Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Estuary House, Peninsula Business Park, Rydon Lane, Exeter EX2 7XE
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9.9 74 Reviews
Located just outside Exeter (What3words location is edits.owner.cute), Happy Days is a nursery/pre-school conveniently located for families who live and work locally.

Offering a welcoming and engaging setting, the nursery caters for children aged 0-5.
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Care Provided by Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Sophie Randall (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 30
  • Total Places for Children
  • 78
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 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
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

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

  • For fee information, contact the Nursery directly.
  • Parking

  • There are plenty of convenient parking spaces, as well as level-entry into the setting.


Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter Reviews (74)

Total of 74, showing 1-20
9.9

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.891) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter has 74 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Beth D (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has loved coming to Happy Days for over two years. She has good relationships with staff and is always happy to come in in the mornings and is happily playing when I pick her up. My son has just started at the nursery at 10 months. He was given lots of settles to ensure that when he started
he was comfortable with his environment . He has recently started and after the initial first day shock, he quickly settled and has been soo happy and playful. The staff have always let me know the information I needed and were always happy to speak to me when I phoned to check on him. I am also really enjoying the new parent app where I can see all about there day! I especially love seeing photos of him enjoying himself.
A lovely nursery and pre school filled with trustworthy, friendly and approachable adults.
Thanks so much!

Reply from Sophie Stedman, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Thank You for sharing your review, we are delighted to be able to support the learning and development of both your children. We are glad to hear you are enjoying the new app.


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Review from Brandon S (Father of Child) published on 12 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very happy with the services at Happy Days Nursery, and how friendly and accommodating the staff are and how they are towards my son. He really enjoys all the activities that is put on for him throughout the day and is learning a lot more and more each time he attends nursery.

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Review from V i (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

staff is great, paying attention to any need of my daughter, giving her all cuddles she wants, supporting her development.there is an app for all main information about her day, useful to save some time when picking her up

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Review from N H (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have used Happy Days Nursery for years with our eldest son, then when our second son was born, we knew we wanted him to have the same caring and engaging experience so we went back. The setting as a whole is calm and welcoming, the staff are caring and genuine, they know us all by name. We were offered
numerous settling sessions to make sure the transition went smoothly and put my mind at rest so I could return to work with confidence. Also we had the chance to have the same key worker as we had with our first son, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience that I trust. I would highly recommend Happy Days to any parents looking at nurseries for their little ones.

Reply from Sophie Stedman, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Thank you for your lovely review, it has been a pleasure to welcome you as a family back to Happy Days!


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Review from Carmen S (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Ever since I came to see the nursery I have loved it, it was perfect for my two children. The staff are incredible, affectionate and very kind, always with a smile on their face. As for the place, it is quite spacious, tidy and accessible. They do a lot of activities and we are always informed of everything
that happens with our children. The food is fantastic, the smells always reach the entrance. Quickly defining, everything is magnificent. Amazing!

Reply from Sophie Stedman, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Thank You for your review Carmen, we as a team are delighted to hear your feedback!


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Review from Nicholas C (Father of Child) published on 8 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff have been approachable, friendly and welcoming. We know that our child is cared for and staff have her best interests at heart. I have been impressed with the communication during the day - it is courteous, prompt and professional.
This is our first experience of a UK nursery and would recommend
Happy Days, Exeter to anyone of interest. It's been great!

Reply from Sophie Stedman, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Thank you for your review. We welcome your positive feedback and are delighted to support the learning and development of your child. We look forward to working in partnership with you and implementing our new software, where you will be able to access regular observations and daily routines can be shared with you electronically.


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Review from Stephanie C (Mother of Child) published on 21 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started in September and the staff have been amazing from the get go. They always have time to chat and feedback the day and give advice and support when needed. The food menu always sounds delicious and is cooked fresh onsite. The only small downfall is the outdoor space but this is difficult
to change due to its location. A huge thank you to all the wonderful, friendly staff!

Reply from Sophie Stedman, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Thank You Stephanie for your lovely review, we are glad that you are receiving that insightful feedback and enjoying the variety across our menus!


