Play A Way Activity Centre

St Andrew's Church Hall, Christmas Street, Gillingham ME7 1TD
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9.9 93 Reviews
  • Play A Way Activity Centre, Gillingham
Play A Way Activity Centre, in Gillingham, is a fifty capacity nursery with an excellent community reputation, offering parents an open and honest service while their child is able to learn and develop in a healthy and secure atmosphere.

The facility is well-resourced for age-specific learning, looking to prepare each child well for the challenges of full-time education. They offer Day Nursery, After School Clubs and Holiday Club for all 3 months - 11 years old children.

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Care Provided by Play A Way Activity Centre

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Erica Edwards (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 18
  • Total Places for Children
  • 50
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • 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
  • Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Play A Way Activity Centre

  • Day Nursery Children:


    AM/PM Session: 08:30–11:30 (AM) or 12:30–15:30 (PM) - £21.00.
    Core Session: 08:30am–3:30pm - £42.00.
    Full Day: 07:00/07:30am-6:00pm - £48.00.
    Half Day: 07:00/07:30am–12:30pm or 12:30–6:00 pm - £30.00.
    Full week: 5 Full days – (Mon–Fri) - £230.00.
    Additional Hour - £7.

  • Available on request

Play A Way Activity Centre Reviews (93)

Total of 93, showing 1-20
9.9

Play A Way Activity Centre has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.925) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Play A Way Activity Centre has 93 reviews.

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Review from Chioma B (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We had a terrible experience with another nursery with our first child and were quite paranoid when selecting a nursery for our second child. We told the staff about our experience and concerns and they listened. Our second child has thrived in this nursery and they have taken the utmost care with him.
The staff are all kind and accommodating and I can see that in the interactions with other parents and guardians as well. I would totally recommend Play A Way to anyone. My only complaint is that I didn't know about them earlier so that my oldest child could have attended as well.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, we are so happy that you are pleased with the care we provide for your son, it is our pleasure to take care of him.


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Review from Jummy O (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Play A Away is definitely a highly recommended nursery. The staff? They are all so sweet. I'm glad I chose them, my little one loves it and is always super excited to go to nursery. She adores all the ladies there and I see loads of learning development in her. The management is also great. I genuinely
cannot fault this nursery at all.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are so happy you are happy with the care we provide.


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Review from Carly T (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our child has been attending the nursery for over a year, for four days a week, since just before they turned one. In that time, we've only had good experiences. All the staff we've come across are polite, helpful and take time to talk to us about our child's day and their development. Our child's speech
and social skills have soared since attending the nursery. They engage the children with lots of activities to develop their expressive, cognitive and motor skills, we've been completely satisfied with the curriculum delivery.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you for your wonderful review, it is our pleasure to take care of your child and so happy he is flourishing.


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Review from A J (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attends Play-A-Way Activity Centre full time in the lead up to starting 'big school'. From the moment she started, she has been incredibly happy there. They made her feel welcome and at home from her first day. My son uses their afterschool facilities which for a busy working mum is an absolute
lifesaver. They collect my son from school and both children have a home-cooked meal. The service is fantastic and everyone that works there are great. Special thank you to two particular members of staff, both of whom are always incredibly accommodating and flexible. The service is great value for money and I couldn't recommend them enough.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really do appreciate your feedback and we are so pleased you are happy with the care we provide for your children. It is our pleasure.


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Review from K M (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manager and her team have been absolutely amazing with my little boy.
He has grown so much with his confidence, his speech and socialising.
Honestly couldn't fault the nursery! From communication to friendly parents at pick up; overall a great experience!
Thank you all so so much!

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your lovely review, it has been a pleasure to watch him build in confidence and we are so happy he has enjoyed his time with us, he will truly be missed.


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Review from Isata B (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What an amazing nursery! I have three of my children at Play A Way Nursery and no regret joining my children in such a very good nursery. My children enjoy going to nursery, they have learnt so many skills. Whenever they come home, they are excited about the nursery.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, I am so pleased that you are happy and your children are so happy to be with us too.


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Review from Charlotte R (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going to Play A Way for nearly a year now after we moved to the area. Staff are amazing, they listen when you speak and hear any worries you have and try to help, supportive with life outside of the nursery too. I was shocked at the amount of things they do with the children, you get
updates on your children through the app so you can see what your kids do there.
I honestly could not say enough nice things about Play A Way, we love it.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we do try to be as supportive as we possibly can, we are so happy you are happy with the care we provide.


