Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell)

Penrice Hospital, Porthpean Road, St Austell PL26 6AA
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9.3 68 Reviews
  • Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell), St Austell
Happy Days Penrice is a long-established setting that always provides a warm and nurturing environment for early years children. With a newly refurbished outdoor area, children are provided with a safe and secure environment, with free flow access to indoor rooms that are decorated with natural and calming interior.
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Funding & Fees

Full Day Care Fees
0–2 Years: £77.27 per day (08:00–18:00)
2–3 Years: £77.22 per day (08:00–18:00)
Over 3 Years: £76.41 per day (08:00–18:00)

Government funding is available and can be used to reduce daily fees. Further information is available on our website, or you can call and speak with our knowledgeable nursery team. We’re here to ensure you receive all the support and funding you’re entitled to.

Please note, fee information is correct as of Dec 2025.

For fee information, contact the Nursery directly.

Contact Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell) to get a personalised quote.

Contact Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell) to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Jen Philips (Acting Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 24

Total Places for Children

  • 80

Age Range

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

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • The nursery provides parent parking and level access to the nursery/pre-school.

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell) Reviews (68)

9.3

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell) has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.337) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell) has 68 reviews.

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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell)
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Total of 68, showing 41-60
Review from Heather T (Mother of Child) published on 6 April 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The last year my daughter's nursery has been very supportive. I have found everything relating to new guidelines informative and efficient. I have felt safe taking my child to nursery. I would always recommend a nursery to any friend, especially Happy Days.
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Review from James B (Father of Child) published on 28 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so glad we have found this incredible nursery for our one year old boy! He settled straight away which is something we really worried about, seeing as his whole life has been lockdowns and masks! Every single member of staff that we have come across from the girls in his room, to the chef, to the
management have all been so welcoming, helpful and friendly. Our son gets excited when he realises he’s at nursery and always comes out with a smile on his face.
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Review from Wendy P (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An amazing nursery with such a caring, dedicated team. My child loves coming to nursery and I have trouble getting them home at the end of the day! The settling in process was individualised to my child and the management were so accommodating. My child eats so well at nursery with a varied menu and
snacks.
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Review from Alison J (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Both of my children have used this nursery and it is wonderful. The staff are kind, professional and appear to understand the pressures of family life. My children have gained confidence and made good friends here.
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Review from Sammie W (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My baby started at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell) in December. He had no trouble settling in thanks to the amazing team working there. He has such a great bond with the girls in his room and I feel so comfortable and happy leaving him in their care. They have worked with me to
establish a routine and he is now thriving. We are a vegan family and the nursery management and chef have been brilliant at adapting meals to ensure he still gets all his nutrients.
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Review from Kim S (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children love coming to nursery every day they attend. They are welcomed by friendly staff, who are always smiling. They have a kind and caring manner with each child individually. My eldest will be going to primary school in September and the staff have helped her to develop and become ready for
that transition. My youngest has accomplished so much since being at the nursery, before he started here he wasn't really speaking a lot but now his sentences are amazing. I'm so pleased that we chose Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell) for our children and I'm sure their time at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell) will remain in their memories for a long time. As we can all appreciate in these uncertain times with Covid-19 regulations and guidance's changing frequently, it has not been easy to manage and they have all coped amazingly well with this. Never allowing it to affect the children but welcoming it as a learning process for them. This is so beneficial to them for their understanding and adaptation to what was normal.
Thank you!
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Review from Lynzi J (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have one child in Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice at the moment, one has gone through and is now at school and a baby who will start when I go back to work. Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice is a lovely nursery. The staff are beyond amazing. They are always so lovely and nothing is
too much trouble. My children love the food more than mine. They learn through play and are always doing something new and fun. I've never had any issues and would highly recommend to anyone looking to place their child there.
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Review from D E (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Found all staff friendly and professional. Welcoming and nurturing environment. Would highly recommend to friends and have done. Highly impressed with the senior staff at management level, who have dealt with the Covid-19 period under such stressful conditions. Well done!
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Review from G J (Mother of Child) published on 1 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I brought my eldest here years ago, from seven months until she left for school, and she loved it so much she still talks about the staff now. My youngest joined in February and settled really quickly into the baby room, then covid hit and we had to take a break. She returned this month (September),
I was anxious about it as she had to go into the next room up, with new staff. But they were all so lovely and welcoming. It hasn't taken her very long to settle in, so much so that once shes dressed in the morning, she is at the door waiting to go. She really enjoys all the meals and by the looks of their detailed menu, its all really healthy food. And I'm really impressed with all the bits put in place to protect the children during this pandemic.
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Review from James D (Father of Child) published on 28 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a great team, lovely and friendly, made us feel so welcome. Great outdoor space and love the natural wood toys. The variety of activities every day was a huge hit with our little one, it’s a big thumbs up from all of us.
