Play A Way Day Nursery

37 Stuart Road, Gillingham ME7 4AD
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9.9 43 Reviews
  • Play A Way Day Nursery, Gillingham
The Play-a-Way Day nursery is the third setting in Gillingham from this provider (Play A Way Nurseries Ltd) and opened their doors for children in May 2022. This new nursery is conveniently located in a residential area at 37 Stuart Road. Play-a-Way Day Nursery is operating from the same premises Strawberry Fields Day Nursery operated for many years.

The brand new nursery at Stuart Road provides a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years old. All children have access to the well-equipped secure outdoor play area.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Jemma Hepburn (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 10

Total Places for Children

  • 42

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Available on request

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:00-18:00
    Tuesday 07:00-18:00
    Wednesday 07:00-18:00
    Thursday 07:00-18:00
    Friday 07:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Play A Way Day Nursery Reviews (43)

9.9

Play A Way Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.932) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Play A Way Day Nursery has 43 reviews.

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Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 21 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our Son has been happily attending Play A Way since March. He has made connections with staff there who take great care of him. Since starting at Play A Way we have noticed leaps in his development. He has learnt new words and can perform actions with nursery rhymes. We were recently pleased to see
him using his imagination during play by pretending to eat and share food. It's very reassuring to know our Son is happy and well looked after while we're at work.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you for your wonderful review, we are very glad your son is happy here with us and learning lots of new things :)
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Review from Lauren S (Mother of Child) published on 21 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I think the first word to say is WOW! As a first time mum, navigating the idea of nursery and finding the right place was definitely a nervous experience, but when we did our taster day at Play A Way nursery I was absolutely blown away at how it felt like a home away from home.


We wanted our son

to feel comfortable and be able to learn and grow to also help prepare him for big school later on and I feel so at ease knowing that. He is currently in the baby room and the members of staff are truly amazing at what they do, within 3 weeks of starting our son settled in even to the point of being able to take naps there and that is credit to not only his key workers but to all the staff who take time individually with all the children and you really feel so included in the journey too.


Also want to give a shout out to the manager! Who got us all set up for our son to start and she is truly such a wonderful manager who continues to make us feel so welcome. Definitely the right choice!

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the wonderful review. It is important to us at play-a-way that all of our children and parents who come to our setting are happy with the service we provide. Its been lovely…read more
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Review from Rose A (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Play A Way Day Nursery for nearly a year now. It took her a little while to get settled, and every member of staff took their time to help and reassure her. This enabled her to gain her feet, and now she is thriving there. She is incredibly happy and enjoys going. They have helped
her gain her confidence and learn new skills.
A great nursery!
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you so much for this lovely review, we are so glad your daughter is settled here with us and is enjoying her time here :)
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Review from Carys C (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to this nursery for just over a year and he absolutely loves it. He loves the staff (mainly the manager), and has made loads of friends. He's never had any issues, it took him a month or so to settle in as he was used to being with me, however they got him comfortable and if they
ever have a concern they call straightaway to update or inform you.


He's always doing new activities and gets sent home with paintings, a plant from gardening, and photos uploaded to their app so I can see how he's doing. He loves playing in the garden and with all the Dino toys they have there and when I told them he was potty training; they ensured they'd sit him on the potty so he could learn there too.


