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 Elise E (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The new team at Happy Days Nursery Derriford is amazing, very welcoming and responsive to questions and always happy to help.
My daughter seems happy to spend the day there, and the team is always accomodating when I need to book some extra sessions.
I have recommended the nursery to friends, and
I will keep doing so.
I used to come in at lunch to breastfeed my daughter, and the team has always welcomed me and looked after me, which was appreciated.
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Review from Briony P (Mother of Child) published on 23 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my daughter has been attending Happy Days Nursery she has thrived as an individual, she always comes out of nursery happy and is always willing to go in. The staff in her room are very welcoming and have a very good relationship with both parents. The management team are very approachable and
always have a friendly face.
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Review from Sarah H (Mother of Child) published on 3 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves happy days and the staff have been brill throughout Covid-19. They have lots of activities, outdoor play and my daughter loves the food. The staff are great very friendly. Outdoor play is great they have a forest area to go in.
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Review from Jade M (Mother of Child) published on 3 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Happy Days since she was 8 months old. The nursery has played a huge part in her becoming a smart, independent, social and loving little girl.
The nursery has been amazing in reassuring me as a parent that my child, as well as all the other children in the setting, are
being well looked after and are safe during this pandemic.
She still has another year to go until she attends school but I am looking forward to seeing how much she will grow and experience in her final year at Happy Days.
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Review from Lydia N (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughters experience at Happy Days has been outstanding. All staff in adventures room 4 have been amazing. Her keyworker has worked really hard with her and it has shown in her learning. I would highly recommend this nursery. I am really sad to leave.
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Review from Kate W (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Exemplary standards from all the staff welcoming, cheerful and helpful staff, my son has changed from a shy little boy who cried at every drop off to a confident toddler. His speech has developed incredibly and so has his confidence. He has become so independent. The staff are amazing and allaying my
worried as a first-time parent and I take great comfort whilst at work knowing he is in great care. Highly recommend.
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Review from Jenna G (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy started the nursery when he was 10 months old and like any first-time mum, I was anxious and reluctant about leaving him but it was the best thing I have done.
The nursery staff are amazing and my son has learnt so much. His speech is incredible and he has learnt colours, how to use
cutlery and his confidence has soared.
I have recommended the nursery to two other parents and will keep doing so.
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Review from Fiona W (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl loves nursery, she has made such good friends with others and her language has come on so much.
But most of all her confidence. She is like a different child and will no longer shy away from things she is unsure of. Thank you!
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Review from Andrew M (Father of Child) published on 24 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
In sum, my daughter is happy and safe at this nursery and always seems to be doing and learning new things. As a father, I am overly protective and struggle to leave my daughter with anyone. I feel this nursery has embraced my daughter. A parent can't ask for more in my view. I would recommend Happy
Days, the staff are friendly and instructive.
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Review from Kirsty (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending the nursery since she was 1. She has really thrived since attending the nursery and the care and dedication of the staff members has been a key component for this. Her confidence has built tremendously since attending and she has built many friendships. She is always talking
about what she has done that day, with great excitement. The facilities available at the nursery are very good and staff are extremely helpful.
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Review from Jane S (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has attended Happy Days Derriford since she was 12 weeks old and she has thrived in their care.
The team are friendly and caring and clearly enjoy their work.
I would highly recommend this nursery for their high levels of attention, care, cleanliness and the overall standards.
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Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful staff, flexible and accommodating, wonderful with my child.
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Review from Illona S (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Good nursery overall, caring staff, plenty of activities for children. Very detailed process of development of the child recorded on Efile.
Disappointed with the administration, we have lost approx £240 due to their mistake out of the government funding, the administration does not seem ready to take
responsibility for their fault. It will probably result in our official complaint.
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Review from Megan T (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children love the nursery, all the staff are loving and caring and treat each child with great care and support. 100% recommend the nursery.
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Review from Claire (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Happy Days is very efficiently administrated. It was so helpful to have everything explained to me, and time was given by admin, nursery and management staff to do this. The nursery was clear about all of the expectations from me and their responsibilities to me and my child which was great and what
I needed as a first time nursery user. The nursery is really flexible and understand that not every family looks the same or has the same needs. Very professional and I can see they take good care of my son.
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Review from Michala C (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Happy Days since he was 9 months old and he loves it! The staff are friendly, approachable and caring and have helped him to develop into a happy confident little boy. The variety of the day is great for his learning and keeps him interested in what’s happening around him.
He also attends rugby which is offered in conjunction with the nursery.


I would thoroughly recommend this nursery to anyone looking for excellent childcare.

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Review from Kirsty W (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is excellent, good facilities and friendly staff. Our child has excelled during her time at nursery and it has given her an excellent start. The only negative is sometimes the food is too adventurous and sometimes could be simplified. Our daughter can be quite fussy which we're trying to
change at home, but it concerns me when I pick her up and she hasn't eaten much of her lunch.
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Review from Corrinne (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We looked at a few nurseries before sending our son to one, but the atmosphere and feeling at Happy Days just felt right. There is a strong emphasis on messy play, sensory play, reading and following the curriculum. There is also outside space and a forest to forage in for the older children.


The

proof is in the pudding though and I have to say my son absolutely loves going to nursery. He tends to run out of my arms the second we get there with a big smile on his face. All of the staff I have met are lovely and when I have had slight complaints they have been dealt with instantly, professionally and with a good result all around.


If I was to criticise anything it would be that I think it might have been nice to have a little grassed area for the kids to play on, but it's not really needed and the children don't seem to miss it.


So overall, well done Happy Days. I feel quite confident leaving my son with you knowing he'll have had a lovely day by the time I pick him up.

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Review from Dan (Father of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our daughters have attended this nursery and enjoy it. We feel they have thrived in the environment. Staff are genuinely interested and very "can do" in their approach. Meals are of a high standard and are clearly enjoyed. Children are well catered for in their various needs and have plenty
to keep them occupied.
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Review from Leanne (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Happy Days Derriford for 2 years now and has enjoyed every minute of it. I was worried about leaving her in nursery at such a young age but it got to a point where she didn't want to leave!


The staff are lovely and enthusiastic about their job. My daughter has learnt so

much and developed her learning (both academically and socially) to a level I don't think she'd achieve if she didn't attend. I will be sad when she moves on to school!
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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.