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 S P (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are extremely helpful and always willing to answer questions or enquires.
Emails are replied to in good time.
Staff know the children by individual names which is amazing considering they have so many children to look after/manage.
As a parent, you are made to feel welcome and very informed.
Settling
in period was amazing, it took as long as was required for my child to become relaxed and settled.
My child loves nursery, they get excited when it’s mentioned, the staff in the room are extremely welcoming to both myself and my child and the food is very nutritious and healthy.
I would recommend this nursery to any parent, it takes a lot of courage, as a parent, to leave your child in someone else’s hands and to provide the care they require but my mind was and is out at rest knowing my child is being so well cared for.
The handover for collection of your child is very thorough and very individualised.
Amazing nursery and I feel very grateful my child is able to attend here.
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Review from A D (Father of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been in Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford since she was eight months old, and she has loved every day of it. The staff are so kind, and she has made loads of friends. We were worried about her settling in, but she really only cried when we came to collect her! She loves the
food too.
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Review from Billie C (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We call the nursery as my child care had to end (the childminder had to become a full-time carer to her husband and couldn't have my daughter). They got us in to have a look after right away, my daughter was made to feel welcome and wanted to play during the walk around.
The staff are outstanding,
I didn't want my daughter to leave as she goes to class happily every morning. I don't have a bad word to say. I would go back to them in a heartbeat. Thank you for looking after my daughter.
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Review from Petrica V (Father of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very pleased, me and my son talk every day about activities and his friends playing together to have a lot fun. He is just waiting to come back after two weeks of bank holiday to meet your friendly staff. Thank you.
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Review from Nakita A (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I love my daughter in this nursery, all staff are lovely and understanding, my daughter gets cared for properly and her needs are met she’s never unhappy. The nursery is organized and are always aware, I feel completely comfortable with my daughter being in this setting.
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Review from Cavan W (Father of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely amazing. My son has come on leaps and bounds since joining the nursery.His confidence and speech is incredible the staff are fantastic. I wasn’t sure at first, leaving my child with people I didn’t know but they have my trust.
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Review from Shanie J (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely nursery with lovely settings. Very helpful and committed ladies who help my daughter and son feel safe and happy.
The only thing I wish is that we could see them enjoying activities more such as on their social media page, or being sent pictures of them throughout the day. We did have activity
pages made up by the ladies which were lovely, just more would be amazing.
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Review from Adam W (Father of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely love this nursery. Never had an issue that hasn’t been solved with a quick phone call or email! Girls love going and the staff clearly care about each child and key staff know the children they are responsible for very well and always listen to feedback and adapt routine to any requests.
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Review from J W (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford enough! My daughter started there in January 2022 and I have never had a problem with the nursery. My daughter gets so excited when we arrive and she's always happy when I collect her. All the staff are so attentive to each child and I always
feel at ease taking her each day. My daughter gets attention all day long and whenever she is upset someone is always on hand to reassure her. I would also like to praise their food menu my daughter eats every meal sometimes twice over and loves everything they provide.
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Review from Jessica L (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely incredible experience over the past couple of months my daughter has been going. Supportive staff and very welcoming. They have helped at every concern or advice that I've needed. Would highly recommend this nursery. I couldn't be more grateful for how they have been so accommodating with
me, communicating with me and my daughter during her settling sessions. She loves going to nursery every week. The smiles she gives when she sees everyone. Gives me the acknowledgement that she just loves being there.
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Review from Clare R (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended the nursery since she was 11 months old, and has always enjoyed her time at Happy Days Derriford. The staff are always friendly and welcoming, with regular feedback and progress reports. There are lovely outdoor facilities for the children and really good food options. She
has thrived at Happy Days Nursery and is now ready for her journey to school.
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Review from C A (Father of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Overall high level of staffing and care provided by all, my son always enjoys his days at the nursery and continues his development at a good pace. Especially enjoying his regular times outside. And the management are always approachable with questions and will endeavour to help whenever possible.
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Review from Ana C (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been in Derriford Happy Days since he was 8 months, and he is going to school this September. During this time, I have moved house twice and I still kept him in this nursery. I do an extra hour of commuting every day for him to attend this nursery as I feel that he is very well taken
care of there, that I can trust everyone that works in the nursery not only with his safety and wellbeing but also with the cuddles that he might need when he’s away from me. I can sincerely thank all the staff from the reception, management, kitchen and all the room staff for taking care of my little boy so well. We are going to miss you all!
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Review from Sarah S (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This review is for the entire time my child has been at the nursery, not just April 2022! The staff are so helpful, polite, approachable and accommodating, nothing is ever too much trouble! Kept updated of all that is going on, especially throughout the Covid pandemic - they were fantastic! My child
has certainly benefited from attending this setting and always comes out after a full day with a smile on his face! A big thank you to all the staff for doing such a fabulous job!
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Review from Z S (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has some additional needs the nursery have gone above and beyond to help him in his development and he has come on so much with the support of the amazing staff. They are all really friendly and helpful and always willing to help with requests.
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Review from Georgina H (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Joining the nursery during the pandemic was a worry at the time but the team have been amazing throughout. They are very focused on the children, their development and safety. They work incredibly hard and are always smiling and happy to help with any queries or concerns. My daughter really enjoys her
time at nursery with the team and I couldn’t think of a better nursery/group to leave my daughter with.
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Review from Gemma S (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child recently started nursery at Happy Days Derriford and has so far seemed very happy to be dropped off and when picked up. The staff are incredibly passionate from what I have witnessed and also very reassuring to the needs of an anxious mum. I feel my child is in very safe hands here.
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Review from K G (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have been at this nursery from age 1 through to starting school. Both have loved their time here and were/are very prepared for starting school. Both made great friends and great bonds with the staff. I have never had any concerns or worries about their time within this nursery.
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Review from Daniel M (Father of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Happy Days Derriford is a truly wonderful nursery. Our son absolutely loves being there and he is looked after incredibly well. The staff are all very caring and treat him as if he was their own. I highly recommend this nursery. Thank you
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Review from Ryan H (Father of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Outstanding childcare from every member of staff. Attentive to each and every child no matter their background. Can adapt to each parent's individuality to provide feedback that makes sense for them. Always a sense of family and happiness when interacting with staff.
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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.