Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford

Unit 3a, Derriford Business Park, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 5QZ
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9.9 202 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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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.

Contact Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford to get a personalised quote.

Contact Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford to get a personalised quote.

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

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 (202)

9.9

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.899) out of 10, based on 42 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford has 202 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford
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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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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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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.899)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.899) 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 42 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 42 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 4.899 for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford is calculated as follows: ( (459 Excellents x 5) + (39 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 504 Ratings = 4.899
  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 42 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 42 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.