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Review from Laura L (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Happy Days have been so amazing! Starting your child at nursery can seem quite a scary thing but from the start, they have made me feel at ease and made my child feel so welcome. They all knew her name from the moment she started, which only seems like a small thing, but it makes a big difference to
her feeling comfortable whilst she's there.
She really has loved her time there and being in a nursery environment has helped her social skills and also her speech development.
All the staff are so nice and friendly and do such an amazing job, with lots of varied activities and fun!. The food that is served is also cooked fresh by their chef, so you know your child is getting good, healthy food whilst there too.
I can't recommend it enough!

Reply from Natalie Stevens-Gale, Nursery Deputy Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Thank you for your kind words and lovely review, it has been such an honour and a pleasure to be part of your daughter's learning journey.


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Review from Heather P (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has recently started at Happy Days and has settled in so quickly and well. He has become so much more chatty too which has been wonderful for us to see.
The staff at Exeter have been amazing and always keep you up to date on how things are. All the enrolment systems were really straightforward
and much less onerous than we have previously experienced.
All in all, we are so happy to have been able to get a place at Happy Days and would recommend it to everyone.

Reply from Sophie Randall, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Thank you for the lovely feedback, Heather; we have been so glad to see how your son has settled in at Happy Days exploring both the indoor and outdoor environment and engaging in a range of our curriculum activities.


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Review from Katie T (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Happy Days Exeter is an incredible nursery for my child. The decision to return to work and start nursery was an emotional one for me but from the word ‘go’ the team at Exeter have been so supportive for my child and for me. They worked closely with me to ensure that my child had the best start and
she is now thriving, making friends and learning so much!
I am so impressed with this nursery and love that they help make my child so happy.
The multiple settle sessions were brilliant and a real asset to Happy Days. They helped my child get into the routine of nursery and it gave me the chance to feel comfortable and happy to leave them. Whenever we arrived the team were so happy to see us and so excited to see my child. This still happens every time we are at nursery.
A brilliant nursery with a brilliant team!

Reply from Sophie Randall, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Thank You for your lovely review, we will share your feedback with all the team. We pride ourselves on our settling-in process ensuring all the family feel supported and nurtured ahead of their first day, we know it is a big step!


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Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had such a wonderful experience at Happy Days. Our daughter started in January and settled in very quickly following their comprehensive settling-in programme in the months prior. Whenever we drop her off she always has a massive smile on her face which is lovely for us.
The staff have been
great. Our daughter adores her key worker as well as the rest of the team. It seems like there is a big range of activities the children get involved in every day and we feel like she is getting lots of development opportunities.
The management team are also excellent. The manager and staff are all on hand if you have any queries and we felt that they worked with us to iron out any minor napping issues. We now have a good schedule in place which works really well for our daughter.
Overall could not recommend more highly!

Reply from Sophie Randall, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Thank You for your feedback it has been lovely to see your daughter settle into the Happy Days family and her bubbly, happy character shine through.


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Review from M S (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy absolutely loves going into nursery, at the start he was really nervous, he didn’t really talk and he didn’t want to leave me. But on our first day the staff were very welcoming and opening the door with big smiles.
Now my little boy runs into the nursery with a big smile on his face
and is excited to see his friends and the staff.
The staff has helped my child with his speech and now he comes out with so many new words and even comes home singing the songs.
Thank you Happy Days Exeter, amazing nursery.

Reply from Sophie Randall, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Thank You for your lovely feedback, we are delighted with the progress your son has made with us at Happy Days.


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Review from Natalie P (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been extremely happy with the care and attention our daughter receives at Happy Days. She absolutely loves it there and even asks to go on weekends! The staff are some of the friendliest people, and they all know the children so well. They have lots of activities to keep children's brains stimulated
at all ages, children have lots of outdoor time and a great garden to play in, and they even teach sing and sign to the babies and young toddlers which is so great for developing communication. The food is both healthy and delicious and cooked by a chef to a very high standard. I feel very safe leaving my child in their care and would not hesitate to recommend Happy Days Exeter to anyone.

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Review from M B (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been attending Happy Days for just over a year now. He has a developmental delay, since starting here he has come on leaps and bounds, I am so pleased with how well the staff have been able to achieve this for my son. And as a family, we couldn’t be more thankful for the endless support
they give to us!

