Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford

Unit 3a, Derriford Business Park, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 5QZ
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9.9 198 Reviews
  • Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford, Plymouth
Happy Days at Derriford has both indoor and outdoor spaces for children to play and grow during their time at nursery.

Staff support children to embrace outdoor play and have as many new experiences as they can in a safe and secure environment.

The nursery provides equipment and furniture that supports children’s physical development over muscle control and co-ordination.

Two nursery chefs provide fresh meals for children every day, but children can also be involved in learning about food preparation and taught how to be independent at meal times.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Zara Austin (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 50

Total Places for Children

  • 146

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • We know childcare is such an important part of family life, and we’re here to make it as simple, clear, and affordable as possible. There are numerous government schemes available to help with the cost, and we’ll guide you through your options so you can find what works best for your family. Why not get in touch today for a personalised quote? You can head to our website and take a look at our Affordable Childcare page to see the different types of support you might be entitled to.


    Did you know Happy Days offers government funded childcare? Depending on your child’s age and your circumstances, you could receive up to 570 or even 1,140 hours of funded care each year — giving you extra support when you need it most.


    We like to keep things open and straightforward when it comes to fees, so there are no surprises. Click the button below to see our weekly, daily, and session rates for the exceptional care we’re proud to provide. And if you’d like to talk through your options, your Nursery Manager will be more than happy to help, we’re always just a friendly chat away.

  • For fee information, contact the Nursery directly.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:00-19:00
    Tuesday 07:00-19:00
    Wednesday 07:00-19:00
    Thursday 07:00-19:00
    Friday 07:00-19:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford Reviews (198)

9.9

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.888) out of 10, based on 38 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford has 198 reviews.

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Review from Lee w (Father of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with the way in which the nursery operates and will be sending child No 2 when at the correct age. My son enjoys going and has never indicated he was worried etc and when he comes home he does speak about what he has done that day and enjoys showing us what he has made.
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Review from Amanda D (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children from babies have been looked after by the wonderful staff at Happy Days nursery at Derriford since December 2009 which will sadly end in September 2016 when my littlest one eventually starts school. I have never had to complain about anything especially the care they have provided
for my children which has been second to none. Both of my children enjoyed their time with Happy Days and have been extremely happy throughout. The nursery have always been extremely accommodating to any needs or concerns I have had (including when I've needed extra days' care on an ad hoc basis). My youngest doesn't want to leave and my eldest likes coming back when he picks his sister up. So to summarise I've had nothing but excellent service from day one and would definitely recommend Happy Days to anybody who needs childcare for their children from babies to school age. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the staff who have cared for and looked after my children.
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Review from Jenny T (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have attended Happy Days Derriford from when I finished my maternity leave right through to starting school, one still attends. The team at Happy Days manage to combine a professional approach alongside a caring nature. Exactly what I needed as a working mum!


I felt comfortable

knowing my children were being cared for by a competent team of professionals, who enabled happy and fun play whilst fulfilling their educational needs also.


Happy Days were effective at ensuring I was updated with nursery news without overloading an already busy parent.


Both of my children will and have transitioned easily into school life - something I credit Happy Days with having a hand in.


Croissants for parents in the mornings was also a winner - thank you :-)

