Spark their imagination, light up their learning, propel the foundations for future excellence forwards. Discover the focus on quality, a unique way to play with purpose. Aim to ace & achieve their early learning goals (EYFS) with Playtimes Academy Nursery!
Here to nurture curious minds through purposeful play. From experienced early years team to outdoor learning spaces, discover how every child can make leaps and...
Ready to enjoy their daily Playtimes!
Spark their imagination, light up their learning, propel the foundations for future excellence forwards. Discover the focus on quality, a unique way to play with purpose. Aim to ace & achieve their early learning goals (EYFS) with Playtimes Academy Nursery!
Here to nurture curious minds through purposeful play. From experienced early years team to outdoor learning spaces, discover how every child can make leaps and bounds of progress.
Ranmoor House Victorian Heritage | Built 1860–1870
This beautiful Grade II listed building has quite a story to tell.
Back in Victorian times, Sheffield’s steel tycoons escaped the busy, smoky city centre and headed west for cleaner air and leafy surroundings.
You can still feel that sense of grandeur today. The soaring 14-foot ceilings, striking leaded-glass entrance doors, and solid stone walls weren’t just for show - they were symbols of quality and craftsmanship.
Original Victorian encaustic tiles greet you at the entrance, while the former boardroom features a rare herringbone zigzag parquet floor. Add in ornate ceiling mouldings and carved Gothic archways, and you have a space full of character and charm.
Victorian architects really knew what they were doing. They designed buildings with space, light, and natural materials. High ceilings give rooms a sense of calm, natural light helps children focus and learn, and solid construction keeps spaces peaceful and quiet. Best of all, these beautiful materials only get better with age.
Today, this historic building is a place where young minds can thrive. The same walls that once welcomed Victorian families now provide a bright, calm, and inspiring environment for learning and play.
Proud to look after this special piece of Sheffield’s history, carefully preserving its character while meeting modern childcare standards - so its story can continue for many years to come.
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Type of Service
Day Nursery
Opening Schedule
Open all year
Attendance patterns offered
All Year or Term Time
Minimum attendance
1 day per week
Full days available
Yes
Half day sessions offered
Yes
Owner
Playtimes Academy Nursery
Private Owned
Person in charge
Lucy Ballington (Manager)
Total Places for Children
135
Age Range
from 0 years 4 months
to 5 years 0 months
Meals Provided
Yes
Meal Types Provided
Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks
Consumables provided
Yes
Consumables provided include
Nappies, Nappy Cream, Suncream, Wipes
Opening Times
Monday07:30-18:30
Tuesday07:30-18:30
Wednesday07:30-18:30
Thursday07:30-18:30
Friday07:30-18:30
When Closed
Christmas Week
Parking
Free Car Park - Easy To Access
Funding & Fees
Accepts government fundingAccepts tax-free childcare
Typical monthly cost for a 3-days place
£565/ month
Calculated from data given to us by this nursery. Your final quote may vary slightly.
Averaged monthly figure. Actual billing varies; some nurseries bill weekly or by use.
Defaults shown
9 months to 2 years • 3-days • 30 hours funding • all year
How this price scales (per month)
1 day per week
£117
3 days per week
£565
5 days per week
£1,219
Adjust for your situation
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What this price covers
Standard chargeable day 8:00am to 6:00pm (10 hours)
21.9 funded hours used per week. Remaining hours charged privately.
Included in this price: Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks, Nappies, Nappy Cream, Suncream and Wipes
Price without government funding: £1,144 / month (£88 / day)
If you're not eligible or haven't claimed funded hours.More info
£580/month more than the funded price.
This is what you'd pay if your child is under 9 months, or if you're not eligible for or haven't claimed funded hours.
About this price
How funding is applied, how the monthly figure is calculated.More info
Working parents of children aged 9 months to 2 years can usually claim up to 30 funded hours a week. The working-parent hours depend on each parent meeting the minimum earnings rules and earning under £100,000 a year. This nursery stretches funded hours across 52 weeks of the year. You've selected 30 funded hours.
This nursery applies up to 10 funded hours per day, stretched across 52 weeks of the year. With your selected funding, 21.9 hours are covered each week. Hours beyond this, including the early and late parts of the day, are charged at the standard rate.
We work out the total cost across the year and divide by 12, so the figure shown is a smoothed monthly average. In practice, nurseries bill in different ways. Some bill monthly at this average. Others bill weekly, or charge for what happened that week or month, which can vary across the year. Confirm billing details with the nursery when you enquire.
Contact Playtimes Academy Nursery to get a personalised quote:
Playtimes Academy Nursery has a Review Score of 8.8 (8.776) out of 10, based on 7 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Playtimes Academy Nursery has 7 reviews.