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Review from Charly H (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love Happy Days Exeter! The bubbly, caring team are so accommodating and go above and beyond for their families. The only place my son will eat veggies and enjoy it! My son loves the entire team and he loves his nursery days. Thank you, you lovely lot!

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Review from H E (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been with Happy Days Nursery since we moved to Exeter in August and they have been marvellous. My daughter settled in so quickly and they take brilliant care of her every day. They make sure she is included in all the activities in the room even though she’s not walking that well yet. For us,
who don’t live close to extended family, happy days are family. They have taken care of us when we’ve had bad news, when we got into a car accident and whenever we’ve needed that extra bit of support as a family. The staff truly are the best! I can’t recommend this nursery enough.

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Review from T M (Father of Child) published on 1 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very pleased with the nursery and has helped with confidence, making friends with other children and especially with eating. The food is wonderful and the staff have really helped with this. Everyone is really helpful and supportive and our son really enjoys his time at Happy Days.

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Review from R P (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Happy Days Nursery has been great for our son, I would recommend it to anyone. All the staff there are so lovely and the facilities are excellent. As a first-time mum I was so worried about sending my son to nursery when I returned to work when he was 15 months old because he had never been looked after
by anyone except me and my husband. But the nursery offered lots of settling-in sessions which all went really well and when he started full days, it only took him a couple of weeks to be happy and smiling and waving at the staff when we drop him off in the morning. I think the staff must be wizards, despite me always having to breastfeed my son to sleep at home, they somehow get him to nap easily at nursery every day! My son also has eczema and food allergies which the nursery has been brilliant about accommodating. When I go to work I feel really relaxed and comfortable about leaving my son there as I know he will be happy and safe in good hands.

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Review from Louise B (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I could not be happier with choosing Happy Day’s Nursery for our little one to go to. The staff right from the moment I had my show around the place were so friendly and welcoming. My daughter had a few settling-in sessions prior to starting and I had my worries that she just wasn’t going to settle
due to me not leaving her much prior to going nursery but the staff all reassured me how well she was doing and that she would get there, it will just take some time. She is now been going for a month and we can see so many changes in her and she is absolutely loving it! Thank you to all the staff who have reassured us and helped make it easier. I have no doubt in my mind that we chose the right nursery.

Reply from Kelly Russell, Digital Marketing Executive at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Thank you for your lovely review, Louise! It is wonderful to hear your daughter has settled in so well.


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Review from Zoe S (Mother of Child) published on 21 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing staff, very helpful and definitely put your mind at ease when the nerves kick in when it comes to sending your little one for the first time. Wish I had sent him sooner!
Very happy with the service they provided.

Reply from Sophie Randall, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

Thank you very much for your review.
We are delighted that you all feel supported in the nursery.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.891)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.891) out of 10 for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter 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 29 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 29 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 4.891 for Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter is calculated as follows: ( (311 Excellents x 5) + (36 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 348 Ratings = 4.891

  • 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 Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter is based on 29 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 78 number of registered child places is 15.6, which has been reached with 29 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 (6)

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2024

Recipient: Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools

Date: Thursday 28 Mar 2024 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2022

Recipient: Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools

Date: Friday 29 Apr 2022 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2021

Recipient: Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools

Date: Friday 28 May 2021 More details

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Meet the Team (1)

Sophie

Sophie Randall

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Sophie grew up in Plymouth before going on to study Early Childhood Studies at Oxford Brooke’s University. Following this, she has travelled across South East Asia, exploring different cultures and having the opportunity to go on an elephant trek. Sophie worked as a Nanny in the French Alps for two winter seasons, creating a range of different activities for children in the snow whilst also learning to ski.

After this, she moved to London where she lived for 9 years working at a Nursery School in Fulham, where she progressed from Nursery Teacher to Head of Nursery. No one day is the same in Early Years and supporting each child’s individual spark and creativity is extremely rewarding. Sophie recently moved back down to the South West to be closer to my family and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, cycling, running and walking.

... Read more

Frequently Asked Questions about Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter

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

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

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

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

Happy Days Nursery & Preschool - Exeter has capacity for a total of 78 Children.

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

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