Play A Way Day Nursery

37 Stuart Road, Gillingham ME7 4AD
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9.9 34 Reviews
  • Play A Way Day Nursery, Gillingham
The Play-a-Way Day nursery is the third setting in Gillingham from this provider (Play A Way Nurseries Ltd) and opened their doors for children in May 2022. This new nursery is conveniently located in a residential area at 37 Stuart Road. Play-a-Way Day Nursery is operating from the same premises Strawberry Fields Day Nursery operated for many years.

The brand new nursery at Stuart Road provides a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years old. All children have access to the well-equipped secure outdoor play area.

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Care Provided by Play A Way Day Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Jemma Hepburn (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 10
  • Total Places for Children
  • 42
  • 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 Play A Way Day Nursery

  • Available on request

Play A Way Day Nursery Reviews (34)

Total of 34, showing 1-20
9.9

Play A Way Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.898) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Play A Way Day Nursery has 34 reviews.

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Review from Dr Mahnoor S (Mother of Child) published on 17 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Play-a-way is one of the best nurseries, the staff is amazing at their work. My baby is very happy, very well taken care of, and feels loved. he's learning a lot of new things every day, can not think of a better place for my baby.
Thank you all for your amazing work.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you so much for the lovely review. It is very important to us as a setting that all our parents and children are happy with their experience whilst with us at our nursery. We love watching all the new things your baby is learning whilst with us.


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Review from Shell W (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All of my children have attended this nursery. My youngest currently attends and all the staff are very friendly and attentive to her needs. Since attending, my daughter has come on leaps and bounds in her development and she absolutely loves going to nursery.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you for the lovely review. We have enjoyed having your children at nursery with us and watching them grow and develop.


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Review from Catrina S (Mother of Child) published on 3 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My children have been attending this nursery for just under a year. Very professional and caring. After having a rocky start with my eldest attending nursery for the first time, the staff were always so welcoming and patient, allowing me to call every day to check how my child was. Both of my children
are now in the nursery and I could not think of a better place for them to attend. If I have any problems, management are always accessible and sort things out straight away. My children absolutely love attending this nursery.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you for the lovely review. We love having both of your children here and watching them grow and develop.


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Review from J F (Father of Child) published on 27 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery is really friendly, with a really homely vibe that you don’t get in larger settings. Our child loves to go in every morning and comes out happy. Great staff, very flexible, and an overall fantastic experience.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you so much for the lovely review. We are glad you are happy with the service our nursery brings and that your child is happy here with us


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Review from Ordjan S (Father of Child) published on 27 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Play A Way Day Nursery plays a big role in my daughter's development! Staff have been very patient and friendly to my daughter while she was settling into nursery for the first time, and now she loves to go there every morning! They pay good attention to the kids, and they inform the family about their
developments. My daughter has already started showing good communication skills, patience and confidence. I would definitely recommend Play a Way Day Nursery, and I would like to thank all the staff for putting so much effort on children.

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Review from S G (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Great nursery, always helping and understanding, genuine care for the children there and the parents.
My son always has a good time at the nursery and has progressed/developed a lot since being there.

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Review from Carlisha J (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Play A Way is a great nursery my children love it there. The staff are kind and friendly and care very much about the kids. My children love their key people and they accommodate the parents well. Would recommend.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you for the lovely review. We are glad your children enjoy coming to the setting and it is lovely to see how well they have settled.


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Review from C M (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My oldest child loves her nursery. She is always so excited to go. We can't wait for her little sister to attend with her.
The staff are always so friendly and lovely. Always willing to help and life a saver when my hours kept changing at my work.
I tell everyone I meet that needs childcare please
use them because they are just amazing.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you for the lovely review. We are glad your daughter likes it here with us and we are all excited for her sister to join us too!


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Review from R R (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My experience with this nursery has been amazing, to say the least. Very accommodating, kind, and helpful staff.
My older child attended one of the other Play A Way Nurseries and I couldn’t resist sending my second child to the other nursery as the manager there is wonderful. I highly recommend and
my child always comes home happy.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you so much for the lovely review. It has been lovely to look after both of your children over the last few years.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Play a Way is such a lovely nursery, we initially chose it for our daughter because we liked the staff, cozy setting (including a sensory room), healthy snacks provided, and nice group size. We are so glad we chose this nursery as she loves going and has thrived, it's lovely to see her enjoying it and
the bonds she's made with the staff. She was given lots of TLC during her settling period which really helped her get used to going and feeling safe. The staff are all warm and friendly and all seem to really care for the children and make so much effort with them, which for us is so reassuring to know she's in safe hands. She has learned so much, become more independent, enjoys all the activities, and is always happy to go.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you so much for the lovely review! We are glad your daughter has settled in and is enjoying her time here and she has learned lots of new things.


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Review from Adam M (Father of Child) published on 20 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Play A Way Nursery is a great nursery, my daughter absolutely loves it. She loves coming to school in the morning and has great fun with so many activities to do. They also have an outdoor garden that she loves and I think it's amazing that they get to explore and learn about the wildlife there. All
the staff are great and always interact with my daughter. The nursery manager is excellent and very helpful and fun, she's very good at helping to resolve any issues.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you for the lovely review. We are glad your daughter loves coming to nursery here with us


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Review from Chikanso A (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves going to the nursery. Amazing teachers, with a beautiful learning and safe environment mixed with fun. She has learnt a lot of new things and her manners are great. I will definitely recommend Play A Way Nursery.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you for the lovely review. We are glad your daughter is progressing well with us.