Review from Nina B (Mother of Child) published on 14 September 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
We have 2 children at Playtimes and they both run through the door when we drop them off and are happy and smiling when we pick them up. The staff are lovely and caring and have been very flexible with us which is greatly appreciated. The lunches also sound amazing and my kids have been eating so...
We have 2 children at Playtimes and they both run through the door when we drop them off and are happy and smiling when we pick them up. The staff are lovely and caring and have been very flexible with us which is greatly appreciated. The lunches also sound amazing and my kids have been eating so well there. It's a lovely facility with a great outdoor play area. We've been so happy with the experience!
↩Reply from Lucy Ballington, Provider at Playtimes Academy Nursery
Amazing, thankyou so much for your kind feedback, really happy to know your little ones have been enjoying their days with us, and that they're excited to learn. Our team are blending together and will become a better unit going forwards throughout this term and beyond, we have many improvements to...
Amazing, thankyou so much for your kind feedback, really happy to know your little ones have been enjoying their days with us, and that they're excited to learn. Our team are blending together and will become a better unit going forwards throughout this term and beyond, we have many improvements to make on our journey and are excited for you to see them and your little ones to experience new enhanced resources and activities on the way. Thankyou again, Team Playtimes.
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Review from Hannah C (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
As a new anxious parent returning to work, deciding on a nursery was a daunting decision. We couldn't be happier with our choice, our daughter has settled extremely well and we genuinely feel like she is cared for with kindness and compassion. The team keep us well informed and the facility's are...
As a new anxious parent returning to work, deciding on a nursery was a daunting decision. We couldn't be happier with our choice, our daughter has settled extremely well and we genuinely feel like she is cared for with kindness and compassion. The team keep us well informed and the facility's are always very clean and tidy with lots of stimulating options for the children. Thank you to Lucy for allowing me to concentrate on work without worrying about my daughter through the day.
↩Reply from Lucy Ballington, Provider at Playtimes Academy Nursery
Thankyou so much for your kind feedback, as a new setting we are balancing many new aspects of the nursery and are trying very hard to ensure the families are happy and the children are well cared for with genuine passion and with pushing their development forwards at the front of mind. We are...
Thankyou so much for your kind feedback, as a new setting we are balancing many new aspects of the nursery and are trying very hard to ensure the families are happy and the children are well cared for with genuine passion and with pushing their development forwards at the front of mind. We are happy you are able to trust your little one is in good hands and we continue to keep standards elevated and improving all the time. Team Playtimes Academy Nursery.
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Review from D M (Mother of Child) published on 8 June 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I have been very impressed with: Attentive staff, they give care to every detail. They have been very responsive to my requests and queries, and are happy to share regular updates.
The extensive outdoor space with lots of good quality equipment, I am looking forward to seeing a performance on...
I have been very impressed with: Attentive staff, they give care to every detail. They have been very responsive to my requests and queries, and are happy to share regular updates. The extensive outdoor space with lots of good quality equipment, I am looking forward to seeing a performance on their little stage ! A series of beautiful calm indoor spaces with abundant natural light. They have clearly well researched how to provide a good quality space for young minds. The space is well set up with different materials and activities.
My daughter was very well supported during her transition to a new nursery. She is delighted to go to nursery, and is always busy playing and enjoying herself when I pick her up.
↩Reply from Lucy Ballington, Provider at Playtimes Academy Nursery
Wonderful to hear about your experience so far with us, we are truly appreciative of your kind positive feedback across many aspects of your daughter's childcare environment from the outdoor spaces through to the spacious rooms and natural light, we really wanted to create an elevated setting for...
Wonderful to hear about your experience so far with us, we are truly appreciative of your kind positive feedback across many aspects of your daughter's childcare environment from the outdoor spaces through to the spacious rooms and natural light, we really wanted to create an elevated setting for children to thrive and are keen to set on more improvements when we can manage to, especially some role play theatre stage props for those little performers! Our EY team are happy to assist, guide and give advice where possible, thank you for supporting our team.
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Review from Oana P (Mother of Child) published on 15 May 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Amazing nursery with a fantastic range of games, toys, and activities that keep the children engaged and happy. The staff have been incredibly supportive throughout our little one's different developmental stages, always showing genuine care and attention to their needs.
I also really appreciate...
Amazing nursery with a fantastic range of games, toys, and activities that keep the children engaged and happy. The staff have been incredibly supportive throughout our little one's different developmental stages, always showing genuine care and attention to their needs.
I also really appreciate their no-shoes-indoors policy, which helps maintain a hygienic environment for the children. It's clear that the nursery puts a lot of thought into creating a warm, nurturing, and secure space for families. Highly recommended!
