Happy Faces Playgroup

The Liddell Hall, Old Reading Road, Sherfield-on-Loddon, Hook RG27 0EZ
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7.9 23 Reviews
  • Happy Faces Playgroup, Hook
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Type of Service

  • Nursery School
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Owner

  • Happy Faces Playgroup
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Person in Charge

  • Viv Allaway and Alison Smith (Managers)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 7

Registered Charity Number

  • 1029688

Total Places for Children

  • 26

Age Range

  • from 2 years 0 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Fees are £5.80 per hour for 2-year-olds and £5.40 per hour for 3 and 4-year-olds; payable termly in advance.

  • Children eligible for EYE Grant can claim up to 15 hours a week free childcare.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:45-15:45
    Tuesday 08:45-15:45
    Wednesday 08:45-15:45
    Thursday 08:45-15:45
    Friday 08:45-15:45

When Closed

  • School Holidays

Parking

  • Located behind the Village Hall there is plenty of parking available.

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Happy Faces Playgroup Reviews (23)

7.9

Happy Faces Playgroup has a Review Score of 7.9 (7.942) out of 10, based on 1 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Happy Faces Playgroup has 23 reviews.

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Total of 23, showing 1-20
Review from E P (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In a home-from-home environment, there is a real sense of connection to the wider community of Sherfield on Loddon village as it is in the heart of the village in the village hall, with the children's outdoor play area overlooking the green and woodland. My son sees his teacher as his family, and I
honestly couldn't be happier with how he is cared for there. The staff are simply amazing!
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Review from K S (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have nothing but great experiences with happy faces. The staff are friendly, warm and open as well as very knowledgable. Both my children have always enjoyed their time.
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Review from Amanda H (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Happy Faces Playgroup is an extremely warm and comforting environment with passionate staff, active learning and child-friendly facilities. My daughter is always very happy to go to Happy Faces Playgroup. She adores all the play and child-led activities as well as all the lovely outdoor space. I cannot
emphasize how wonderful the Happy Faces Playgroup staff are. They are such experienced, dedicated people who display and apply such enthusiasm, creativity, flexibility and sense of humour with every child. All the staff are incredibly nurturing and extremely approachable to both children and adults. Their communication with parents is excellent, with the choice of face-to-face conversation, telephone or online via their portal. Happy Faces Playgroup provides lots of ‘hands-on-learning’. My daughter experiences many varied learning activities such as reading time, letter learning, numbers and counting, arts and crafts, music, dance, exploring the natural world and outdoor play. She loves it all!
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Review from Louise S (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves going to Happy Faces. She has made some beautiful friendships in a short time and always comes out with a huge smile. She loves being given jobs to do and I have noticed that she is already picking up some numeracy skills, such as counting her fingers. The location is beautiful and
so relaxing, whilst giving them plenty to do. She has been on walks around the village to post letters to Santa and visit the local duck pond, which she loves. Their communication is excellent and frequent.
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Review from H S (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Happy Faces Playgroup is an absolutely top-notch starting point for any young child or nervous mummy. The team are loving, professional and knowledgable and do their utmost to ensure your child has a lovely time from day one. I cannot fault the incredible team and thank them for giving my little boy
the best start to his education and life away from home. He always runs in beaming.
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Review from Stephen L (Father of Child) published on 12 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 3-year-old daughter has been attending since September 2020 and has loved every minute. The staff are always bright, friendly and really seem to understand her personality. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
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Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending Happy Faces Playgroup since she was 2 1/2 years old and has enjoyed every minute of her attendance. It was very clear from the start that the ladies who work there all provide a high level of care and attention to the development of each child and their individual needs.
The playschool itself has lots of toys and activities and a large garden where my daughter enjoys playing with a wide range of outdoor toys and equipment. Our daughter's key worker has been absolutely fantastic and we are provided with lots of feedback and photos via the Tapestry app as well as face to face at the end of every session. We are also regularly updated by a newsletter each week which details what the theme for each week will be. Overall we cannot rate Happy Faces Playgroup highly enough and would recommend it to any parent thinking about considering Happy Faces for their child.
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Review from K S (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Throughout the years, Happy Faces have been an exceptional nursery. My son went there before school and loved it and now my daughter attends and loves it as well. All the ladies are friendly and truly love their job and the children. They are great if you need advice as well as reassurance. It really
is a hidden gem in the village. They have also done a fantastic job throughout the pandemic whilst keeping the children and themselves safe.
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Review from S F (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with Happy Faces Playgroup. My son absolutely loves the time he spends there. We were made to feel welcome from the time we visited and I'm so glad we decided to choose this setting for my son. All the activities are great and the ladies that run that nursery are just wonderful.
We couldn't recommend highly enough.
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Review from Clare W (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Happy Faces is a wonderful pre-school for all children who attend, the environment in which they are able to develop and grow is friendly and encouraging and activities are adapted to be of interest to each and every child.
My son has a few additional needs due to allergies and Happy Faces have
made sure that he has the exact same experience as any other child, he is never left out or unable to do things because the wonderful staff simply adapt to make sure he is included.
The indoor environment is great with lots of different activities and toys for the children and the outdoors space is large with a number of different toys too, children get to go out whatever the weather, which my children love! Both my children have now attended Happy Faces and have thoroughly enjoyed their time there. I honestly can’t recommend it enough.
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Review from Neil B (Father of Child) published on 24 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending the playgroup for the last 12 months and I wish to write a few words on how wonderful the Playgroup is. The staff are extremely professional. They take great pride in providing an environment of happiness, learning, fun and a sense of companionship and safety for all children
who attend. From the moment you are greeted at the door by the smiling staff welcoming each child into the Playgroup fills you with confidence that your child will be well cared for and will enjoy the day ahead. The environment and set up of the playgroup has a lovely balance of indoor and outdoor activities. The high standards set by the Playgroup has been recognised as well as they won a Top 20 Award in 2019 for South East England. So well done to all.
