PlayPals Childcare

St John's C of E Primary, Simpkin Street, Wigan WN2 5QE
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10 21 Reviews
  • PlayPals Childcare, Wigan
PlayPals Childcare is a term-time oasis for 3-4 year-olds, nurturing growth across 38 weeks. The dedicated team ensures a seamless educational journey. Nestled in St Johns C of E School, they offer exceptional wrap-around care, partnering with this QUEST school for enriched learning.

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Care Provided by PlayPals Childcare

  • Type of Service
  • Nursery School – Privately Owned
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Nichola Crank (Area Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 5
  • Total Places for Children
  • 43
  • Age Range
    • from 3 years 0 months
    • to 4 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
  • School Holidays

Funding & Fees Guide for PlayPals Childcare

  • Breakfast club 7.30-8.40 - £5.00
    AM nursery session 8.40-11.45 - £15.00
    Lunch time 11.45-12.15 - £3.00
    PM nursery session 12.15-3.15 - £15.00
    Afterschool club 3.15-6.00 - £8.50

  • Small additional daily fee for lunch and snack
    We also accept the government 15 and 30 hour funding

PlayPals Childcare Reviews (21)

Total of 21, showing 1-20
10

PlayPals Childcare has a Review Score of 10 (9.972) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time PlayPals Childcare has 21 reviews.

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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm very pleased with the work of the ladies in the nursery. Children learn new things every day. The ladies in the nursery are positive about their work, they are caring, they take care of each child and their needs. My daughter comes back from the nursery happy every day and can't wait for the next
day. Communication with the ladies is perfect, I highly recommend PlayPals.

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Review from P U (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We feel our kids have a lot of support from teachers. They spend a lot of time with individuals, parents are up to date. Every day kids take part in fantastic activities to support their development. Will highly recommend!

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Review from Diane C (Grandmother of Child) published on 11 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a grandparent of a child who goes to Playpals Childcare I am astounded by how much my granddaughter has achieved and accomplished here. Her vocabulary and motor skills have improved a lot. She's more confident, she's learning to share and play with other children. The Playpals staff are an amazing
credit to the school and children. I'd recommend this schools nursery to anyone who wants the child to be in a stable learning environment with amazing caring teachers.

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Review from K E (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child absolutely adores attending PlayPals Childcare and is thriving. I have noticed the progress they have made since starting at PlayPals especially in their speech development and social development. The staff are so warm, nurturing and caring and always have time for you. The learning environment
is always well set up, calm and enriching. They do so much with the children both in the classroom and in the community, I love seeing all of the updates on Famly. I could not recommend PlayPals highly enough. A fabulous setting.

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Review from H S (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My child is very happy at PlayPals, she enjoys coming to see her friends. She loves to learn, sing, play etc. Staff are friendly, all my kids have been to PlayPals.

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Review from K A (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves attending PlayPals, she loves outdoor activities and exploring the outdoor world. Appears to follow a better learning and development than her previous nursery. Policy on antibiotics should be dependent on reason not blanket restrictions.

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Review from Kelly J (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery both children have attended. They have both thrived.

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Review from M N (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant nursery, daughter attends from the age of 3. All the staff are brilliant.

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Review from Kelly B (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so happy with the progress our daughter has made. All the staff are amazing and work so hard. Communication is excellent. Would highly recommend.

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Review from K H (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has come on leaps and bounds since being at PlayPals. Her confidence and learning have improved. She loves coming here and telling us what she has done and learnt. The staff and overall learning environment are first-class.

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Review from Jennifer W (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A particular member of staff and the rest of the PlayPals team are so amazing with my little boy, who has a 2 year speech and language delay. They all have shown so much patience, resilience, persistence, consistency and support. My son's progress has improved in the last five months and that is due
to the PlayPals team.

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Review from Angela L (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been with PlayPals at Abram for nearly 18 months and she has loved every minute of it. The teachers go above and beyond to ensure the children have the best day whilst in their care, making the time spent with them fun and educational too. It is wonderful to see the care and nurture
that the PlayPals team put in. I would not hesitate in recommending anyone to send their child to this nursery, it will be the best choice for your little one.

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Review from Carla T (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant nursery! The staff are amazing with the children! My daughter loves it. She has progressed so much since she started here and loves all of her friends that she's made whilst at nursery. I would highly recommend this nursery!

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Review from Paul M (Father of Child) published on 17 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic school. Great team and this shows as my child loves play pals, and looks forward to going to school daily. Christmas play, sports day, graduation day, these events run seamlessly which all builds confidence in the children and gets them ready for full-time school.
She is now looking forward
to reception, and the next steps as we have seen her develop over the last 12 months.
Thank you to all of the team at PlayPals.

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Review from Jon M (Father of Child) published on 17 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Awesome nursery, my child loves all the staff and her friends.
Staff very helpful.
Child education is fantastic.
Organisation for children's play/rewards/graduation is brilliant.
Very happy with this nursery and my child will sincerely miss it when she goes to reception.
Thank you.

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Review from Shannon N (Mother of Child) published on 2 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery! The teachers all show a true passion for the care and learning of the children. They have different themes each week so the children are constantly learning something new whilst having fun. I love the amount of photos they share and the detailed descriptions given for the variety
of activities.
I wish my son could stay for longer! It's a great comfort knowing even though he'll be starting school this year the teachers will still look out for him and help him any way they can.
Thank you Playpals for everything.

