Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Estuary House, Peninsula Business Park, Rydon Lane, Exeter EX2 7XE
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9.9 83 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.
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Funding & Fees

Full Day Care Fees
0–2 Years: £85.03 per day (08:00–18:00)
2–3 Years: £85.03 per day (08:00–18:00)
Over 3 Years: £85.03 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 - Exeter to get a personalised quote.

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

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

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 (83)

9.9

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.880) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter has 83 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Reviewer Connection to Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter
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Total of 83, showing 41-60
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 - ExeterThank you for leaving this wonderful review - we couldn't agree more about our nutritious food menu!
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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 - ExeterThank you Stephen for this lovely review - we also love the facilities at Exeter!
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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 - ExeterHello Lizzie,
Thank you for this lovely feedback. Your adorable son has done so well, he is a pleasure to have in nursery.
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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 - ExeterThank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review!
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Review from Sonia F (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children at Happy Days (18 months old and 3.5 years old), both have attended since they were 9 months old and absolutely love it. They have built strong relationships with many of the staff and particularly their key workers. My youngest had an operation and was in a cast from chest to ankles
for 15 weeks over the summer. The nursery was very accommodating and happily let her attend despite the extra care she needed. They took the time to learn how to care for her and did an amazing job. I didn't feel comfortable leaving her with many people during this time, but completely trusted the staff at Happy Days. Three staff members, in particular, have been particularly brilliant with caring for her. My other daughter has become a very confident and social little girl and I put much of this down to what she has learned from her time at nursery. They have a really varied day and are always doing fun activities. Both girls go into nursery each day with smiles on their faces.
Reply from Darlene Williams, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - ExeterHello Sonia, thank you for this lovely review. We love working with you and your delightful daughters.
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Review from Odette L (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Happy Days has been a perfect choice for both of my children. The eldest has been going since he was 14 months old and absolutely loves it. They have actively worked with his speech, and we have seen a huge improvement due to their hard work. Our daughter has just started, and her new favourite word
is the name of one of the ladies who works in the room with her!
I have always felt happy leaving them there, knowing they are safe and well looked after by everyone.
Reply from Darlene Williams, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - ExeterHello Odette, thank you for sharing your experience of Happy Days. We are truly honoured to be part of your delightful children's early years journey.
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Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 23 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has attended Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter since he was twelve months old and has been so happy there. He is really thriving and we are so grateful for all the fun daily activities with learning and developing through play. He has been taught to describe his emotions (good and bad)
which he now does regularly at home. We notice all sorts of things which he has learnt at nursery relating to the natural world, starting to recognise numbers and letters etc. Most recently he has started to understand death following the death of the queen and the way this was explained to him was extremely helpful and we have used it since.
Thank you for taking such good care of him and we look forward to his brother joining him at Happy Days in the new year.
Reply from Rebekah Fice-Thomson, Marketing Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - ExeterThank you for taking the time to leave our Exeter team such a lovely review - it will mean so much to them! We look forward to welcoming your other son in the New Year!
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Review from Charly P (Mother of Child) published on 8 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love Happy Days! My 16 month old son just can't wait to get to nursery and see any and all of the attentive, lovely staff who go above and beyond. All activities and food are carefully thought out and individual for each child - combining learning and fun. We couldn't ask for better.
Reply from Rebekah Fice-Thomson, Marketing Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - ExeterThank you Charly for your lovely review, it's wonderful to hear that your son is thoroughly enjoying his Happy Days journey!
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Review from E F (Mother of Child) published on 7 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery were able to accommodate my daughter very last minute, they were supportive and understanding. They made a very stressful time that little bit better. It was a huge relief for us that she was able to move into such a caring environment. She went in happy and came out happy, and had a wonderful
time. We are incredibly pleased with the service they provide and would highly recommend it to anyone that is looking for a nursery. It is a great place to see your little one learn and grow.
Reply from Rebekah Fice-Thomson, Marketing Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - ExeterThank you - what kind words and we are pleased to hear how happy your daughter is at Happy Days Exeter.
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Review from Jael H (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Happy days was very accommodating and helpful when we were looking for a nursery. We have been very impressed with the nursery. The nursery staff in his room (and all staff) are very warm, welcoming and caring with the children and he has made lovely relationships with the staff. They also provide a
good variety of activities inside and outside. He eats and naps well and always comes out happy. I am confident he is well looked after and can't fault his care at all; we are sad to be leaving. I would strongly recommend Happy Days Exeter.
