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 61-80
Review from Marie S (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at 8 months, 4 days a week. The staff are amazing and I cannot fault them. I go to work every day knowing my son is in the best hands. His development has come on amazingly and I often receive many compliments on how well he talks. I would 100% recommend Play A Way.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your review. It is always lovely to hear that our parents are happy and it was a pleasure looking after your son. Thank you.
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Review from Brigita M (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very friendly and caring staff! Safe and fun environment for kids. All group teachers including the manager were very friendly! Thanks a lot for looking after our boys! They really enjoyed their time at your nursery.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your review, we loved looking after the boys, and we hope they get on great. Thank you.
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Review from Suzie E (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has previously been to a holiday club and very much disliked everything about it including the other children.
Play A Way is completely different. My son came home his usual talkative self the first day, telling me all about his new friends and the activities he had done. Even more surprising
was that he was up and ready every morning without any nagging and always heading out on time because he was just so eager to get to his holiday club.
It became a bit of a running joke that Play A Way spoil him as he came home with news of chocolate mousse and ice cream after dinner, but I am just happy that I was able to attend work and even do some overtime without feeling "mum guilt".
We will definitely be back for the summer holidays.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Hello,
Thank you so much for you review, we are so happy that he enjoys attending our holiday club and hope he continues to come along.
Thank you.
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Review from Kayleigh N (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been using the nursery and wraparound provisions for a couple of years and have nothing but good things to say about Play A Way Activity Centre. The staff are all lovely, professional and really do go above and beyond. Both of our children love being there and their confidence and social skills
have flourished during their time there. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Play A Way Activity Centre to other parents for their children.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your review and all your lovely comments.
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Review from Libby C (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attends breakfast and after school club as well as the holiday club. She really enjoys these clubs and always comes out happy, telling me all about what she has done. The staff are really friendly and know all the children well. They’ve all worked hard to keep things as normal and as safe
as possible during this difficult time and have helped me to be able to keep working myself. Thank you! Would highly recommend.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your lovely review, we are very glad you are happy with our services.
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Review from Charlie B (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Play A Way Activity Centre since she was 8 months old. She has thrived all the way and is now in the preschool room. She always comes out with fantastic stories to tell me about what she's done (even when she's imagined them haha)! I often recommend Play A Way to friends and
even strangers on Facebook. I can't fault them. My daughter loves it.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your lovely review, we are extremely thankful for your comments and we are glad that you have had a great experience with our services.
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Review from B D (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child is always happy and well looked after at Play A Way nursery, she has been here since she was 9 months old and has progressed so well and I believe the nursery has a massive part in that. My son also attended the other Play A Way setting as a toddler and was also very well looked after.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your review, it means the world to all the staff at Play A Way that our children are happy.
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Review from Francisca A (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would highly recommend Play A Way Activity Centre, my daughter loves going there and she enjoys participating in the stimulating activities and I am grateful for the high-quality care she receives. It always gives me joy to see the regular updates I get from the parent hub app to see her progress
and she always looks like she is having fun which always puts my mind at ease.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your review, we appreciate all your feedback.
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Review from Natalia Q (Mother of Child) published on 15 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been using Play A Way Activity Centre for 3 years with my child, so experienced baby room all the way up to preschool with my son. All room leaders and staff are amazing! So friendly, caring and always went the extra mile, always supporting me with any concerns that I've had and reassuring all
the way.
The setting is clean, safe and fun! My child has enjoyed his time and always wants to come and see his friends during half term!
All staff always used his interests to positively encourage learning such as reading, singing, social skills, imagination, sense of wonder and speech. All-round amazing mindset!!
The manager is so caring and thoughtful, always taking the time to talk and go through anything. The backbone of the setting! To be fair, I wouldn't have chosen a better nursery for my son to learn and grow in. ALL staff are amazing and wonderful!
Thanks, Play A Way for helping my child grow!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for all your amazing feedback, we are all so glad that you are happy with the care we are providing.
