Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Anderson Road, St Marys, Southampton SO14 5FE
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9.8 82 Reviews
  • Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City, Southampton
Located in the heart of Southampton and Ofsted-rated Good (January 2023), Play Away Day Nursery provides quality, convenient day care for children from 3 months to 5 years old. Outside the nursery, there is a bus stop and parking, making drop off and pick up times quick and easy for busy families.

The nursery is purpose-built and offers bright and spacious play areas for children and dedicated areas for when peace and quiet is needed. There is also a great outdoor space where children can play and explore under the shelter of all-weather protection, meaning outdoor play isn't limited to the summer months.

The team of practitioners are experienced and friendly. They get to know the children and their families and provide children with opportunities to engage in activities which suit their development stage and likes and dislikes, ensuring that they have the very best care during their early years.

The nursery is currently engaged in the "Eco Schools" initiative and the "Southampton Healthy Early Years Award (HEYA) in Physical Activity" initiative.

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Care Provided by Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lizzy Pennell (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 16
  • Total Places for Children
  • 102
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

  • Offer full day and half day sessions. Half day sessions priced at £43.30
  • Parking

  • Car park available.


Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City Reviews (82)

Total of 82, showing 61-80
9.8

Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.755) out of 10, based on 79 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City has 82 reviews.

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Review from R S (Father of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Whilst at first being nervous and unsure my daughter has now got used to and loves coming to nursery. She is well cared for and looked after and always comes home so happy.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that although your daughter was initially nervous and unsure, she has now grown to love coming to nursery.


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Review from K W (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son loves coming to nursery, he always talks to me about who he has played with and the activities he participates in. His favourite part of his nursery day is exploring the garden, especially the climbing frame and the mud kitchen.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear that your little one loves coming to the nursery and enjoys the activities planned for them.


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Review from S K (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to give my 5* about Play Away Nursery because there are lots of learning activities for children and staff is friendly and understanding. They understand your personal circumstances and work accordingly. Lots of activities for children and I am so happy about my child's development.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear that your little one loves coming to the nursery and enjoys the activities planned for them.


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Review from Rebecca S (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has taken a while to settle in as he's an anxious child - but we are so happy with the love and care he gets at Play Away.
He always comes home happy and enjoys telling me about his day. His vocabulary has also really developed whilst being here.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear that your child has settled in seamlessly at our nursery It's heartwarming to know that they love coming to the nursery.


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Review from Adepeju F (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been so blessed with amazing teachers who are always happy to be explicit to our enquiries and very kind in looking after my daughter. As a mom battling with some illness, I do not have to worry about my daughter as she's always happy to be in school. Bless you all.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your lovely review! It brings us immense joy to hear that our teachers have been amazing, addressing your inquiries with happiness and kindness while looking after your daughter.


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Review from Fernanda B (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Spring fair and craft event - attended with my child. Was great fun. My child enjoyed all the activities, especially eating his chocolate egg and brownie. All staff were friendly and welcoming. A range of activities, even I got into the arts and crafts. Great family fun.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your lovely review! We appreciate your kind words about the nursery and glad that you enjoyed the event.


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Review from S K (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Nice environment and activities but high turnover of staff. Slightly unsatisfied with communication at the time of pickup. Handover between staff needs improvement. My child really enjoys the nursery and has developed a lot of skills there. Slightly more expensive compared to other nurseries.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your review which is important to us, and we appreciate your feedback, please do contact us at feedback@familyfirstnurseries.com so we can discuss concerns.


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Review from K F (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended Play Way since she was 11 months old. She has loved making new friends and has made amazing bonds with the staff in the baby room, it is obvious that they really care for the children. She has come on leaps and since being here and I feel really supported by them in relation
to her needs.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that your daughter has enjoyed her time at Play Way, forming strong bonds with the caring staff and making new friends.


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Review from M G (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing idea for a family day of Christmas activities for a good cause. Staff, as always, were welcoming and happy. Both of my children (10 and 3 years old) love Play Away and the whole team. Thank you.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your lovely review! We're so pleased to hear that your family enjoyed the Christmas activities for a good cause at Play Away.


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Review from Emma T (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girls loves the nusery. Each and every member of staff has the kids welfare as top priority. Wonderful place and a very happy parent.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your lovely review! We are pleased to hear that your little girl loves the nursery, and we appreciate your kind words about the staff's dedication to the children's welfare.


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Review from Kyle H (Father of Child) published on 13 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at the nursery since she was 11 months old and she has always been ahead with her vocabulary and understanding of nursery rhymes all thanks to the staff in her room.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear about your daughter's positive experience at the nursery since she was 11 months old. It's lovely that she has been thriving in her vocabulary and understanding of nursery rhymes, and we appreciate your acknowledgement of the staff's role in her development.