Reply from Rebekah Fice-Thomson, Marketing Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - ExeterThank you for leaving our Exeter team such a lovely review!
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Review from Saman Z (Mother of Child) published on 30 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Happy Days Nursery Exeter was the perfect choice for my 14 month old baby boy. The nursery manager, deputy manager and the entire staff is extremely professional and lovely. They catered extremely well to my son’s need of a special diet due to multiple food allergies. He settled very nicely with them
and turned into a confident happy little boy and an independent eater. I am full of praises for this nursery as it’s a lovely, fun filled and secure place for little people.
Reply from Rebekah Fice-Thomson, Marketing Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - ExeterThis is such a lovely review, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Our Exeter team will be thrilled to read this.
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Review from A Y (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Lovely staff, great with settling my 1 yr old. Very accommodating and great handovers. Was nice to see the admin staff getting to know my child as well as the key nursery staff. 4 stars only because the communication prior to our start date was a bit hit and miss but overall a great experience. Sorry
to be leaving.
Reply from Rebekah Fice-Thomson, Marketing Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - ExeterThank you for taking the time to leave us a review Ammie!
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Review from Amelia C (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
Both my children attend happy days from a young age, there have been high staff changes while both have been there from 2016-2021 when my daughter left. Due to covid, it changed how it was, handovers weren't great. I wasn’t able to find out about close friends or who she was playing with. I found the
communication very poor. Also, my oldest was given a learning journal with work in but my youngest wasn’t given this at all even after asking. The staff I met were so lovely. Such a shame the nursey went downhill massively. Would not recommend it at all.
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Review from Janette W (Mother of Child) published on 6 January 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter absolutely loves it here! She has been saying ‘happy’ over the whole Christmas break, and is excited to be going back. She even gets her nursery bag and coat and waits at the front door of our house at 6 am ready to be dropped off there. This is a huge relief when you’ve got to work long
days as I never worry that she’s not enjoying herself there. The staff are brilliant and give a great handover of your little one's day.
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Review from Celina D (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to Happy Days since she was 10-months old (now is 26-months old) and she loves it. She loves going in, she has made good friends that she looks forward to seeing, she is not only close to her key worker, but all the staff. She knows them all by name and keeps talking about
her key worker and friends. All the staff are very supportive not only to the children but to parents too. The facilities are excellent, and I have recommended it to a friend. I can not fault Happy Days at all, we are very happy with this nursery, happy child, happy mummy.
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Review from Susan H (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
I have had a few issues that I am waiting to see if will be resolved. This is my opinion currently but 6 months ago my opinion was slightly higher. It is a shame management is leaving. I do not know where this will leave us. We will see hopefully. The nursery is just struggling currently with all the
COVID etc.
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Review from James F (Father of Child) published on 3 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We approached Happy Days after emigrating from Australia. I got last minute work and we were struggling to find childcare for my son. The nursery was incredibly prompt and their response to me was helpful with the information they provided. The induction process was incredibly clear and helpful for
my son to settle in. What made this even more impressive was that this process was carried out during COVID-19 lockdown. In respect of virus management, their support and the information provided were fantastic. My son really integrated well within the nursery setting and always came home happy. Given we have moved around a lot this was the third nursery he attended in his life and it was the happiest. He was always able to describe what activities he did during the day and actively spoke of friendships he made and carers that he could trust. I would highly recommend the friendly and efficient staff.
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Review from Hannah (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Cannot rate them highly enough, every member of staff is wonderful, friendly, caring, and professional. My son has extra needs and both my son and I have been supported every single step of the way to gain extra help for him, to push through appointments outside of the nursery, and sort the EHCP. If
I hadn’t sent my son to Happy Days he wouldn’t have had half the help he’s had here or the high standard of care. Wish my son could stay longer!
Happy Days staff care about the whole family, provide an NHS discount which is fantastic, and treat each child like the unique, special little person that they are!
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Review from Sarah (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending for a couple of months now and we have been really delighted with the nursery. The staff are warm and friendly, handovers are efficient and informative, the food clearly enjoyed by our son and the activities varied and interesting. We feel confident that our son is really
well cared for when we are at work. We have already highly recommended to friends considering nurseries locally and will continue to do so!
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Review from Ruta B (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent Nursery! Staff friendly, warm caring and professional. Lovely outside space. Nice, clean and tidy rooms. Lots of different activities throughout the day. Our daughter loves going to nursery. Couldn’t wish for a better nursery for our girl.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.880)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.880) 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 4.880 for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter is calculated as follows: ( (251 Excellents x 5) + (32 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 284 Ratings = 4.88
  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 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 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.

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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.