Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Estuary House, Peninsula Business Park, Rydon Lane, Exeter EX2 7XE
Review Us
9.9 79 Reviews
  • Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter, Exeter
Located just outside Exeter (What3words location is edits.owner.cute), Happy Days is a nursery/pre-school conveniently located for families who live and work locally.

Offering a welcoming and engaging setting, the nursery caters for children aged 0-5.
Show Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter on the Map

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Keira Vincent (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 30

Total Places for Children

  • 78

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 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • There are plenty of convenient parking spaces, as well as level-entry into the setting.

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter Reviews (79)

9.9

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.864) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter has 79 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 70
  • 7
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
Date Published
  • 79
  • 4
  • 11
  • 24
  • 55
Reviewer Connection to Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
  • 68
  • 11
Total of 79, showing 21-40
Review from Charly H (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love Happy Days Exeter! The bubbly, caring team are so accommodating and go above and beyond for their families. The only place my son will eat veggies and enjoy it! My son loves the entire team and he loves his nursery days. Thank you, you lovely lot!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from H E (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been with Happy Days Nursery since we moved to Exeter in August and they have been marvellous. My daughter settled in so quickly and they take brilliant care of her every day. They make sure she is included in all the activities in the room even though she’s not walking that well yet. For us,
who don’t live close to extended family, happy days are family. They have taken care of us when we’ve had bad news, when we got into a car accident and whenever we’ve needed that extra bit of support as a family. The staff truly are the best! I can’t recommend this nursery enough.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from T M (Father of Child) published on 1 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very pleased with the nursery and has helped with confidence, making friends with other children and especially with eating. The food is wonderful and the staff have really helped with this. Everyone is really helpful and supportive and our son really enjoys his time at Happy Days.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from R P (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Happy Days Nursery has been great for our son, I would recommend it to anyone. All the staff there are so lovely and the facilities are excellent. As a first-time mum I was so worried about sending my son to nursery when I returned to work when he was 15 months old because he had never been looked after
by anyone except me and my husband. But the nursery offered lots of settling-in sessions which all went really well and when he started full days, it only took him a couple of weeks to be happy and smiling and waving at the staff when we drop him off in the morning. I think the staff must be wizards, despite me always having to breastfeed my son to sleep at home, they somehow get him to nap easily at nursery every day! My son also has eczema and food allergies which the nursery has been brilliant about accommodating. When I go to work I feel really relaxed and comfortable about leaving my son there as I know he will be happy and safe in good hands.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Louise B (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I could not be happier with choosing Happy Day’s Nursery for our little one to go to. The staff right from the moment I had my show around the place were so friendly and welcoming. My daughter had a few settling-in sessions prior to starting and I had my worries that she just wasn’t going to settle
due to me not leaving her much prior to going nursery but the staff all reassured me how well she was doing and that she would get there, it will just take some time. She is now been going for a month and we can see so many changes in her and she is absolutely loving it! Thank you to all the staff who have reassured us and helped make it easier. I have no doubt in my mind that we chose the right nursery.
Reply from Kelly Russell, Digital Marketing Executive at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you for your lovely review, Louise! It is wonderful to hear your daughter has settled in so well.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Zoe S (Mother of Child) published on 21 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing staff, very helpful and definitely put your mind at ease when the nerves kick in when it comes to sending your little one for the first time. Wish I had sent him sooner!
Very happy with the service they provided.
Reply from Sophie Randall, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you very much for your review.
We are delighted that you all feel supported in the nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J L (Father of Child) published on 23 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found Happy Days Nursery in Exeter incredibly gifting. Everything to do with the nursery is great. The tender loving care the staff have for the children, and my daughter's developmental areas since starting in September of 2022 is amazing. I feel Happy Days Nursery has played the biggest role
in helping my daughter become the little girl she is today. We’re coming up to 1 year of her being in Happy Days Nursery and I couldn’t have chosen a more comfortable nursery for her. My daughter loves going to nursery and seeing her friends and the staff. She always goes in happy and always comes out happy. My daughter loves the nursery and so do I!
Extremely happy and proud daddy.
