Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram

St John's C of E Primary, Simpkin Street, Wigan WN2 5QE
Review Us
9.9 26 Reviews
  • Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram, Wigan
Play Pals Childcare is a term-time oasis for 3-4 year-olds across 38 weeks.

The trained staff offer encouragement to children and enable them to have lots of fun.

Nestled in St Johns C of E School, they offer exceptional wrap-around care and partner with the QUEST school.
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Funding & Fees

Breakfast club 7.30-8.40 - £5.75
AM nursery session 8.40-11.45 - £18.00
Lunch time 11.45-12.15 - £4.00
PM nursery session 12.15-3.15 - £18.00
Afterschool club 3.15-6.00 - £9.00

Small additional daily fee for lunch and snack
We also accept the government 15 and 30 hour funding

Contact Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram to get a personalised quote.

Contact Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Nichola Crank (Area Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 5

Total Places for Children

  • 43

Age Range

  • from 3 years 0 months
  • to 4 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

  • School Holidays

Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram Reviews (26)

9.9

Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.939) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram has 26 reviews.

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Review from P L (Mother of Child) published on 9 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very happy with our preschool choice. Staff is highly qualified and truly dedicated. Always in contact with families and genuinely interested in child developmental milestones. The teachers continue to improve their skills and take the time to support children with special needs. They deeply
care about well being and growth of child.
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Review from R P (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude towards the entire staff at PlayPals. Their welcoming, kind, and caring nature has made a significant positive impact on our son's experience at PlayPals. He is truly enjoying and learning every day, and attending each day with increasing happiness.
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Review from Chloe A (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent, no issues at all. My child has come on well.
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Review from K B (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is currently attending Playpals and loves going. My other son also previously attended before starting school. Staff are brilliant, they are always really approachable and provide a handover each day of what the children have been learning. They have different topics each week with new key words
each day and the children do lots of different activities around those words/topics. Overall fantastic nursery and would highly recommend.
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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent staff, my child feels at ease coming to school weekly with all the support she receives. She has come on leaps and bounds since starting PlayPals last September 2024. My child has a lovely relationship with both her friends and PlayPals staff. We receive good communication on any progress
that's being made and feel reassured on days where my child maybe unsettled due to medical experience. Thank you to all for giving us such a positive experience.
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Review from R H (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter really enjoys coming to the nursery, she has a great experience every time she goes, the activities and nurture the nursery provides are a key point in my daughter's development which helps make her happy.
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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm very pleased with the work of the ladies in the nursery. Children learn new things every day. The ladies in the nursery are positive about their work, they are caring, they take care of each child and their needs. My daughter comes back from the nursery happy every day and can't wait for the next
day. Communication with the ladies is perfect, I highly recommend PlayPals.
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Review from Diane C (Grandmother of Child) published on 11 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a grandparent of a child who goes to Playpals Childcare I am astounded by how much my granddaughter has achieved and accomplished here. Her vocabulary and motor skills have improved a lot. She's more confident, she's learning to share and play with other children. The Playpals staff are an amazing
credit to the school and children. I'd recommend this schools nursery to anyone who wants the child to be in a stable learning environment with amazing caring teachers.
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Review from K E (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child absolutely adores attending PlayPals Childcare and is thriving. I have noticed the progress they have made since starting at PlayPals especially in their speech development and social development. The staff are so warm, nurturing and caring and always have time for you. The learning environment
is always well set up, calm and enriching. They do so much with the children both in the classroom and in the community, I love seeing all of the updates on Famly. I could not recommend PlayPals highly enough. A fabulous setting.
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Review from H S (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My child is very happy at PlayPals, she enjoys coming to see her friends. She loves to learn, sing, play etc. Staff are friendly, all my kids have been to PlayPals.
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Review from K A (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves attending PlayPals, she loves outdoor activities and exploring the outdoor world. Appears to follow a better learning and development than her previous nursery. Policy on antibiotics should be dependent on reason not blanket restrictions.
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Review from Kelly J (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery both children have attended. They have both thrived.
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Review from M N (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant nursery, daughter attends from the age of 3. All the staff are brilliant.
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Review from Kelly B (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so happy with the progress our daughter has made. All the staff are amazing and work so hard. Communication is excellent. Would highly recommend.
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Review from K H (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has come on leaps and bounds since being at PlayPals. Her confidence and learning have improved. She loves coming here and telling us what she has done and learnt. The staff and overall learning environment are first-class.
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Review from Jennifer W (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A particular member of staff and the rest of the PlayPals team are so amazing with my little boy, who has a 2 year speech and language delay. They all have shown so much patience, resilience, persistence, consistency and support. My son's progress has improved in the last five months and that is due
to the PlayPals team.
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Review from Angela L (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been with PlayPals at Abram for nearly 18 months and she has loved every minute of it. The teachers go above and beyond to ensure the children have the best day whilst in their care, making the time spent with them fun and educational too. It is wonderful to see the care and nurture
that the PlayPals team put in. I would not hesitate in recommending anyone to send their child to this nursery, it will be the best choice for your little one.
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Review from Carla T (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant nursery! The staff are amazing with the children! My daughter loves it. She has progressed so much since she started here and loves all of her friends that she's made whilst at nursery. I would highly recommend this nursery!
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Review from Paul M (Father of Child) published on 17 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic school. Great team and this shows as my child loves play pals, and looks forward to going to school daily. Christmas play, sports day, graduation day, these events run seamlessly which all builds confidence in the children and gets them ready for full-time school.
She is now looking forward
to reception, and the next steps as we have seen her develop over the last 12 months.
Thank you to all of the team at PlayPals.
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Review from Jon M (Father of Child) published on 17 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Awesome nursery, my child loves all the staff and her friends.
Staff very helpful.
Child education is fantastic.
Organisation for children's play/rewards/graduation is brilliant.
Very happy with this nursery and my child will sincerely miss it when she goes to reception.
Thank you.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.939)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.939) out of 10 for Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram 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 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 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 4.939 for Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram is calculated as follows: ( (250 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 264 Ratings = 4.939
  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 Pals Childcare St John's Abram is based on 22 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 43 number of registered child places is 8.6, which has been reached with 22 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 (6)

