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 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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Review from Christine M (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are really pleased with Happy Days nursery the staff are friendly and helpful. There are loads of facilities.
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Review from Cassandra L (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Deciding that our daughter should attend Happy Days was the best decision we have made for her so far. Her confidence has grown, her motor-skills have developed and she's even starting to talk more. It has been a real pleasure watching her get excited about the nursery and being happy when she comes
out - she likes to tell us all about her day in her own little way. That is all due to the incredible work that the staff do, I wouldn't have picked anywhere else. Thank you for making such a positive impact on our child's early development.
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Review from Amanda W (Guardian of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found Happy Days nursery staff to be extremely friendly and professional. The way staff interact with my child and he responds to them is very reassuring. I particularly like the fact that my child has continuity with the staff and has a key worker responsible for him. The safeguarding practices
are very thorough which is always appreciated. As well as the nursery staff, the admin staff are very patient and helpful.


I have found that my child has benefitted from the structure of the day and enjoys going to nursery.

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Review from Catherine (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An Amazing place. My little boy has been attending since last April and he has gone from a shy little boy who wouldn't leave my side - my little shadow - to a confident, mature, polite grown up little man. The staff are friendly, very caring, approachable and great fun. The learning that takes place
in the setting is super. My little one has learnt colours, animal names and sounds, shapes, counting to 10 and much more. He's learnt to drink from an open cup and is starting to learn how to use a knife and pour his own drinks - he's only just 2!. They cater to all individuals and give great advice when asked for. They provide outside access all the time including visiting the forest and take part in baking, sensory play and self-investigation. They do baby yoga and bring in outside groups so children can take part in activities e.g. Hartbeeps- singing, dancing and exploration through role play. We are excited to go each day and the smiley face and not wanting to leave proves it.
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Review from Qiqi (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am happy to know that my child is in a safe and stimulating environment with caring staff looking after her. Her key person is excellent and articulate. She shows real kindness in settling my child as well as reassuring us parents. She also comes across very switched on. My child, who is very attached
to me, has settled really well in the nursery. I am able to work without worry and anxiety about leaving my children.
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Review from Beverley T (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very happy with the care and communication we receive from Happy Days. Our daughter's time in Explorers 2 has just come to an end and we cannot praise the staff enough for the experiences and comfort they provided her throughout her year with them and the peace of mind they provided for us, as
parents. Her transition into Adventurers 4 was managed extremely efficiently and the staff in both rooms made the tricky and daunting experience of change, a happy and exciting time for her (and us), rather than of fear and uncertainty. With our daughter thriving at nursery and enjoying it so much, we would highly recommend Happy Days Derriford.
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Review from Jennifer G (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would recommend Happy Days to any parent looking for a nursery. All the staff are super friendly and helpful, and even on those days when my child produces tears on my departure, the staff always provide him with a hug and reassurance and on the collection that day they report back what a wonderful
day he's had!


The regular monthly emails are great to keep us parents in 'the loop' as to what is available/going on. Any issues I have had have been swiftly dealt with. The nursery is super flexible with my childcare needs. I really enjoyed the feedback received at the end of each day from staff. They offer a range of activities; I love the encouragement of outdoor activities whatever the weather, and the messy play too!


I would have liked the transitional phase from explorers to adventures to have been slightly shorter, as 6 weeks was maybe too long for my little one, but just personal preference.


Overall very pleased and have recommended many times!

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Review from Helen W (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Explorers staff were fantastic. They really helped my son to settle in and reassured me on the days he was upset when I left.
His transition into Adventurers was not very smooth.
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Review from Ziggy S (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended this nursery since he was 6 months old. From day one I was confident and happy to leave him in such a caring and stable environment. My situation changed and I no longer work near the nursery but I will continue to drive out of my way so that he can stay at Happy Days until he is
school age. The amount of effort all the staff put into the development of your child both mentally, educationally, emotionally and socially shows in his character and he is blossoming in their care. The nursery also provides a tasty and nutritious menu with variety and introduction of new things. Perfect for growing children. Everyone who works at Derriford is very welcoming and friendly which gives a lovely feeling of 'family'. I feel free to discuss any issues relating to my son or admin matters with any member of the team and know that my query or concern will be taken seriously.


I would recommend Happy Days to anybody.

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Review from Hayley (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter has settled really well into the nursery. The nursery staff within her room are always friendly and helpful. They are all very approachable and she is enjoying it at Happy Days!
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Review from Sarah (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Happy Days Nursery Derriford is an excellent childcare provision, we are extremely impressed with the consistently high level of customer service from all members of the team. Our two children are most happy in their care, and I feel confident they are kept safe and nurtured by the wonderful team of
staff across the whole setting, from the office team to the managing team, the catering team to the nursery nurses. Our children have thrived in this setting and feel at home in their care.
They attend activities provided by Rugby Tots which is a great addition.
The strict diet required for our son is catered for with much care and consideration, the inclusive menu means he will never miss out and always feels included at mealtimes with his peers.
We will always recommend this nursery to friends and family.
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Review from Sophie B (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An extremely friendly and welcoming nursery. My daughter had a great time here and I strongly believe that she would not have advanced as much as she had, had she not been attending Happy Days for the year she did.


I'd highly recommend to friends and family to use Happy Days.

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Review from Rebekah (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would recommend to my friends and family as we were made to feel very welcome. Induction days for my son was very settling and put me at ease to leave him there.
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Review from Kayleigh S (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son absolutely loves nursery! On collection, he’s happy and exhausted after a full day of fun activities at Happy Days. The staff have been absolutely brilliant and I can tell that they care for him, and he does for them as well - on many occasions he’s opened his arms out to them for a cuddle while
still in mine! I feel extremely happy with leaving my son at Happy Days as I know he’ll have a thoroughly enjoyable day taking part in activities that I am unable to provide him with at home. I would always recommend Happy Days as a friendly, professional, safe and happy environment to be in. A huge thank you to the staff for being so brilliant with my son.
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Review from L T (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are very friendly and helpful. They offer a wide range of activities and are very supportive of my children. They both enjoy nursery and look forward to going.
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Review from Roxanne S (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to this nursery for over a year now and she loves it. Excellent staff and a lovely nursery.
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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.