Reply from Natalie Stevens-Gale, Nursery Deputy Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you for such a lovely review! We are so honoured to be part of your daughter's early years journey and it is lovely to see how far she has grown since joining our Happy Days family.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from N S (Mother of Child) published on 17 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot thank Happy Days enough for helping us settle our daughter into nursery. They have been supportive from day 1.
Both my daughter and I struggled with separation anxiety which made drop-offs hard for us both. However with the patience and support of staff, my daughter loves her days at nursery.
She gets excited as soon as we pull into the car park and runs in to see the staff which helps relieve the anxiety I feel leaving her.
Our journey with Happy Days to date has been a positive one. Thank you.
Reply from Natalie Stevens-Gale, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are so happy to read that your daughter has settled in beautifully and looks forward to attending nursery. It is an honour to support both your daughter…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S C (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so happy with how my little girl has progressed here. Her speech and forming sentences has improved so much in the few short months she has been at Happy Days. They care about each child’s development and are so genuinely lovely it shows.
It’s a clean fun space and feels really intimate, it’s
not a big daunting nursery like I’ve found others to be.
The activities and food are really varied giving my girl choice and opportunities to try new things.
Reply from Darlene Williams, Deputy Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you and your lovely daughter.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Dan R (Father of Child) published on 17 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Daughter joined nursery from the age of 7 months. Now just over 20 months old. Nursery has been amazing in supporting not only her social development but also helping us in supporting her educational development. Staff are friendly and professional and have been a tremendous help.
Thank you.
Reply from Rebecca Lockyer, Senior Supervisor at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you for your lovely review. We love being part of your adorable daughters early years adventures.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 26 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional care provided by this nursery. They have exceeded all my expectations, and I feel fortunate to have found such a nurturing place for my daughter. I wholeheartedly recommend this nursery to all parents seeking a safe, stimulating, and loving
environment for their little ones.
Reply from Darlene Williams, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. It is a pleasure to be part of your lovely daughter's early years journey.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A S (Mother of Child) published on 16 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started attending Happy Days Nursery & Preschool in Exeter in February. I am so pleased and happy with the settings. She loves going there (Pre-school room). The staff is really amazing. I have seen and experienced their kindness. Everyone at Happy Days have the right attitude towards children
and shows care, understanding and compassion towards them. I wish I had found them earlier.
Reply from Natalie Stevens-Gale, Deputy Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you for such a lovely review. It is a pleasure to look after your lovely daughter, she has achieved so much in a short period of time and we are so grateful you chose to join our Happy Days…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jade M (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Happy Days are absolutely fantastic! The staff are always so welcoming and friendly and no question is too big or small. My son has come on leaps and bounds since starting in September. My son wears a prosthetic leg, uses a walker and struggles with speech and they've catered to all of his needs impeccably
and help him in whichever way possible. My son is doing amazingly with his prosthetic and one of the reasons why is because of this nursery, the manager and staff are just brilliant. The manager and staff have regular meetings and catch up with me about my son and how he is getting on or if anything extra needs to be put in place to help my son more. My son is always bringing home pictures, paintings, photos and cards which is great to see what he has been doing and a lovely keepsake. The nursery is always clean/presented well and the indoor and outdoor spaces are amazing and well-equipped for children to play and learn. 1000% highly recommend this nursery and this goes without saying.
Reply from Darlene Williams, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you for leaving this lovely review. It is honour that you chose us and a pleasure to see your adorable little boy enjoy and achieve at Happy Days with his peers.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Wendy G (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my boys have attended Happy Days Nursery in Exeter. Initially, like all children, it was an upset each morning saying goodbye; however, the staff at the nursery were great on handover, especially during COVID-19 times. Their friendly upbeat manner is second to none and most days the boys don't
want to leave. The attention to detail is excellent in readiness for school and the outside world. The graduation last year was brilliant and we're looking forward to this year's graduation too. Thank you Happy Days for always putting the children first.
Reply from Darlene Williams, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you for taking the time for this lovely review. Like you, we are looking forward to ending our action-packed spring and summer with another fabulous gradation event.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M L (Father of Child) published on 21 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff members are always welcoming, friendly and warm. We feel that both children are really well looked after. We like the feedback and understand what they have done/played and eaten. The outdoor area is great and our kids love it. Communication through email is great and the kid's reports are
also nice to have.