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Review from R T (Foster Parent of Child) published on 19 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children that have attended Happy Days have been very happy and appear to have had a good time and have been learning well. Personally I would have liked to know what the children have eaten for lunch, as the four-year-old sometimes couldn't explain it to me and the two-year-old was often hungry.
The staff were awesome, very helpful, understanding and informed me of any incidents.
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Review from J C (Stepmother of Child) published on 17 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child started at Happy Days after a significant safeguarding incident at a previous nursery last year. From the outset, the staff were caring, clear in their procedures and supportive of our needs. Our child was extremely anxious during the settling period and the staff did everything in their power
to support his transition and minimise his anxiety. He has made significant progress compared to time in another nursery and has always been keen to attend. His confidence and love for learning has rocketed. We can't thank Happy Days Penrice enough for all they have done for us!
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Review from Dan S (Father of Child) published on 17 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My oldest child has settled back into nursery very well following lockdown. We were concerned, but we're reassured by the procedures and increased cleaning in place. Since lockdown we have also started our youngest in the nursery. The settling in process was a bit different to our older child, but well
managed.
Both children love being at nursery and literally run through the door when we arrive. Updates about their day are shorter than before, but we know they are happy and settled. If we want a longer conversation, we know we can phone in or email. The staff at the door are always welcoming and friendly.
We haven't seen the new mud kitchen, but our oldest child has told us about it, as well as the planting space where she has helped to plant pumpkins and 'things that smell' (herbs?). The adventurers room still looks as exciting as always and the recent school and the builders role plays have been popular with my daughter.
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Review from L P (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When my daughter, returned to nursery after lockdown I was unsure how she would cope with all the new measures but I had absolutely nothing to worry about. Management were informative at every stage and put me at ease about her coming back. On her first day, the staff were so welcoming to her and guided
her in through the door. Upon pick up, I was given feedback on her day and she came out smiling. She tells me constantly that she loves her keyworker and is always excited to go to nursery, special mention to the chef who somehow manages to get her eating food that she would refuse at home. Brilliant nursery thank you..
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Review from Charlotte K (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has built a very strong bond with all the staff at Happy Days and has developed into a very happy boy. He learns new skills every day and has developed friendships among his class. I cannot thank Happy Days enough for the role they have played in his early year's development.
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Review from Victoria L (Mother of Child) published on 29 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are very friendly and have done a lot of work with our daughter to make her feel welcome and settled in. They are all welcoming and she loves going there.
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Review from Z D (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Happy Days Penrice have always provided excellent childcare for my children. The children are involved in a lot of daily activities which I believe gives them a great start in life. The staff are always caring and helpful. The children all seem happy. Any problems/concerns are dealt with quickly and
professionally.
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Review from M B (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child has received excellent care throughout his four years. We valued the advice of the nursery staff in his early years and trusted completely their competence to handle any problems/illnesses etc which may arise whilst in their care. They have shown great willingness to accommodate and learn
more about any special needs of children in their care. There are very good structured learning and play activities organised daily, sometimes based on on-going themes but varied, giving new challenges daily on which our child thrives. Whilst having great fun, there is an excellent variety of educational equipment, creative and reading material used, with books and educational packs available for us to use together at home. My child's independence, self-awareness and awareness of others have been fostered well to prepare him for life's social situations. My child thoroughly enjoys the meals provided often having a second helping and has insisted I ask for some recipes to cook at home. Above all, we have felt welcomed as part of the friendly, happy atmosphere, whilst the scrupulous organisation enables the daily nursery life to flow seemingly fluidly along enabling our child's confidence and happiness to flourish.
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Review from Alison C (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Happy Days Penrice is a fabulous nursery. Friendly, welcoming and the staff are fantastic with the children of all ages. I have had a daughter and son attend and they have both loved it. Freshly cooked food that smells wonderful every day and fun activities that are educational and help build their
skills. Cannot recommend it highly enough.
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Review from Jess D (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves going to nursery. There is always a good range of activities on offer and a good size outdoor space. Staff are always friendly and very helpful. Would definitely recommend this nursery.
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Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.337)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.337) out of 10 for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.3 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 20 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 4.337 for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell) is calculated as follows: ( (199 Excellents x 5) + (39 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (32 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 276 Ratings = 4.337
  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 Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell) is based on 20 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 80 number of registered child places is 16, which has been reached with 20 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 (7)

Meet the Team (1)

Jen

Jen Philips

Job Title: Acting Nursery Manager Joined: 2025

My name is Jen, and I’ve been working in childcare for 15 years. I finished college, completing my level 3 in childcare and went straight into a job in childcare, working with children aged 2-4 years and also helping out at lunchtime within the school. I then moved to a larger nursery, caring for babies and children aged 0-5 years. I was there for 10 years, where I moved up to the preschool room leader. In 2023, I joined Happy Days Penrice as a nursery nurse and then continued on to become a room leader in the Adventurers room. From September 2025, I became deputy manager and helped with supporting the children, families and staff and then from January 2026, I stepped up as manager covering Toni’s maternity cover. I am passionate about helping every child individually shine and supporting them through nursery, ready for school.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Penrice (St Austell) has an Enhanced Service - more info.