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Review from R S (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going to Play-a-Way since March 2024 and her development has excelled so much since joining. I think being around children of a similar age is so useful to help develop their social, communication, sharing skills etc. and genuinely believe this nursery has supported with this. The
transition of being on maternity leave and the first nursery drop off can be very daunting but I felt as though the staff were very reassuring, which made it all a little bit easier. Although the nursery itself needs a bit of TLC, the staff are lovely and the children all seem happy which is what's most important!

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your review, we are so happy to be a part of your child's growth, I am so pleased the transition back to work was helped by us as this can be so overwhelming for parents returning to work.


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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going to Play A Way nursery for over a year and he absolutely loves it. He has a home-cooked meal every day, provided by the nursery which is a great bonus. My son loves attending here. His speech and social skills have massively developed thanks to the staff who really go above and
beyond for him. Can't fault this nursery at all, overall, very accommodating, respectful of your wishes as a parent and informative on updates about your child whilst in their care.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your amazing feedback, I am so glad you are happy with the care we provide, it is our pleasure to have him with us.


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Review from L L (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started in September and has settled well at Play A Way Activity Centre. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and made me feel comfortable leaving my child so I can go to work at ease. On my first visit, my son was happily playing and there was lots of activities for him to enjoy. I am
very pleased with the updates on the app as I can see him enjoying his day and where he is within his development. He always looks engaged in activities when they are uploaded on the app and is happy when I drop and pick him up. The staff feedback how he has been and always have time to share what he has done with his day, either face to face or on the app.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for such a wonderful review, I am so happy you have been happy with the care we have provided and we have eased the stress of going to work knowing he is in our care.


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Review from B C (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The place is more than good I can say. It feels like home for kids. I have two girls and both loved going in there. One started the reception and still crying that she wants to go back to the nursery because she misses the staff. The kids just love the staff, all are brilliant 10+!!

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your lovely review, I am so glad your girls enjoyed their time with us.


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Review from T N (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves attending this nursery and has come on so much since he started at the nursery just over a year ago. The staff are always welcoming and are very flexible.
My little man always says he has had a great day.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your lovely review, it means so much to me that the children that attend with us are happy, so I am so glad your son loves the time he spends with us.


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Review from Chifundo M (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Play Away for the last 2 and a half years, from the moment we visited this nursery the staff were welcoming, friendly and took good care of the children. I immediately knew this was the nursery my daughter would attend. I can honestly say this was the best decision I made,
my daughter loved the nursery and all the staff, they looked after her so well and she grew in confidence and communication. I love the flexibility the nursery offers, the nursery has staff that truly cares about the well-being of the children. I was never worried about leaving my child with them. I felt she was in a safe and secure environment. I love their app as it kept me informed about how my child was getting on and progressing. I am forever thankful for the care and love they showed my daughter, I would recommend them to everyone.
Thank you all, we are forever grateful, we will tryly missing you! Wished you all the best for the future!

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your amazing review, we appreciate your positive feedback and it has been a pleasure to take care of your daughter, she will truly be missed by us all too, we look forward to seeing her in the future. Thank you.


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Review from M N (Grandmother of Child) published on 25 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely friendly staff, grandson happy and engaging with them.
Of course, he has favourites but likes chatting with all staff. Highly recommend.
He has learnt so much here and made some good friends.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are so happy he has been happy and enjoyed his time with us, he will be truly missed and we wish him well for his new big journey at big school.


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Review from Liz W (Mother of Child) published on 8 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been coming to this nursery since March and I can honestly say he loves it. He clearly is in an environment that he feels settled, secure and confident in and enjoys all of the crafts and activities that are encouraged.
Everyone who works here clearly cares about the children and they have
played a massive part in my son's learning development. He is excited to go in each morning and always comes out looking happy (and tired!)

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are so happy your son enjoys his time at Play A Way, it is a pleasure to take care of him. Erica


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Review from Catherine B (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely over the moon with Play A Way, for so many reasons. We have seen such a massive improvement with our daughter in lots of different aspects of her development, which is so great to see. I was quite anxious about leaving my daughter to go back to work. It was all new and daunting but those
anxious feelings were soon put at ease when I had a tour of the nursery. I met the manager who was lovely, as she showed me around I could see the passion that she had for the children and nursery which gave me such a positive feeling. I got to have a taster hour with my daughter to see where her playroom would be and the activities the children do, I came out of the nursery and knew I wanted her to go there. The staff are all so lovely, friendly and welcoming. I feel the staff are approachable, and they are very honest too. Which for me is everything. I feel my daughter is in safe, caring hands. Thank you to all of you! You're all amazing!

