Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford

Unit 3a, Derriford Business Park, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 5QZ
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9.8 186 Reviews
  • Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford, Plymouth
Happy Days at Derriford has both indoor and outdoor spaces for children to play and grow during their time at nursery.

Staff support children to embrace outdoor play and have as many new experiences as they can in a safe and secure environment.

The nursery provides equipment and furniture that supports children’s physical development over muscle control and co-ordination.

Two nursery chefs provide fresh meals for children every day, but children can also be involved in learning about food preparation and taught how to be independent at meal times.

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Care Provided by Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Zara Austin (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 50
  • Total Places for Children
  • 146
  • 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
  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford

  • For fee information, contact the Nursery directly.

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford Reviews (186)

Total of 186, showing 1-20
9.8

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.808) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford has 186 reviews.

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Review from K O (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery has great facilities & has a welcoming atmosphere. The staff are always so friendly, greeting us as we enter & leave which adds to the positive experience. Any issues/concerns we may have are dealt with promptly and taken seriously. We love the app that allows us to see how he is doing here
- although would love more regular updates. All-in-all it is a lovely nursery & we feel our child is learning a lot. What would make it even better is if there were 'halal' food options.

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Review from H W (Father of Child) published on 12 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending happy days since January 2025, He has settled into explorers one really well with lots of confident. the staff in explorers one are very lovely and very helpful and supports me and my on a daily basis.

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Review from V R (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves the Happy Days family. She has such fun when here. She has made lots of friends. childcare is preparing our children for school. Happy Days does this and its an amazing environment. Staff are great too.
Thank you.

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Review from R G (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has had the most wonderful care and experience since starting at Happy Days nursery. She has experienced so much from explorative play with sand and animals to a variety of different foods for lunch and dinner. I am so happy to leave her every time as I know that her key workers and all
nursery staff have her best interests at heart. I would recommend it to anyone.

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Review from T R (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Happy Days nursery. I haven't words to say how it. I am very happy and I feeling save because my son is in good hands.
lovely place for kids. staff and food.
just I want to say thank you for everything you do.
My son always be very happy.
Definitely I recommend Happy Days Nursery.

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Review from M T (Father of Child) published on 12 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We're very happy with the overall care offered by Happy Days. I have sent all three of my children to Happy Days and the quality of the care has been fab.
Thanks to all the staff.

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Review from A T (Father of Child) published on 11 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Happy Days Nursery & Preschool since he was about 9 months old and is now going to be 4 years old. He has always enjoyed his time at nursery and is always excited to go and see all his friends and all the staff that look after him. Lots of the staff most importantly his key
person have always gave him so much of their care, time and attention and always keep us up to date on his day and how he's been whilst at nursery.

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Review from Alex W (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

So much love for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool! Our daughter, who is now 4, joined Happy Days 2 years ago (after bad experiences at another nursery) and the whole team were so welcoming, thorough, kind and caring from the moment we started our settle sessions. Every member of staff we have spoken to
have been happy, joyful, kind, caring and so supportive. Our son, who is now nearly 2, started at around 12 months old. He found being apart from me very challenging at first and it was a really difficult time as I had no choice but to return to work after maternity leave. I had much needed hugs, tear wiping and support from various members of staff and they all bent over backwards to help settle my son into the new routine. I thought he'd never cope with nursery, but now, a year on he walks in smiling and happy (and usually makes a beeline for breakfast!). Our children are happy and they both lean in for cuddles and comfort from the staff, which to me, is the biggest telling factor for how good Happy Days is.

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Review from Lidia M (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery has been supporting my son, who has autism, and they go above and beyond on their support. He started in April 2024 and the improvements are visible day by day. He enjoys going to the nursery.

Reply from Rebekah Fice-Thomson, Nursery Support Team at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that your son is enjoying nursery and making such wonderful progress. Supporting each child's unique needs is at the heart of what we do, and it's fantastic to know that our team's efforts are making a difference.


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Review from Kerryann R (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am beyond happy with the choice I made to send my child to Happy Days. From the first visit and look around, I just knew it was the nursery for us! My child is kept safe, cared for and supported. Over the years the care and support has extended to me too, to which I am very grateful for. Nothing is
too much trouble- they are amazing at reassuring my parental anxieties. My child absolutely loves going to nursery and has built secure relationships with staff.

Reply from Rebekah Fice-Thomson, Nursery Support Team at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It's amazing to hear that you felt at home with us from the start and that both you and your child feel supported. We're so grateful for your trust and the team love being part of your child's journey!


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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been really pleased with care given to my daughter and the support given to us as a family when getting used to the world of nurseries. My daughter loves being at nursery, she gets excited about going into the car park which I have no doubt is down to the teams hard work in making her feel safe,
nurtured and fun. My daughter has been learning loads and it really is lovely to see her flourishing (which I have no doubt the nursery team contribute to).
I feel my daughter is very cared for and safe, even when she's slightly under the weather I know the team are making her feel safe and secure so thank you for that!

