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

  • Full Day Care Fees
    0–2 Years: £72.22 per day (08:00–18:00)
    2–3 Years: £72.22 per day (08:00–18:00)
    Over 3 Years: £72.22 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.

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 Andy C (Father of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has attended Happy Days Derriford since the age of 3 months and this summer she will leave, to start school. She has loved her time at Happy Days and we have enjoyed a strong working relationship with a team of staff who clearly really love our little girl. She is starting school as an
outgoing, confident and inquisitive child with a well developed sense of speech and language and an awareness of her surroundings that has been enhanced by the experiences she has shared at Happy Days. She has been in two rooms during her tenure, enjoying close relationships with her key workers in both and flourishing under their care. A change in the management team a couple of years ago really improved the nursery and it is clear that the manager, her management team and the staff really care about it. Happy Days absolutely deserves its Good Ofsted rating and I’d recommend it to any parent without hesitation. We will be very sad when our daughter’s time there draws to a close. Five stars.
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Review from Daisy L (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 2 sons have been attending Happy Days Derriford for 9 months after previously attending another nursery. We joined at a particularly busy time and everyone helped my sons settle in new surroundings very quickly. The communication between the nursery and parents is fantastic and my questions are always
answered quickly. My sons love the food and often have second helpings. They are both happy and enjoy attending nursery. I will be sad when my eldest leaves for school in September.
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Review from S C (Father of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child absolutely loves this nursery she has learnt so much since being here which is great to see. All staff are really friendly and professional which is also great to see. She will be staying at this l nursery for a while as she loves being there.
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Review from Amber A (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such friendly and relatable staff. They look after my son so well as they did with my older daughter when she was young. They speak so kindly and calmly without babying the kids and always aid their development as much as possible. They cater to each child as an individual and are very accommodating.
My son's speech and understanding has improved massively since attending the nursery. Would never use anywhere else. I fully trust them to care for and enrich my child.
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Review from Julia S (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a fantastic nursery, with wonderful staff. Lovely outdoor space for the children to use. My daughter loves going to Happy Days and has really grown in confidence during her time there. I would recommend this nursery to anyone else.
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Review from R D (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Thorough tour given with lots of information before enrolling my daughter. Able to answer all of my questions.
Reassured me of my child’s allergies and went through their protocol, which put my mind at rest
The staff are very welcoming and friendly.
Detailed handover when picking up my child.
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Review from Katie C (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone. My daughter has been attending this nursery since she was 18months old, and she will be graduating from preschool soon. All the staff really make your child feel like part of the family, they absolutely have their best interests at heart, and you feel
completely at ease leaving your child in their care.
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Review from Zoe B (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have my second child joining the nursery and he has been settling into the nursery it has gone so well. He is very happy and so am I, the staff have been so reassuring and informative to allow us both to be apart. The nursery staff have been great over the 3 1/2 years that my daughter has been there
also.
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Review from Sarah C (Mother of Child) published on 23 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending the nursery since she was 9 months old - she is now 4 years old and she will continue to do so until she starts school in September.


As a family, we have had a fantastic experience with the nursery and our daughter has developed and blossomed whilst under their care.

Every day new activities are delivered which stimulate and teach the children whilst remaining fun and engaging and as a result, my daughter's social, economical, and emotional development has been amazing.


The staff within her room have earned her love and affection and she genuinely looks forward to seeing them among others and the management and admin team have always been brilliant with us, sorting any problems and generally making the whole experience smooth for us as a family. I highly recommend Happy Days Derriford and would not hesitate to place another child there. Thank you!

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Review from J U (Mother of Child) published on 23 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful nursery, lovely people and they look after my child so well. I’ve been so pleased with them over the last 3 years, my son has enjoyed his time there and feels prepared for school. Highly recommend!
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Review from Bill S (Father of Child) published on 23 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent throughout. The whole team involved in looking after our daughter are caring and professional and always keep us fully up to date. Our daughter is thriving here and she certainly has had a very positive experience.
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Review from Amy M (Mother of Child) published on 23 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience with Happy Days Derriford is a very positive one. The staff are friendly and kind and always willing to help. My daughter adores the nursery because of the exceptional experience she gets from the staff. They greet my daughter every day with a smile and a positive caring attitude. I have
never felt so content leaving my daughter and always know she is receiving the best care from staff. Not only are they amazing but they are supportive in all aspects too. I will genuinely miss them all once my daughter goes to school.
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Review from T Z (Mother of Child) published on 23 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son enjoys going to this daycare. And the staff are very friendly. My son has speech delays which help him so much, now his speech is improving day by day. They helped me with the healthy referrals for my son to get the help he needs. I really recommend this daycare to anyone as they are very good
at their job.
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Review from G M (Father of Child) published on 23 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant team, all super friendly and caring. Any questions are swiftly resolved, a very trustworthy bunch.


Great reporting when picking up my kid, also they don't mind altering their routines if my child needs a bit of extra attention.

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Review from A W (Grandmother of Child) published on 20 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I find the team that are involved in looking after my granddaughter are genuine and thoughtful. Her well-being and development is at the centre of everything they do. The updates on the day’s activities at pick up time often generate lots of entertaining chat on the trip home.
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Review from Jenni B (Mother of Child) published on 14 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing staff and management team, such peace of mind dropping my little boy off each day. Loving the new refurb, it's definitely brought the nursery into the twenty-first century and is now so modern. The nursery is going from strength to strength. It has remained open during the whole pandemic providing
the best care for keyworker children. Happy Days - Derriford really is the best for childcare in Plymouth I highly recommend!
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Review from Emily C (Mother of Child) published on 9 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wouldn’t send my children anywhere else other than Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford. The staff are amazing and so caring. Will be sad when my daughter has to leave for school in September. I’ve sent both my daughters since 2014 and then again in 2017 and the management currently in charge
have been better than no other, very friendly and approachable. Have nothing bad to say about Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford.
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Review from Kerry H (Grandmother of Child) published on 9 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My granddaughter has attended Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford for nearly two years, in which time her confidence, character and personality have flourished and moreover, her ability to mix with a range of age groups has become evident as she can converse on many levels with ease. Their education
team are very astute to the children’s development needs and will offer help and support if needed. The team employed by Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford are very friendly and approachable. I can name a few who have had a lot of input with my granddaughter, one who is very good at hair, another who is my granddaughters best friend, another who is her best friends mum, another who is everyone’s buddy and the boss lady who is mother to them all. I can’t say any bad things about the team. Happy Days Nursery & Preschool are extremely welcoming and make themselves readily available if needed, they are very supportive of their children’s needs and those of the child’s parents and grandparents. Thank you Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford.
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Review from Lisa H (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been using this nursery on and off since 2014 with my eldest and now my youngest child and couldn't recommend it enough. It feels very welcoming and the staff are very approachable and responsive, both in person and email. My youngest always runs into nursery excited for the day a head and activities
seem abundant and well planned. Great choice of food too.
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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The nursery provides an excellent care service for our toddler and has done throughout this very tough year. As a nurse, it has been essential that my child's nursery care has continued. My child is happy, educationally stimulated and nurtured by the staff at her nursery. Especially I would like to
thank some staff specifically care for my little person.
Communication is good from the management but I hope we keep this management team as, like the others recently, they are great but none seem to stay long, something the nursery should look into at company level.
Have to say the new drop off procedures are excellent and the staff are very facilitating. Thank you to all.
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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.