This is a brilliant nursery with the friendliest and safest staff you feel comfortable leaving your children with as they're so well looked after and excellent at teaching skills needed for future.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you so much for this fabulous review. We are so glad your son is settled and thriving here with us. Its been a pleasure watching him grow and develop :)
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Review from Billie M (Mother of Child) published on 14 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As any parent I was very nervous about putting my son into a nursery but from the first induction I was made to feel so at ease and my son loved it and did not want to leave I new this was the right place for him , staff are so friendly and treat each child with love and care like they would get at
home . My son comes out so happy every time I pick him up Iv never had any concerns he's been here now for 9 months . Communication with management is also brilliant and never too much for them. Overall this nursery is brilliant and I would recommend to any friends and family looking for a safe friendly space to send their children .
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you for the wonderful review. We are glad you are happy with your sons progress and it is lovely to see him learning new things and enjoying his time here with us :)
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Review from J A (Mother of Child) published on 8 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been attending this nursery since January and we have had a fantastic experience. All the staff we've interacted with are so kind and really care about his wellbeing. I especially appreciated their support when he was finding it a little hard to settle when he first started, and felt they
were really conscious of going at a pace which worked for him. He's really thriving in the nursery environment and it's made returning to work so much easier knowing that he's being so well cared for and having so much fun! I also really like that the nursery, particularly the baby room, has a small number of babies. I love getting updates about his day and am really pleased that we chose Play-A-Way.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you for this wonderful review. We are glad you are happy with the care we provide here and we have loved watching your little one grow and develop.
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Review from Ordjan S (Father of Child) published on 8 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending to this nursery for a year and a half now and we are so grateful we have chosen this nursery for our daughter. The staff is always helpful, professional and caring. They have created a real bond with my daughter and she feels comfortable at nursery. She mentions about
the good things at nursery and the games they play. In tough situations like sickness or injury, they are always spot on helping to children and the family. They always keep their eyes on kids keeping them safe and teaching them good behaviours. My daughter has learned very good manners, developed new skills and improved her language a lot.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you for the wonderful review :) We are pleased you are happy with the care and we are glad your daughter has fun and enjoys the activities we do here at nursery.
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Review from Elena R (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We're so happy with Play-a-way-day-nursery (Stuart Rd), where our 21-month-old son has settled in beautifully. The staff are warm, caring, and attentive, and it's clear they put a lot of thought into the activities. Our son comes home happy and full of new words and songs.
A special thank you to the
manager, who is always communicative, helpful, and approachable. She keeps us well-informed and creates a welcoming, positive atmosphere for children and parents alike.
The daily updates give us real peace of mind, and we truly feel our son is in safe, loving hands. Highly recommend this nursery to any parent looking for a nurturing and well-run environment.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review, We are glad your child is enjoying his time here with us at the nursery and learning new things :)
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Review from Jodie W (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Play a Way nursery since October 2024 and is absolutely thriving. There is always so much for them to do, even in the baby room. A wide range of interesting activities and toys ensures my daughter is always excited to go in, in the morning! I am also really happy with the variety
of food on offer for breakfast, dinner and snacks. I love that Play a Way uses the blossom app to help me keep track of my daughters daily routine and seeing the pictures uploaded gives me a wonderful insight into her day!
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you for the lovely review. We are glad you are happy with the service we provide here at play-a-way and we have enjoyed watching your daughter learn and develop in the time she is been here with…read more
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Review from C P (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I could not have asked for my son to be at a better nursery. Since being at Play-a-way, he has grown in confidence, expanded his skills in speech and he loves going! The staff are amazing with the kids and at keeping parents updated on the day-to-day activities/achievements through an app and email/call.
Overall, the staff made me feel relaxed and assured whilst my son attends. Being a first time mum, picking a nursery that made us feel welcomed and safe was my main goal.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you for the lovely review, We are glad your son is enjoying coming into nursery and we are enjoying watching him grow and develop :)
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Review from Dr Mahnoor S (Mother of Child) published on 17 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Play-a-way is one of the best nurseries, the staff is amazing at their work. My baby is very happy, very well taken care of, and feels loved. he's learning a lot of new things every day, can not think of a better place for my baby.
Thank you all for your amazing work.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the lovely review. It is very important to us as a setting that all our parents and children are happy with their experience whilst with us at our nursery. We love watching all…read more
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Review from Shell W (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All of my children have attended this nursery. My youngest currently attends and all the staff are very friendly and attentive to her needs. Since attending, my daughter has come on leaps and bounds in her development and she absolutely loves going to nursery.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you for the lovely review. We have enjoyed having your children at nursery with us and watching them grow and develop.