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Review from Claire H (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery, really helped with my daughter's extra needs and helped with getting her the help she needs, ie send special needs.
They really have made progress with my daughter and I'm very grateful for all they do as she can be very challenging and they have done this with patience and professionalism.
I would 100% recommend this nursery whether you have a special needs child or not, my eldest used to go them too and she was always so happy and never wanted to leave.
My youngest daughter loves the outside play area and it's perfect for her, and the sensory room also they are always trying their best to cater for my daughter's needs, to ensure it's a happy safe and enjoyable environment.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review. We are glad you love the provision we provide.


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Review from F N (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter transitioned to Play A Way in April 2023 at the age of 3 from a nursery she had previously been at since 9 months old. The transition worked really well. She settled in perfectly with the help of the settling-in sessions and the helpful and friendly team. She loves attending and never complains
about going.
The snippets of her day on the app are a welcomed sight.
The staff at Play A Way work long days and should be commended on their continued hard work to provide care for our children.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review. We are glad your daughter has settled in well with us and enjoying her time at nursery.


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Review from S I (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great team, they look after my kids like their own. All my kids are very happy from the minute I drop them off till the time I pick them up. Just a top nursery with great staff all around. A big thank you to the manager and all the staff- we appreciate you all wholeheartedly. Thank you all!

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you for the lovely review. We are glad they all love their time in nursery.


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Review from Emily B (Mother of Child) published on 1 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Play A Way Day Nursery since January 2023. She was 16 months at the time and has thrived. The staff are wonderful and very accommodating. They’re also very understanding regarding allergies. My daughter has an egg allergy, and they’re so supportive. The manager of this
nursery is what makes this nursery outstanding! I’ve recommended Play A Way Day Nursery to several of my friends whose children now attend.
I can not find fault with this nursery and its outstanding team.
Thank you.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are so glad you are happy with our nursery.


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Review from Tom W (Father of Child) published on 30 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Top nursery - really look after the kids as I suspect they would their own. Regular updates on progress and activities at the nursery. Well-fed and watered. Works perfectly for us as a family, and he gets the social interaction he needs for his development.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you so much for the lovely review. We love having your son here with us and helping him meet his developmental milestones.


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Review from Sam F (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Play A Way Stuart Road is a real home away from home. We moved our child from a much larger nursery and have found that she has thrived in this smaller setting. There have been many improvements to the interior since their takeover.
The carers here know my child well and remember details about my
family. We feel a part of the nursery. I feel that they have a great understanding of my child’s temperament and are warm, friendly and engaging. My daughter often draws pictures for the staff to take to the nursery, which shows me how much she adores them.
Communication here is very good. Staff are upfront about changes that will affect parents and communicate with them in good time to give us sufficient notice. I feel listened to, and I cannot fault the manager, who I know will go the extra mile!
The outside area is well-resourced with a lovely mature Cherry tree. There is lots to do at Play A Way, and I’m confident that we have made the right choice for our daughter.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you so much for the lovely review. We are glad your daughter is thriving here with us.


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Review from L S (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one has been going to this nursery for just a little under a year, and the experience I have had has been amazing. Very friendly, welcoming and caring for their children. Every day, my child comes out with a big grin on his face telling me all the fun he has had that day. And to see his relationship
with the workers there is always positive as he adores them so much. Making me, as a Mum, very, very comfortable leaving him in their care. I find the prices are extremely reasonable and have been very supportive with also taking my older child to school for me on the days needed and, again, I feel very comfortable allowing them to do this as he is also always smiling and tells me positive things about his time there.

Reply from Jemma Hepburn, Manager at Play A Way Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are very glad both children feel happy whilst they are here. It's a pleasure having them.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little boy has been going there for the past three months. I was initially very anxious about him starting nursery at 1 year old but the place itself, the staff and the manager gave me reassurance and confidence. I am really pleased I chose this nursery.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.898)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.898) out of 10 for Play A Way Day Nursery 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 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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 4.898 for Play A Way Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (205 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 226 Ratings = 4.898

  • 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 Day Nursery is based on 19 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 42 number of registered child places is 8.4, which has been reached with 19 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.

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Meet the Team (1)

Jemma

Jemma Hepburn

Job Title: Nursery manager/SENCO/DSL

Joined: 2017

Hi, my name is Jemma.


I have been a part of the Play-a-Way family for 17 years and I have enjoyed every second of it. I have had the joy of teaching and watching a lot of children during this time and have had the pleasure of looking after a lot of siblings too.


I completed my BA (Hons) degree in Early Childcare and Education and I have been a manager for nearly 7 years. I have recently finished my level 3 SENCO training and enjoy helping the staff to support and plan activities for all children.


I took the challenge of starting this nursery when we opened in 2022 and have loved watching it grow and flourish. I look forward to meeting you in the future and providing a fun, welcoming and homely nursery for your children.


Frequently Asked Questions about Play A Way Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Play A Way Day Nursery accepts?

Play A Way Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Play A Way Day Nursery Open?

Play A Way Day Nursery 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 Day Nursery have capacity for?

Play A Way Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 42 Children.

How far is Play A Way Day Nursery to the centre of Gillingham?

0.6 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 Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Play A Way Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service – more info.