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Review from Azzam M (Father of Child) published on 13 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't rave enough about our experience with Play Away Day Nursery.
It was a hidden gem in both my boys development from support to care and security and Play Away as it all.
The most amazing staff you will meet also cared for my 2 boys.
Shout out to Elmer's Class and the wonderful teachers.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear that Play Away Day Nursery has been a hidden gem for your boys' development. The support, care, and security provided by the amazing staff, especially in Elmer's Class, are truly appreciated.


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Review from D P (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery with friendly, caring staff.
The outdoor space is very spacious with lots of good equipment.
Safeguarding is taken very seriously and always followed.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for your lovely review! We're pleased to hear that you find our nursery to be lovely with friendly, caring staff.


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Review from Radhia S (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I've had an amazing experience with Play Away. My child really enjoyed coming to this nursery, it was the best choice I made. The staff were lovely and really took care of my child's needs. She has developed well and has become more confident. Overall I am happy with the service and will miss bringing
my child to nursery and I am sure that she will miss all the staff and the bond she made with all her friends.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with Play Away Nursery. It's great to hear about the positive impact on your child's development and the strong bonds formed with the staff and friends.


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Review from E S (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our son has been at Play Away Day Nursery - City for several years now. Our experience with the nursery has been great. The staff are all very caring and professional and our son enjoys going.
There are always creative games and activities laid out for the children to play with. I think it is clear
that the staff are passionate and work hard to enrich the children.
Staff have also collaborated with us to help our son in areas he finds difficult, and they also have great resources for SEN children. I'd recommend this nursery to other parents in the area.

Reply from Natalie Hunt, Head of Marketing at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you so much for your review and recommending Play Away Day Nursery - City! We're delighted to hear about your wonderful experience and that your son's needs are well supported and he enjoys coming to nursery.


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Review from A F (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at Play Away - Southampton City for almost 4 years. He loved going in every morning.
The staff are very friendly, supportive, and they provide him with so much care, attention, and positivity. They really care about children's learning and development and ensure parents are involved
too.
My son learned a lot, developed many friendships and has developed from a baby to a confident boy.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for the lovely review and we are delighted to hear about your son's positive journey at our nursery over the past four years.


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Review from Ewa M (Mother of Child) published on 10 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely staff showing dedication and patience to the children.
Thank you for helping with potty training, caring when my son wasn't feeling well, making every day a fun environment to go to which was always very important. My son has been attending nursery for a year and a half now and he loves it in
there. He always goes there with a smile and comes back home still smiling.

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Review from Tracey R (Mother of Child) published on 17 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My children have been at Play Away since 2018. The staff are amazing, you can see they truly care for your children.
Both my children have learnt so much by attending Play Away. If I have my time again, I would still pick Play Away.
They are dedicated to your children and their needs. The admin staff
are also amazing, will go and out of their way to helps.

Reply from Harjit Tak, Digital Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for the review and saying our staff are amazing.


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Review from D P (Mother of Child) published on 17 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My 3-year-old is very happy at Play Away Day Nursery. It is evident how influential his keyworkers and nursery staff are in his cultural education, development needs and expectations and communication. My son has many allergies and the nursery have been absolutely vigilant regarding managing his dietary
requirements, which as a mother, is so very reassuring. Would highly recommend Play Away to all parents.

Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for the review and lovely to see your little one is happy at our nursery.


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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son started at Play Away Day Nursery in June 2022. We had never left him alone with anyone and we were apprehensive but nursery staff were reassuring and just kind really (to him and to us!) He did struggle to settle and again staff were quick to act to ensure he was in the most nurturing environment
possible to support his transition and advised a move to the cosy and delightful Little Owls. After one session in the Little Owls, he was back on track - happy, playing and smiley. Great advice and absolutely the right decision. He just needed a bit of time really and now he loves being back in the Hungry Caterpillars.
Staff in the nursery have such a great energy. They are on hand to tell us about our son's day, his activities and his learning journey. We are always left feeling that they really care for him - when they talk about what he's done it's with a sense of pride.
The recent Ofsted rating of Good is well deserved. Lovely, passionate staff who know their stuff.

Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City

Thank you for the review, we love creating a nurturing environment and are pleased your son is cared for and enjoying nursery.


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.755)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.755) out of 10 for Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 79 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 79 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.755 for Play Away Day Nursery - Southampton City is calculated as follows: ( (721 Excellents x 5) + (215 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 944 Ratings = 4.755

  • b) 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 Away Day Nursery - Southampton City is based on 79 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 102 number of registered child places is 20.4, which has been reached with 79 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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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Awards / Recognitions (3)

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Meet the Team (2)

Lizzy

Lizzy Pennell

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 1997

Hi, I'm Lizzy and have 25 years of childcare experience, and am qualified with a BA in childcare and Education.


Leanne

Leanne Smith

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2005

Hi, I'm Leanne and have 20 years of childcare experience, qualified with a level 3.


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