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Review from L D (Mother of Child) published on 27 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my daughter started last year the PlayPals team have shown kindness and dedication. Creating a wonderful learning environment for all children.
They listen to your worries and feedback and work hard to make the transition into school an easy and personalised one!
My little one has really grown
to love and have a fantastic bond with each of her teachers. They have weekly themes so the children get to explore a variety of new experiences and learn different skills. The PlayPals team inspire and nurture children and take safety very seriously. My daughter's year in PlayPals has been full of fun, creativity, learning, growing, making friends and becoming more independent and I cannot thank the fantastic ladies at PlayPals enough!

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Review from S K (Mother of Child) published on 3 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

PlayPals go above and beyond to meet the needs of my child, my child has special needs and he has come in leaps and bounds since starting, I was anxious about my son starting school due to his special needs but PlayPals did everything they could to make sure his transition went as smoothly as possible.
They’ve grown to know my child so well and made sure they knew every minor detail about my son, I am always updated with my child’s progress and update via the app which is nice to have updates throughout the day. I am so happy and at ease knowing my child is well looked after I couldn't have picked a better preschool, my child absolutely loves PlayPals and gets excited the minute he goes through the door for drop off and excited at pick up saying “I’ve had a nice day” everyone is so happy and smiley and I’m informed at every pick up on how their day has been.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are very friendly and welcoming. My child has settled with no concerns.
We are kept updated via the app daily with activities the children are doing which is great. I know my child is well looked after and is having a great day.

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Review from Rebecca D (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery staff are amazing. Luckily my daughter settled in straight away. She even asks on Saturday and Sunday if she can go to nursery, which goes to show how settled she is, and how much she enjoys it. It is usually the same staff in the morning and afternoon at the door, giving the children a
routine and a quick handover for parents. Staff keep in touch via the app and respond promptly to any enquiries. I would absolutely recommend the nursery to everyone.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.972)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.972) out of 10 for PlayPals Childcare is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.972 for PlayPals Childcare is calculated as follows: ( (245 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 252 Ratings = 4.972

  • 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 PlayPals Childcare is based on 21 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 43 number of registered child places is 8.6, which has been reached with 21 Positive reviews. Points = 1

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

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Meet the Team (6)

Nicki

Nicki Crank

Job Title: PlayPals Area Manager

Joined: 2017

My name is Mrs Nicki and I am PlayPals Area Manager. I strive to ensure the children have the best experiences and each of our settings provides the highest standard. I have my paediatric first aid, mental health aid, and designated safeguarding lead training as well as many more specific courses. I am also passionate to make sure both the teams and myself continue to keep up to date and attend regular training events, which enhance the provision and experiences for children.


Kayleigh

Kayleigh Woodall

Job Title: Manager

Joined: 2022

I am PlayPals Abram Nursery and an out-of-school club manager and have worked in childcare for over 20 years. Throughout my career, I have completed my Foundation Degree and gained my level 6 Early Years Professional Status. I love working with children especially planning exciting and motivating activities which help them to learn and grow. I have two children of my own who I love spending time with, going out for walks and playing board games. I am also the setting Designated Safeguarding Lead and I have paediatric first aid and first aid at work.


Gemma

Gemma Ward

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2024

I am the nursery and out-of-school deputy manager and have been working in childcare and education for around 15 years. Throughout my career, I have achieved various qualifications but most recently I have completed my Level 4 advanced practitioner leadership qualification, also I have also completed my Level 3 SENCO qualification. I love working alongside the children and watching them grow and flourish and develop their skills.


I have 2 daughters and I love spending time with them and making memories. I am also one of the setting's Designated Safeguarding Leads and a qualified first aider.


Katie

Katie Bleakley

Job Title: Practitioner

Joined: 2018

My name is Mrs Katie, I have worked at PlayPals for over 5 years and have experience working with children from birth to 5 years. Most of my experience is working with preschool children which I love! I have also had my safeguarding and paediatric first aid training. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know the children and their families and the best thing about, my job is getting the children ready for school and seeing the progress they make. I have two children of my own and we love nothing more than spending family time together, going on walks and exploring the outdoors.


Rebecca

Rebecca Perry

Job Title: Practitioner

Joined: 2023

My name Is Miss Becka I have worked In childcare for a number of years and love getting to know the children and their families. I especially enjoy planning a variety of activities which I know will help the children to reach their potential. I have two children of my own and we enjoy spending lots of family time together with our extended family and friends. I have also had my paediatric first aid, GDPR, food hygiene and safeguarding level 1 training.


Stephanie

Stephanie Hersnip

Job Title: Practitioner

Joined: 2024

I am a level 3 practitioner and I have over 18 years of experience working with young children in various settings from birth to 11 years. I am a qualified first aider and hold a Keys to Communication qualification. I love working with children and helping them progress and achieve new goals. I have two young children of my own and in my spare time with them, we enjoy holidays, trips to the play centre and the cinema.


Frequently Asked Questions about PlayPals Childcare

What is the Age Range of Children that PlayPals Childcare accepts?

PlayPals Childcare accepts Children aged from 3 years 0 months to 4 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is PlayPals Childcare Open?

PlayPals Childcare 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 PlayPals Childcare have capacity for?

PlayPals Childcare has capacity for a total of 43 Children.

How far is PlayPals Childcare to the centre of Wigan?

2.5 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 PlayPals Childcare to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. PlayPals Childcare has an Enhanced Service – more info.