safety of all the children…read more
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Review from Olivia B (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending here just after he turned 1. Since being there his development has sky rocketed, he is always learning new skills. All the staff here are amazing and look after his needs no matter what whilst addressing any concerns I may have regarding my son. Always a fight to try and get
my son to leave as he has so much fun. The app allows us to see his activities during the day and new skills he has learnt, which is lovely to see and we can then adapt on these at home. Could not recommend Play A Way Activity Centre enough for the care they provide for him and the service we receive as parents.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, we are so grateful for all your kind words. We are so happy that you have had such a good experience with us.
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Review from Giedre J (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter just started but so far I am impressed how well she's doing, and how helpful and supportive the staff are. They are doing the best they can to fulfil my child's needs.
I highly recommend!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your review, we are so happy that your daughter has settled so well. thank you.
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Review from Sarah A (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very lovely nursery, staff are always kind and have happy faces that make you feel welcomed. My little girl really enjoys going to the nursery. By far one of the best nurseries and staff are all approachable and supportive.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for you fab review, we are happy that you have had such a good experience with us. Thank you.
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Review from Tomi O (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Play A Way Activity Centre is the best nursery in Medway hands down! They are warm, welcoming and such a family orientated business, both of my daughters as well as my niece has been to play away and have truly flourished. I can not imagine taking my kids anywhere else. I would 100% recommend Play a
Way all the staff are lovely and your kids are in safe hands!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your review, it means the world to us all at Playaway that you have had such a good experience with us and that you think so highly of the setting. It has been a pleasure looking…read more
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Review from Carly B (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My youngest son has just started play away after his older brother went there and we had amazing experiences. My son is really enjoying his time at the nursery, excited to go, running in with no problems and struggling to get him to leave as he's having so much fun. The staff are very friendly and at
collection briefly explain my sons day and have been great with letting me know what he is eating and drinking through his session. Loving the updates on the app they use as well including photos of my son playing and engaging in activities.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your great review, we are so glad that your son has settled so well with us and that you previously had a great experience with us. Thank you.
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Review from Tia M (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Would really recommend Play A Way Activity Centre. My son attended here from 1 year old to 2 years and he has developed so much socially. The workers are great and so caring with good communication to the parent/cater.
Good hours for the sessions and fair pricing compared to others around.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your lovely review.
We are glad that you have enjoyed your experience with us and we really try to stay reasonably priced. Thank you.
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Review from Sian N (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely love this nursery. They have made my son feel welcome from the second he stepped in and he hasn’t looked back since. I receive updates on what he is doing at nursery and any worries I have are listened to and dealt with. I cannot fault them and I appreciate everything they do for my son.
I really recommend this nursery.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your amazing review, we are so happy that yourself and your son have felt so welcome, it means a lot to us that you both have had such a good experience with us. Thank you.
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Review from Amelia B (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Extremely recommend this nursery, my son joined mid September and he loves every hour spent there. Staff are so polite and always helpful. I have had a bad experience with a previous nursery but I have had nothing but good things to say about this nursery!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your lovely review, we are very glad that your experience with us has been a good one and that your son is enjoying his time with us. Thank you
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Review from Chloe F (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started attending here last March. Since then, she has learned and opened up more, especially with her social skills. Our keyworker has been amazing and involved with her care. I have got no complaints but praises.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your review we appreciate your kind words, we are so glad that your experience has been positive. Thank you.
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Review from Yazmina M (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Play A Way are amazingly friendly and kind. They are supportive in every way they can be and have helped greatly in my child's progression in speech and learning. I will be using Play A Way away again and look forward to it.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your amazing review, we are all very grateful for all your kinds words and are glad that you are happy with our services. It was a pleasure taking care of your child. 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

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.

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.