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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Reviewer Connection to Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford
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Review from S C (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started with Happy Days in January 2023. I was extremely anxious as she had been looked after only by family members before. All staff were amazing and very patient as I phoned up a few times each day to see how she was getting on. They look after your children as if they were their own
with plenty of cuddles if needed. Would highly recommend them to anyone and everyone.
Reply from Kelly, Digital Marketing Executive at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford
Thank you for such a wonderful review, we are so happy to hear that your daughter has settled in so well.
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Review from Gemma H (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very happy with the care my son receives at Happy Days Nursery. Initially it took a bit of time for him to settle in, but I was able to attend plenty of settle sessions with him as needed, which really helped us both! He really enjoys his time there and I can see a big difference in his development
and temperament since starting. The staff are all very kind and caring and it makes such a difference to my working day knowing he in safe hands. Thank you.
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Review from Lauren T (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Would 100% recommend this nursery to anybody! With after having not a good experience with another nursery I was very worried about my child starting a new one, at Happy Days the children is their main priority and the level of care is outstanding. I’ve been so so happy with the level of care and the
support the nursery gives, to not only the children but the parents. They have all the correct safety measures in place and are always happy to help with any issues, worries or questions. They're all like one big family at the nursery, it’s so lovely to see. Never feel unwelcome or out of place, it’s always a lovely atmosphere for parents and the children.
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Review from Sarah T (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very happy with the care my son receives at Happy Days. He is always happy to go and comes out smiling, which makes a working day so much easier. There's always a warm welcome on arrival and all staff have always made an effort to form a relationship with my child. He has a fantastic bond with
his keyworker, who is always happy to give plenty of time to communicate with us. There's a good range of facilities and activities available for children, which help promote independence and encourage learning.
We appreciate all of the hard work the staff do, to fulfil their job role and beyond. Thank you Happy Days.
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Review from Hollie W (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have been attending this nursery since they were 6 months old and the staff have been nothing short of amazing. They are always so helpful, kind, caring and willing to help with anything at all. Referrals have been made for my son who is suspected to have Autism and an Individualised
Education Plan has been put in place for both children to help them progress. Staff are so supportive and I really appreciate everything they have done for my children.
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Review from Jaz P (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot praise the standard of the nursery highly enough.
The staff are friendly, enthusiastic and encouraging.
My son has blossomed socially under their care.
The rooms of the nursery are beautifully airy and always filled with things to engage the children’s attention.
I feel like my son
is in safe hands with the staff and would wholeheartedly recommend the nursery to my friends.
Also, I don’t know what witchcraft is used in the kitchen but my son enjoys such a varied diet of healthy food at nursery that I could never hope to get him to eat at home! It must be delicious!
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Review from D P (Father of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely clean nursery. Doesn’t have lots of plastic noisy toys that give instant gratification with no effort which encourages children to actually play with the toys rather than press a button and immediately ‘win’.
Great staff, all very kind and caring. HIs key worker is great with my son.
Always
comes home tired but I see that as a good thing because it means he’s been on the go and had a great time.
Food is excellent and well balanced. My son never comes home hungry and has normally eaten everything there.
Would highly recommend this nursery.
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Review from Rachel C (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After much consideration, we decided to move our daughter from another nursery to Happy Days and honestly it was the best decision. The staff are very friendly, warm, accommodating and knowledgeable. Each and every staff member is approachable and are great with my little one. Nothing is too much trouble
for any of the staff. My daughter is thriving. She is independent, confident, happy and well looked after. Thank you.
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Review from P D (Father of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has gone to happy days for a couple of years and so did my other child.
They are amazing, trustworthy and you really feel rest assured that your children are in good hands when you drop them off.
They are by far the best nursery you could possibly imagine and the people are fantastic. The
food they give the children is 100% and they always have their best interest at heart.
They communicate with you every step of the way and will give you a full brief of how your child has done for the day which includes naps, play time, food and drink who they play with and what they have enjoyed the most.
This nursery has ticked every box for me and they go above and beyond for you.
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Review from Zara H (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery and its staff have been absolutely amazing. They've been fantastic with our child, always keeping us updated on what's going on with her and how she's doing with the other children. They even give us little report cards at the end of the day!
They always make sure to communicate with us
which we really appreciate, and they're very understanding if a situation comes up.
The staff are really friendly and always helpful. We're very happy we chose them for our nursery.
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Review from Kerri M (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are really happy with Happy Days Derriford for our son. There is a great variety of toys, books and activities and plenty of opportunities for playing outside. He is extremely happy there. We are particularly grateful for input and support with his speech delay; there have been regular educational
plans which have been discussed with us and he is progressing brilliantly. I have highly recommended this nursery to friends and will continue to do so.
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Review from D B (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child absolutely loves Happy Days Nursery and is always so excited to attend. I have seen her confidence grow since joining and she always has so much to tell me about her day. The staff are fab and so friendly! She eats so well and has such a varied menu on offer, it’s great to know she is so well
looked after!
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Review from Becky E (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since we been going to happy days we cannot fault the nursery and the team at all. Everyone is more than helpful when needed and the team in the explorer rooms are amazing! Our son has developed so much over the months he’s been with happy days. We can’t thank them enough for their care and support.
The team are a credit to the nursery and you can tell they love the children by how much the children love them.
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Review from Jess M (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot fault Happy Days Derriford, I’m always kept up to date with activities of the day etc. throughout Covid, again kept up to date and cannot praise the staff enough on how they dealt with cases. I would 100% recommend the nursery!
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Review from C M (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since having my son at Happy Days his speech has come on leaps and bounds. I was so afraid to send him as he’s shy in new environments but he absolutely loves it. The change in the way he acts at home is lovely too. He listens to me when I call his name and helps tidy toys. I think that has a lot to
do with the wonderful staff at Happy Days.
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Review from R P (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have very much loved and enjoyed seeing our little boy grow in confidence and leave nursery at the end of the day with a big smile on his face. Now we are able to pick up from the classroom we have seen in person how much he is enjoying it and how happy he is with his teachers. Since joining Happy
Days he has come on leaps and bounds and we feel it has massively benefited him in all ways. All members of staff have been very friendly and welcoming and our child has been very comfortable with all members of staff he has encountered.
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Review from David S (Father of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so glad we ended up choosing Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford for our son to go to. He's been there for about a year now and we honestly cannot fault anything, the staff are brilliant with himand you can tell they truly care for him.
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Review from H C (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl’s happy place! Staff are absolutely amazing. They made the transition of going back to work so easy. I feel comfortable and confident leaving her there every day knowing she is having the best time. Well done team!
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Review from Leanne S (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After moving my son from a nursery that needs no introduction. We are so happy with how he has progressed at the old nursery none of the staff would even say hello to him. Whether they couldn't be bothered or didn't know his name, who knows but all the staff always say good morning to him by name. As
they do with all the children, the staff are all really friendly so pleased we moved him his speech has progressed and it's lovely to see how happy he is when I drop him off to his room, when picking him up the staff are always interacting with the children. I feel extremely confident he is well looked after and happy at happy days !!
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Review from Mateusz M (Father of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Nursery is safe, very peaceful, very clean just perfect for the kids. Staff is always very welcoming and helpful. Our daughter loves her new nursery. It's a pleasure to have such a wonderful place for our baby girl.
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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.