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Review from Catrina S (Mother of Child) published on 3 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children have been attending this nursery for just under a year. Very professional and caring. After having a rocky start with my eldest attending nursery for the first time, the staff were always so welcoming and patient, allowing me to call every day to check how my child was. Both of my children
are now in the nursery and I could not think of a better place for them to attend. If I have any problems, management are always accessible and sort things out straight away. My children absolutely love attending this nursery.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you for the lovely review. We love having both of your children here and watching them grow and develop.
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Review from J F (Father of Child) published on 27 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is really friendly, with a really homely vibe that you don’t get in larger settings. Our child loves to go in every morning and comes out happy. Great staff, very flexible, and an overall fantastic experience.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the lovely review. We are glad you are happy with the service our nursery brings and that your child is happy here with us
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Review from S G (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Great nursery, always helping and understanding, genuine care for the children there and the parents.
My son always has a good time at the nursery and has progressed/developed a lot since being there.
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Review from Carlisha J (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Play A Way is a great nursery my children love it there. The staff are kind and friendly and care very much about the kids. My children love their key people and they accommodate the parents well. Would recommend.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you for the lovely review. We are glad your children enjoy coming to the setting and it is lovely to see how well they have settled.
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Review from C M (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My oldest child loves her nursery. She is always so excited to go. We can't wait for her little sister to attend with her.
The staff are always so friendly and lovely. Always willing to help and life a saver when my hours kept changing at my work.
I tell everyone I meet that needs childcare please
use them because they are just amazing.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you for the lovely review. We are glad your daughter likes it here with us and we are all excited for her sister to join us too!
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Review from R R (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience with this nursery has been amazing, to say the least. Very accommodating, kind, and helpful staff.
My older child attended one of the other Play A Way Nurseries and I couldn’t resist sending my second child to the other nursery as the manager there is wonderful. I highly recommend and
my child always comes home happy.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the lovely review. It has been lovely to look after both of your children over the last few years.
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Review from H M (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Play a Way is such a lovely nursery, we initially chose it for our daughter because we liked the staff, cozy setting (including a sensory room), healthy snacks provided, and nice group size. We are so glad we chose this nursery as she loves going and has thrived, it's lovely to see her enjoying it and
the bonds she's made with the staff. She was given lots of TLC during her settling period which really helped her get used to going and feeling safe. The staff are all warm and friendly and all seem to really care for the children and make so much effort with them, which for us is so reassuring to know she's in safe hands. She has learned so much, become more independent, enjoys all the activities, and is always happy to go.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the lovely review! We are glad your daughter has settled in and is enjoying her time here and she has learned lots of new things.
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Review from Adam M (Father of Child) published on 20 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Play A Way Nursery is a great nursery, my daughter absolutely loves it. She loves coming to school in the morning and has great fun with so many activities to do. They also have an outdoor garden that she loves and I think it's amazing that they get to explore and learn about the wildlife there. All
the staff are great and always interact with my daughter. The nursery manager is excellent and very helpful and fun, she's very good at helping to resolve any issues.
Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery
Thank you for the lovely review. We are glad your daughter loves coming to nursery here with us
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.932)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.932) out of 10 for Play A Way Day Nursery 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 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.932 for Play A Way Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (234 Excellents x 5) + (17 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 251 Ratings = 4.932
  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 Play A Way Day Nursery is based on 21 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 42 number of registered child places is 8.4, which has been reached with 21 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 (0)

Meet the Team (1)

Jemma

Jemma Hepburn

Job Title: Nursery Manager/SENCO/DSL Joined: 2017

Hi, my name is Jemma.


I have been a part of the Play-a-Way family for 18 years, and I have enjoyed every second of it. I have had the joy of teaching and watching a lot of children during this time, and have had the pleasure of looking after a lot of siblings, too.


I completed my BA (Hons) degree in Early Childcare and Education, and I have been a manager for nearly 8 years. I have recently finished my level 3 SENCO training and enjoy helping the staff to support and plan activities for all children.


I took the challenge of starting this nursery when we opened in 2022 and have loved watching it grow and flourish. I look forward to meeting you in the future and providing a fun, welcoming and homely nursery for your children.

Frequently Asked Questions about Play A Way Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Play A Way Day Nursery accepts?

Play A Way Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Play A Way Day Nursery Open?

Play A Way Day Nursery is open: Monday 07:00-18:00, Tuesday 07:00-18:00, Wednesday 07:00-18:00, Thursday 07:00-18:00, Friday 07:00-18:00.

How many Children does Play A Way Day Nursery have capacity for?

Play A Way Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 42 Children.

How far is Play A Way Day Nursery to the centre of Gillingham?

0.6 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 Play A Way Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Play A Way Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.