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are so glad that you are happy with the care we are providing and it is our pleasure to take care of your daughter and watch her grow. Thank you.


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Review from Déjà C (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I had a hard time finding a nursery that ticked all my boxes in regards to what I needed then I found Play A Way. I wasn't entirely sure but after a visit to the nursery, I definitely felt a lot more confident and decided this nursery was the one. I was given a full tour of the facility, and plenty
of information in regard to what your child's day would consist of and the lovely manager answered any further questions I had. I was still a little anxious as I assume most parents are when their child first starts nursery, however, after my son started I was fully confident in the nursery. All the staff are absolutely lovely they really get to know each child individually and build a healthy relationship with the kids, they are very attentive and polite. The activities they do throughout the day are both educational and fun, I love that they have tables set up with different activities that allows your child to have free choice. The setup of the nursery is very secure. My son absolutely loves it!

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your lovely review, it has been a pleasure to have your son start with us and we are so glad that he loves the nursery too. Thank you.


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Review from Alexandra S (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My baby started a different nursery one week before starting Play A Way. In that week my friendly and happy baby became scared, sad, and frustrated and was no way to let me go. I will not discuss what happened in that nursery but what I can tell is that the staff from Play A Way nursery are doing their
job and more. My baby is starting to be again happy and to trust people like he was doing before. The staff are so warm and they approach your issues delicately and they try to help all the time. If we go to nurseries from around the UK, everyone seems to smile but trust me on this, when the doors are closing, our babies don't receive so much happiness anymore.
At Play A Way it's not like that. I can tell by seeing my 18 month old baby happy. They do not smile just for appearances, they smile because they feel like doing so, and I'm sure they have bad days as well but for sure our babies will not feel this because they know how to do their jobs. Wish to be more like this.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your review, we have both shed tears for what your baby went through, but I am so glad that we have been able to help you in regaining trust and I am so glad that your baby is now becoming so much happier, it is a pleasure. One of the most important things to us all here at Play A Way is that all our children are Happy. Thank you.


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Review from Yve N (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started attending Play A Way in September 2022 and she enjoys it. She's always looking forward to attending and I have no issues with the nursery.
The manager is very lovely, friendly and understanding.

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you very much for your lovely review, we really appreciate your feedback. Thank you.


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Review from Rhea O (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2022
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at Playaway this year after turning three in June. Some of the biggest positives we found when selecting a nursery were the flexibility of the hours and how available the staff were. The manager was always happy to talk through any questions I had. My son was offered settling in sessions
before he began and, straight away, he went in confidently and didn't want to leave! All of the staff are welcoming and knowledgeable and keep you informed of your child's day to day experiences. His speech has come on leaps and bounds, as has his ability to want to try new things. I would highly recommend Playaway!

Reply from Erica Edwards, Manager at Play A Way Activity Centre

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, we appreciate all the kind things you have to say about Playaway, and we are so happy that your son has settled so well. Thank you


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.925)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.925) out of 10 for Play A Way Activity Centre is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 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 4.925 for Play A Way Activity Centre is calculated as follows: ( (163 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 174 Ratings = 4.925

  • 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 A Way Activity Centre is based on 15 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 50 number of registered child places is 10, which has been reached with 15 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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for Play A Way Activity Centre

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Meet the Team (1)

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Erica Edwards

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2009

Erica started her journey with Play-a-Way as a volunteer in June 2009 and has worked her way up to become the Nursery Manager. Erica holds a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s workforce and Level 3 NVQ in Management.


Frequently Asked Questions about Play A Way Activity Centre

What is the Age Range of Children that Play A Way Activity Centre accepts?

Play A Way Activity Centre accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Play A Way Activity Centre Open?

Play A Way Activity Centre 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 Activity Centre have capacity for?

Play A Way Activity Centre has capacity for a total of 50 Children.

How far is Play A Way Activity Centre to the centre of Gillingham?

0.8 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 Play A Way Activity Centre to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Play A Way Activity Centre has an Enhanced Service – more info.