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Review from Becky (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have had 2 children attend this nursery, one is now at school and the other is due to start Sept 17. The school start programme was brilliant and helped prepare my daughter for school and I have no doubts it will do the same for my son. The only thing I find disappointing is that military discount
isn't offered when there is a high proportion of military children attending the nursery yet NHS discount is available. However military discount is offered at the Bristol nursery, lacking in continuity!
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Review from Tammy (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We have used this nursery since my son was 10 months old, he is now 3 and we are moving him to a nearby preschool as I am going to be on maternity leave and do not plan to return to work.
We have been very pleased with the level of care that he has received since he started. The staff have all been
very caring and friendly, he seems to enjoy his time here, he attends 2 half days a week.
The only downfalls are the high turnover of staff and although I appreciate he is only there for two half days a week, he doesn't seem to make anything for special events, he did not make a card for family at Christmas despite staff saying that he had made things.
Overall I am pleased with the nursery and our only reason for moving him is that I have given up work and we wanted a nursery closer to home .
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Review from Helen (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My child settled in quickly and has established good relationships with friends and staff. She enjoys the outdoor play areas and that there is an open door policy for playing outdoors. All staff are very friendly and helpful at Happy Days.
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Review from Sarah H (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We are very happy with the service Happy Days provide. Our son enjoys going to nursery and enjoys telling us about his day.
We have recommended Happy Days Nursery to friends and will be starting our daughter there in September.
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Review from Alana (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children at the nursery and they absolutely love going. All the children are friendly and always give a warm welcome to other children and parents entering their room. Staff are very friendly, cheerful and very helpful and are very flexible with every child's needs.
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Review from Paula M (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has blossomed at happy days, I couldn't ask for anywhere better to leave my child for the first time they helped her adjust and me and she is now a confident girl ready to start school, so thank you happy days derriford!
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Review from BIJAL O (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Work closely with parents to get the most out of children's potential. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed it and would consider again if we were working back at Derriford.
Thank you very much and particularly to my daughters key worker - fabulous.
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Review from Zoe (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my son started going to happy days nursery 9 months ago I have seen a rapid progression in is development considering he only goes once a week.
He is exceeding above his age bracket and I have the fantastic staff to thank for it.
All the staff members are polite and go out of their way to
help you and they all work well together and with the children.
My son absolutely loves going to nursery and constantly talks about his time there and how much he is looking forward to going back.
I really couldn't recommend this nursery enough.
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Review from Sam (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves coming to Happy days nursery. She has settled in well since she started in April. She always informs me of her day and how much fun she has had playing with her friends. Lovely relaxed atmosphere, makes a happy child and mummy.
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Review from Melanie (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery, varied activities and great for socialising your child. Learning is made fun, and children are always happy and smiling when you drop off/collect them. The individual learning gardens are great ways to see how much your child has progressed while at the nursery. I also like the fact
the children can go outside and play, even if the weather is a bit overcast. Staff are always friendly and available to give you updates on how your child is doing. Highly recommend this nursery.
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Review from Hayley W (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended Happy days for 3 years. The staff are a pleasure to deal with and always happy to help.
My son looks forward to his mornings and always comes out smiling. He speaks highly of his friends, teachers and all the wonderful things he has done.
Happy days have helped him turn into a
lovely polite little boy who is full of life and they will be sadly missed when he goes to primary school.
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Review from Sarah S (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have used the nursery for 7 years for all 3 of my children. They have all loved the experience and my two eldest children were very well prepped for school. The staff are very caring and friendly. Will be sad to leave the nursery in 2 years time!
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Review from Chantal P (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such a lovely bunch of people that work here. I feel very comfortable leaving my baby here when I go to work. My daughter loves going to nursery it's a really nice atmosphere and she always comes home very tired from all the activities!
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Review from Tracey G (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending the nursery for 3 years and my son previously did for 3 years before this. We have been happy with our choice of nursery for our children and would recommend to others. The staff are all very friendly and always cater for children's individual needs. They offer a wide
range of daily activities and we love receiving her artwork to bring home. The 4 week food menu is very good with them offering a second choice should your child not eat the first choice. The only thing I wish the nursery did as other nurseries have started is to offer flexibility for sessions on occasions when you have to work different days or have circumstances out of your control.
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Review from Patrick (Father of Child) published on 22 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery. Staff are brilliant. Facilities are great. It's a very clean, warm welcoming, fun nursery, with lots of great things to play with and help educate, both indoors and outside. My daughter loves it and so do I and my wife. My son will be starting soon too. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
A*
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.888)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.888) out of 10 for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford 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 38 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 38 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 4.888 for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford is calculated as follows: ( (411 Excellents x 5) + (39 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 456 Ratings = 4.888
  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 - Derriford is based on 38 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 146 number of registered child places is 29.2, which has been reached with 38 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)

Zara

Zara Austin

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Zara has worked in childcare for 17 years, 7 of those at Happy Days where she started as a Peripatetic Deputy Manager. Accompanied by her wealth of experience, Zara has also received a Level 3 Diploma, a Level 4 Team leading qualification, and a Level 5 award in Management. Zara is loving her new role and enjoys building relationships with her colleagues and the families in her care.

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