Reply from Kelly Russell, Digital Marketing Executive at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you so much for this lovely review and we completely agree - the outdoor space is fantastic!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from P T (Father of Child) published on 17 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This amazing place with just as amazing staff have helped our little girl from being unable to say a single word, to an absolute chatterbox. Also her eating improved immensely from being here. Without the team at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool, I don't think she would have developed the way she has.
Worth every penny. Thanks
Reply from Rebekah Fice-Thomson, Marketing Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave Happy Days Exeter such a lovely review - this means so much to the team.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from N P (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two-year-old daughter has been going to Happy Days Nursery & Preschool Exeter for a year now. The staff are all very supportive and friendly and my daughter has built a trusting relationship with them. The chef is excellent and the food is fresh and healthy. The staff turnover is not bad in comparison
to other nurseries and the good staff retention rate allows the child to have a sense of continuity. The facilities are clean and well-thought-out for educational activities and easier integration when the child moves up to another room. The nursery provides detailed reports about the children's development in light of their curriculum. The communication has the potential to improve and I am aware they are now working on a new app which will be great to keep parents up-to-date. Management follows my daughter's individual development closely and provides valuable guidance. They also hold events which give me the opportunity to observe how my daughter interacts with staff and the environment.
Reply from Kelly Russell, Digital Marketing Executive at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you for leaving this wonderful review - we couldn't agree more about our nutritious food menu!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Stephen B (Father of Child) published on 23 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our two daughters are at Happy Days and always seem to enjoy their days there. We have never had issues with dropping the girls off, and all of the staff are friendly and accommodating.
We regularly get to hear about what the girls have been up to, and bring home arts and crafts from the day. Activities
seem varied and outdoor play is always available. And we receive good feedback about the day and general updates on progress. Food provided sounds healthy, tasty and is almost always polished off.
Reply from Kelly Russell, Digital Marketing Executive at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you Stephen for this lovely review - we also love the facilities at Exeter!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lizzie B (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is amazing and has helped my son become confident and independent. It has really meant a lot to us and we cant thank the nursery staff enough! Dietary needs are catered to and we feel safe knowing he hasnt everything hes needs.
Reply from Darlene Williams, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Hello Lizzie,
Thank you for this lovely feedback. Your adorable son has done so well, he is a pleasure to have in nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from L S (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with Happy Days Exeter. Our little one's progress is impressive, we can see them grow and learn every day as they are singing songs and writing letters at home, demonstrating all the learning they do at nursery/ pre-school. Staff are lovely and caring and despite some staff changes, provision
of care and kindness has been absolutely constant. We receive regular weekly email updates which are a great way of getting an insight into what the kids have been up to and how the curriculum is achieved. We feel management is very involved and interested in each child's development, in addition to the key person and room staff, they also clearly know our little one and their progress. We are also a big fan of the lending library - we have been taking a new book home almost every day since it was started! Would definitely recommend the nursery.
Reply from Kelly Russell, Digital Marketing Executive at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.864)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.864) out of 10 for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter 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 24 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 24 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 4.864 for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter is calculated as follows: ( (248 Excellents x 5) + (37 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 286 Ratings = 4.864
  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 - Exeter is based on 24 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 78 number of registered child places is 15.6, which has been reached with 24 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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (7)

Meet the Team (1)

Keira

Keira Vincent

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2025

My name is Keira, and I have over 15 years of childcare experience. I began my childcare career volunteering at a nursery and immediately fell in love with the job. Eager to learn everything I could, I then began my own learning journey whilst working in nurseries, carrying out my level 2, 3 and 4 NVQ qualifications across 5 different nurseries in Exeter of various different sizes and set ups.


I joined Happy Days Exeter in 2022 in a varied role as the nursery administrator, supervisor, health and safety officer and SENCO. I loved working for Happy Days in such a varied role, taking on lots of different responsibilities and new challenges, which naturally led me into undertaking my level 5 in operations management with the company and excitingly taking on the role of manager, which is my favourite role I have had so far! I am passionate about supporting and empowering our families, children and staff team. It is so rewarding and inspiring to watch our children grow and learn, and to be a part of nurturing their learning journey.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter has an Enhanced Service - more info.