Nicki

Nicki Crank

Job Title: PlayPals Area Manager Joined: 2017

My name is Mrs Nicki and I am PlayPals Area Manager. I strive to ensure the children have the best experiences and each of our settings provides the highest standard. I have my paediatric first aid, mental health aid, and designated safeguarding lead training as well as many more specific courses. I am also passionate to make sure both the teams and myself continue to keep up to date and attend regular training events, which enhance the provision and experiences for children.

Emma

Emma Sterry

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2025

My name is Emma, and I am the manager at Play Pals - Abram. I started my career in the Early Years sector in 2001, straight from school.


I have such a passion for early years and providing high-quality teachable moments and activities for our children. We work closely with all our parents and carers, understanding the importance of a strong professional working relationship.


I am mum to two children (Arthur & Elsie), and I am proud to be a part of such a lovely organisation that is focused on supporting children and their families.


My team and I are looking forward to meeting you and your family.

Vicky

Vicky Nasir

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2025

Hi, my name is Vicky, and I have been part of Play Pals since July 2025. I am the deputy manager with many years of experience in the early years.


I am caring and build good relationships with children, I love enhancing areas of play to the children's interests and making exciting new experiences for the children.


I have 3 children of my own and enjoy spending quality time with my children and grandchildren.

Katie

Katie Bleakley

Job Title: Practitioner Joined: 2018

My name is Mrs Katie, I have worked at PlayPals for over 5 years and have experience working with children from birth to 5 years. Most of my experience is working with preschool children, which I love! I have also had my safeguarding and paediatric first aid training. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know the children and their families, and the best thing about my job is getting the children ready for school and seeing the progress they make. I have two children of my own, and we love nothing more than spending family time together, going on walks and exploring the outdoors.

Stephanie

Stephanie Hersnip

Job Title: Practitioner Joined: 2024

I am a level 3 practitioner and I have over 18 years of experience working with young children in various settings from birth to 11 years. I am a qualified first aider and hold a Keys to Communication qualification. I love working with children and helping them progress and achieve new goals. I have two young children of my own and in my spare time with them, we enjoy holidays, trips to the play centre and the cinema.

Rebecca

Rebecca Perry

Job Title: Practitioner Joined: 2023

My name Is Miss Becka I have worked In childcare for a number of years and love getting to know the children and their families. I especially enjoy planning a variety of activities which I know will help the children to reach their potential. I have two children of my own and we enjoy spending lots of family time together with our extended family and friends. I have also had my paediatric first aid, GDPR, food hygiene and safeguarding level 1 training.

Frequently Asked Questions about Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram

What is the Age Range of Children that Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram accepts?

Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram accepts Children aged from 3 years 0 months to 4 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram Open?

Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram is open: 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.

How many Children does Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram have capacity for?

Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram has capacity for a total of 43 Children.

How far is Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram to the centre of Wigan?

2.5 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 Pals Childcare St John's Abram to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Play Pals Childcare St John's Abram has an Enhanced Service - more info.