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Review from Sarah (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Happy Faces for over 12 months now and he loves it!
The Playgroup is situated in the most beautiful village setting with fantastic outdoor space, there are also lots of resources and activities for the children whilst indoors, however, the staff do encourage outdoor play
even during the winter months. The children are often taken on walks to the local duck pond, shop or post office depending on what their topic of learning is for that given week.
The staff are friendly, approachable and always very welcoming. I would definitely recommend Happy Faces!
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Review from Rebekah B (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I’m delighted that we found Happy Faces. I honestly couldn’t be happier! My little girl started this January. She’s normally incredibly shy in new surroundings but has settled in amazingly and completely come out of her shell. Every day she eagerly asks if she’s going to Happy Faces! I put it down to
the staff who spare no effort in making each child feel safe and happy. They’re cheery and approachable every day without fail.
The hall itself is fairly big and the space is used really cleverly, with lots of different areas to spark children’s interest. I love that the children get little jobs to do which change every day, to encourage independence. The garden is a great size and again has lots to do including a little raised vegetable plot and playhouses. We just love it! So lucky we have such a great playgroup nearby!
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Review from Alastair P (Father of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We sent our daughter to Happy Faces when we moved to the village as the location and set up worked really well for us. She cried on her first few mornings but was immediately scooped up into the arms of her key person and given a big cuddle before being distracted by a fun game or activity. At the
end of the day she had the biggest smile on her face and now absolutely loves going to the playgroup.
The range of activities, both indoors and outdoors are fantastic, whether it's going for a walk around the village or creating a piece of art, the opportunities given to the children are endless.
The staff are warm, friendly, caring and professional so I feel my daughter is in great hands and she loves it.
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Review from Magda J (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy attended 3 nurseries since 8 months old, Happy Faces being the last one (he joined Sept 2018).
I must say he absolutely loves it. He definitely seems the happiest there out of the 3 nurseries to the point that he asks at weekends whether he can go there ;)
So, definitely would recommend
it. Staff is always very friendly and helpful and I never go to work worrying that my baby is unhappy which is a big thing for Mums.
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Review from Sophie C (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at Happy Faces back in March 2018. Until this point, he had been at home with me full time so we were rather nervous about how he would cope with the change. From the word go, the staff at Happy Faces were great. They helped us to start him slowly and increase his hours as and when we
chose. They got to know him and his interests quickly and before long, he was viewing playschool as a home from home. The quiet village setting and large outdoor space suits him perfectly and he loves going for walks around the local area. Happy Faces is like one big family and we're so pleased we chose here to send our son.
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Review from Charlie M (Father of Child) published on 22 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Me and my partner weren’t sure which nursery would be best for our daughter, but when my partner went to Happy Faces, she instantly thought the group of staff working there were absolutely excellent with the children. When she met with the key worker who would be looking after our daughter, she then
knew this was the right nursery. The key worker was so welcoming and wanted to know everything about our daughter so she could build the bond. She was amazing and made our daughter from the first day, feel like she had been there for ages. Our daughter didn’t want to leave on the very first day and that, to me, is the most important thing, that she must have loved it that much. She has learnt so much in her 6 months being there. This nursery is a good choice and highly recommend the staff's ability to care and look after all the children there.
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Review from Lauren D (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two year old boy runs into Happy Faces with a smile on his face and forgets about me as soon as he is through the door. I have been very impressed with the playgroup and the friendly staff who made us feel welcome from day one. As well as our key worker, all staff members has an active interest in
my child and he feels very secure and confident in the Happy Faces setting. As well as the lovely outdoor garden space, the children make use of the local community with walks around the village and trip to the care home to visit the elderly residents.
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Review from Charlene (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fabulous nursery.
Friendly, supportive and personal. Committed to helping provide a safe fun and educational environment for the children.
As a mum, they have helped me feel secure in sending my little girl to nursery while I go off to work. They are definitely highly recommended by myself and my
husband.
I wish they were open for the summer.
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Review from Kirsty F (Mother of Child) published on 18 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter currently attends Happy Faces and I couldn’t recommend it enough. Right from her first visit we felt welcomed and at ease, the staff are all wonderful and it’s clear through watching them with the children that they genuinely care and are dedicated to their jobs. The outside space, in particular,
is fantastic, not only the large garden itself but also the surrounding countryside which is regularly taken advantage of with trips to the local duck ponds and walks through the fields. Happy Faces is a fantastic playgroup and the smile on my daughters face when I pick her up tells me that she feels the same.
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Current Review Score: 7.9 (7.942)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 7.9 (7.942) out of 10 for Happy Faces Playgroup is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 1 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.2 out of 5 from 1 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 4.750 for Happy Faces Playgroup is calculated as follows: ( (9 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 12 Ratings = 4.75
  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 3.192 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Happy Faces Playgroup is based on 1 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 = 3
    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 26 number of registered child places is 5.2. 1 Positive Reviews ÷ 5.2 = 0.192
  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

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Frequently Asked Questions about Happy Faces Playgroup

What is the Age Range of Children that Happy Faces Playgroup accepts?

Happy Faces Playgroup accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Happy Faces Playgroup Open?

Happy Faces Playgroup is open: Monday 08:45-15:45, Tuesday 08:45-15:45, Wednesday 08:45-15:45, Thursday 08:45-15:45, Friday 08:45-15:45.

How many Children does Happy Faces Playgroup have capacity for?

Happy Faces Playgroup has capacity for a total of 26 Children.

How far is Happy Faces Playgroup to the centre of Hook?

3.7 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

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