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Review from Lorraine G (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Play Away Activity Centre, is a home from home for my two girls. The team are kind and caring and go the extra mile. My children have experienced all areas of the setting, from the baby room up to Preschool, also including breakfast/after school club and holiday club. They thoroughly enjoy spending
time there.
They engage with the children and really motivate them to learn through play. It is also really nice to see photos and updates on their learning via the parent portal.
They have worked incredibly hard in this challenging COVID world to keep everyone safe.
Highly recommended.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your review, it is lovely to hear your thoughts on our efforts.
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Review from Danielle C (Mother of Child) published on 5 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been using Play A Way Activity Centre for 5 years with all 3 of my children, so experienced baby room all the way up to preschool with my son now is currently in preschool. The baby room leader had all 3 of my babies in the baby room and is amazing! So friendly, caring and always went the extra
mile.
The setting is clean, safe and fun! All of my children have enjoyed their time there and my older girls always ask to go back to holiday club during half terms. (and want to spend all their time with the after school club assistant, she is so fun!).
This week my son has been loving the arts and crafts, coming home with all different pictures and also he's been baking cakes - which I enjoyed very much.
He always has a story to tell me about his day, and I know how much he enjoys it.
The manager is so caring and thoughtful, always taking the time to talk and go through my son’s day and activities. The backbone of the setting! Thanks Play A Way for helping my children grow!
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you so much for your amazing review, we appreciate all your lovely feedback.
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Review from Rachel M (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attends this nursery, and I couldn’t be happier. I was very apprehensive about leaving him, but soon realised he was in good hands. All the staff are brilliant, and he loves going! Wouldn’t want him to go anywhere else! Massive well-done girls.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you from all the team for your wonderful review.
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Review from Leanne T (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of much children have attended this setting almost 10-years apart, and I have recommended it to many people with family using the setting for their children now too.
The team are fantastic, supporting through all the developmental stages, accommodating to allergies, and I’ve never worried about
leaving much my youngest who has underlying illnesses with them.
I’m well informed and love seeing the updates through the app showing me some of the wonderful things my little boy has been doing.
In his words, ‘it’s brilliant!’
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you for your amazing review, from all at Playaway.
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Review from Andra P (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm very pleased with the nursery. Staff are really friendly, and my daughter is really happy to attend the nursery. She's developing really well since attending, and everyone encourages her to speak and play. I'm really glad that my little one is at Play A Way Nursery, and I don't have enough words
to thank everyone there for the good job that they are doing with the children.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you from all at Playaway for your lovely review.
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Review from Suzanna H (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started nursery when he was 8 months old, he is now ten months and the staff have been fantastic with him, he has settled in well. The staff are attentive and support his development with weening and motor skills providing me with daily updates. My daughter is 9 and has been going to Play A Way
for approx 5 years. She has made many friends there and can not wait to go back in the holidays.
All of the staff are friendly and approachable.
Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre
Thank you from all the team for your wonderful review.
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Review from Carly B (Foster Parent of Child) published on 1 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff were brilliant with my little foster girl, it was her first experience of any playschool/nursery and although she was a rather anxious child, she settled extremely well and was always excited to attend. She especially loved the outside play area.
The management were very accommodating
to her circumstances and the difficulties that came with staggered times at school for her sibling (due to COVID).
I would highly recommend this nursery and will definitely use them again for future children in my care.
Thank you to all the staff at Play A Way Activity Centre (Christmas Street).
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Review from Jacqueline (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant nursery, staff are so friendly and my daughter loves attending. Never had any problems and I have recommended them to all my friends and family.
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Review from L E (Father of Child) published on 21 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attends Playaway Activity Centre and has attended from Sept 2018. He has been cared for so well and I know that he is well looked after while I am at work. The staff keep me updated with what he is doing through the day. The staff are welcoming and my son is always happy to go in.
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Review from Amber F (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant nursery, staff are so friendly and my daughter loves attending. Never had any problems and would definitely recommend.
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Review from M V (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience at Play A Way Activity Centre is amazing for children and the staff take really good care of the children. The staff are lovely and humble. I am very happy I chose this placement for my daughter she loves it and making good friends, meeting lovely staff with kindness.
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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.