Reply from Rebekah Fice-Thomson, Marketing Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford

Thank you for your lovely feedback! It's wonderful to hear how much your daughter enjoys nursery and that our team has helped her feel safe, nurtured, and excited to learn. We're so grateful for your kind words and love being part of her journey!


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Review from Paula D (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Due to me working, Happy Days is really convenient as it's close by. My Daughter enjoys her days there, the staff are so friendly, kind, reliable, and great teachers. I do recommend Happy Days to other friends and family.

Reply from Rebekah Fice-Thomson, Nursery Support Team at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that Happy Days is a convenient and enjoyable place for your daughter. It's wonderful to know that our team's kindness, reliability, and teaching make a difference. Your recommendation truly means the world to us!


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Review from Amy T (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Happy Days Derriford is a fantastic nursery. Both of my children are really happy in nursery / pre school and that is down to the staff who are friendly, warm, attentive and professional. The team are very approachable and the environment is welcoming to children and parents. Thank you for all that
you do.

Reply from Rebekah Fice-Thomson, Marketing Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford

Thank you for your fantastic review! It's wonderful to hear that both of your children are so happy at Happy Days Derriford. Our team works hard to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment, so your kind words mean the world to us.


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Review from Katie B (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The girls really take time to know my daughter. She has grown in confidence since starting in July 2024. She's happy every morning when I drop her off. The app is updated every day so I know what she has gotten up to for the day.

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Review from K D (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love Happy Days! The staff are fantastic, they know every child by name and make us parents feel listened to! My little boy goes in happy every day to spend a session there and is always happy and clean when I pick him up. The team are faultless! The updates via the app throughout the day also help
keep the worry away.

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Review from Sam C (Father of Child) published on 15 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at this nursery for almost a year and I am more than impressed with this facility.
I feel at ease dropping my child off and love picking him up seeing him happy.
This nursery is so flexible when it comes to settling your child, they did whatever it took to settle my child and reassure
me.
He looks forward to seeing his key person when he comes into the nursery and has learnt so much since being there. Myself and my partner can go to work feeling at ease that our child is safe and happy.

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Review from Stacey C (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has now officially started nursery at Happy Days two mornings a week and Is doing amazingly. When I picked her up today she ran over to me excitedly to show me her painting she had done. As a parent these moments are everything.
It is full credit to you how brilliantly my daughter is doing.
The settling in sessions were amazing and I feel so lucky we had so many before her official start date. You even tailored the settling in sessions to meet my daughter's needs/naps and preferences. This meant when her first official day came she was comfortable and confident to spend the day with staff she already knew and trusted. One occasion I remember picking her up and seeing her happily sat at the table with the other children. I was completely ecstatic how relaxed she looked and two of your staff members joined in my excitement at how well she was doing. Your staff genuinely care about the children in their care and this is so important to me. You are all the best. Thank you!

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Review from A D (Father of Child) published on 30 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery as a 1st time parent choosing the right nursery for your child can come as quite a daunting task. The nursery helped with all nerves and the settling-in process helped both me and my partner feel reassured that our son will be happy and safe at the nursery.
When I drop off and see
the activities planned for the day it makes me want to stay and have fun!
The app is such a good addition that has really helped us feel as if we are at the nursery throughout our son's day! All the staff are so friendly and professional and all know my child by name.
Wouldn't want to leave my child anywhere else.
Thank you Happy Days for looking after my little man.

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Review from Hayley H (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 15-month-old has come on leaps and bounds since joining three months ago. Every time I drop her off, she happily walks away by herself and is always happy when I pick her up. All the staff, including the reception staff, have been brilliant. They always have my child's best interests, making sure
her needs are met and also keeping her entertained with songs and activities in the garden. No matter how worried you are, I would highly recommend this nursery.

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Review from Victoria B (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had all our children go to Happy Days Derriford and have been pleased with the care given to our children. The staff are friendly and put the children's needs first. The rooms and outdoor space is inviting and promote learning through play.
We have never had an issue but know if we did, we
would be listened to and it would be resolved.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.808)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.808) out of 10 for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford 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 27 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 27 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 4.883 for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford is calculated as follows: ( (291 Excellents x 5) + (28 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 324 Ratings = 4.883

  • 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 4.925 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford is based on 27 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 146 number of registered child places is 29.2. 27 Positive Reviews ÷ 29.2 = 0.925

  • 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 (6)

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Meet the Team (1)

Zara

Zara Austin

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Zara has worked in childcare for 17 years, 7 of those at Happy Days where she started as a Peripatetic Deputy Manager. Accompanied by her wealth of experience, Zara has also received a Level 3 Diploma, a Level 4 Team leading qualification, and a Level 5 award in Management. Zara is loving her new role and enjoys building relationships with her colleagues and the families in her care.


Frequently Asked Questions about Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford

What is the Age Range of Children that Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford accepts?

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford Open?

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford 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 Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford have capacity for?

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford has capacity for a total of 146 Children.

How far is Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford to the centre of Plymouth?

3.3 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 Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Derriford has a Platinum Service – more info.