↩Reply from Lucy Ballington, Provider at Playtimes Academy Nursery
Amazing, we love to create a clean and friendly environment as much as possibly can, we care about the interactions with the children and will be continuously looking to add improvements to the nursery in the coming months too. Thankyou so much for your kind reflections.
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Review from R S (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
The care, activities and personal attention my son receives at the nursery is commendable. Lucy and Amelia truly run the show. The developments I see in my son is all because of this amazing duo. My son enjoys being at the nursery and is upset when it's time to go home. 100% recommend this nursery.
The care, activities and personal attention my son receives at the nursery is commendable. Lucy and Amelia truly run the show. The developments I see in my son is all because of this amazing duo. My son enjoys being at the nursery and is upset when it's time to go home. 100% recommend this nursery.
↩Reply from Lucy Ballington, Nursery Manager at Playtimes Academy Nursery
We truly appreciate your wonderful reflections of your experience with us, it is great to hear your son is developing positively so soon, all of which we are aspiring to achieve through our interactions, responsiveness to his needs and nurturing further activities through the learning through play techniques. Thankyou - Team Playtimes Academy Nursery
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Review from L A (Mother of Child) published on 1 April 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Fabulous experience with Playtimes nursery, from introduction onwards. Lucy and Amelia are fantastic and couldn't be more helpful. They've both been so accommodating of my daughters needs and wishes doing everything they possibly can to help her settle in having changed nurseries.
Facilities and...
Fabulous experience with Playtimes nursery, from introduction onwards. Lucy and Amelia are fantastic and couldn't be more helpful. They've both been so accommodating of my daughters needs and wishes doing everything they possibly can to help her settle in having changed nurseries.
Facilities and toys are all excellent and just can't fault anything there.
↩Reply from Lucy Ballington, Nursery Manager at Playtimes Academy Nursery
Thank you for your kind feedback, we really appreciate hearing of your experience during settling in and beyond, we really want to go above and beyond to help your daughter enjoy her time and thrive in our nursery, it's great to have support in the early days, we are all truly grateful.
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Review from Beth N (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
We couldn't be happier with Playtimes Academy Nursery! The staff are incredible; so caring, kind, and hardworking. They really helped our daughter settle in, making her feel safe, happy, and confident.
We completely trust the team and can see how much thought and dedication goes into everything...
We couldn't be happier with Playtimes Academy Nursery! The staff are incredible; so caring, kind, and hardworking. They really helped our daughter settle in, making her feel safe, happy, and confident. We completely trust the team and can see how much thought and dedication goes into everything they do. The nurturing and supportive environment has made such a difference to our daughter, and we are so grateful for the love and attention she has received. It has been a huge weight off our shoulders knowing our little girl is cared for so thoroughly when returning to work after maternity leave.
We highly recommend Playtimes Academy Nursery to anyone looking for a warm, trustworthy, and inspiring place for their child.
↩Reply from Lucy Ballington, Nursery Manager at Playtimes Academy Nursery
We are really happy to be providing care for your daughter, we have loved seeing her progress through Playtimes class activities following onto nursery, and feel that she has settled in really well. Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, always appreciated.
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Child Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
News
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Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events for Playtimes Academy Nursery.
Awards / Recognitions (0)
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for Playtimes Academy Nursery.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Playtimes Academy Nursery.
Meet the Team (1)
Lucy BallingtonJob Title Nursery ManagerJoined 2026
Passionate about early years, Lucy Ballington is an early years professional with 16 years of experience and a big imagination for creating magical,...
Passionate about early years, Lucy Ballington is an early years professional with 16 years of experience and a big imagination for creating magical, engaging spaces for children to learn and thrive. As the founder of a role-play centre and Playtimes sensory classes, she’s dedicated to making sure every child is curious, confident, and fully immersed in learning through play.
Known for her hands-on approach and eye for detail, Lucy brings energy, creativity, and a sprinkle of magic to everything she does—building experiences that children love, and parents trust.
Frequently Asked Questions about Playtimes Academy Nursery
What is the Age Range of Children that Playtimes Academy Nursery accepts?
Playtimes Academy Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 4 months to 5 years 0 months.
What Days & Hours is Playtimes Academy Nursery Open?
Playtimes Academy Nursery is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.
How many Children does Playtimes Academy Nursery have capacity for?
Playtimes Academy Nursery has capacity for a total of 135 Children.
How far is Playtimes Academy Nursery to the centre of Sheffield?
2.8 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 Playtimes Academy Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Playtimes Academy Nursery has an Enhanced Service -what an Enhanced Service includes.
