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Play A Way Day Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2023)
·
5.0(2 parent reviews) ·37 Stuart Road, Gillingham, ME7 4AD · Medway
Number of places
42 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2023
Local authority
Medway

About this day nursery

Play A Way Day Nursery, situated in Gillingham, Kent, provides a nurturing environment for children aged three months to five years. The nursery aims to create a "home away from home" atmosphere, focusing on individualised care and fostering each child's development.

They offer a flexible approach to childcare, with various session options to accommodate different family needs. The nursery actively supports parents in understanding and accessing available government funding schemes to make childcare more accessible.

The team is dedicated to helping children flourish and prepare for their transition to school. They also operate a Holiday Club for school-aged children up to 11 years, providing continuous support for families in the local area.

What it's like

Children are met by familiar and friendly staff who know them well. They are excited to see their friends and explore the toys and resources set out for them. Staff develop an attractive and well-planned environment based on children's interests, supporting their communication and mathematical skills.

Home away from home atmosphereFlexible hoursSupports government funding schemesHoliday clubs available

Pricing & funding

Fees are payable monthly in advance via direct debit. The nursery does not charge a registration fee or require a deposit. Full charges apply for bank holidays, sickness, and holidays.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • Fees must be paid monthly in advance by direct debit.
  • The nursery is closed on bank holidays, but normal charges apply.
  • No refunds are given for sickness or holidays.
  • There is no registration fee.
  • No deposit is required.

Key facts

Session types

AM/PM Session, Core Session, Full Day, Half Day, Full week – 5 Full days, Extra hour, Holiday Club – Full Day, Holiday Club - Half Day, Breakfast Club, After School Club

Opening hours

7:00am - 6:00pm, Monday to Friday (Excluding Bank Holidays)

Age range

3 Months - 5 Years (Nursery), 5 - 11 Years (School Aged Children)

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Play A Way Day Nursery

Last inspected 13 June 2023

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children are met by familiar and friendly staff who know them well. They are excited to see their friends and explore the toys and resources set out for them. Staff develop an attractive and well-planned environment based on children's interests, supporting their communication and mathematical skills.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are met by familiar and friendly staff who know them well.
  • Children settle well and are safe.
  • Staff develop an attractive environment, which is well planned based on children's interests.
  • Leaders and managers reflect on practice well and they are proactive in making improvements.
  • Staff's interactions with children are positive.

Areas to develop

  • 1enhance opportunities for parents to be more involved in their children's learning
  • 2ensure that all staff know the expectations for large-group activities so that they can support all children to be fully engaged
  • 3provide more-consistent opportunities for older children to do things for themselves to promote their independence.
Inspection #10299092 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents talk highly of the friendly and caring staff.

they say that their children enjoy attending and have made good progress in their speaking, confidence, and personal and social skills.

They say that they get ideas to help their children at home, such as with toilet training.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. Staff use additional funding effectively to promote their physical skills. For example, children explore climbing equipment, such as a wooden bridge and beams, which staff purchased to develop their core strength, balance and coordination. Leaders and managers seek advice and support from the local authority to support practice and provision for children with SEND.

Outdoor space

Children enjoy exploring a water tray outside, filling and pouring with different utensils. This supports children's developing communication and mathematical skills. Children also develop a love for reading by sharing books and singing rhymes with adults in the outdoor book den.

Parent Reviews of Play A Way Day Nursery

5.0
(2)
Patty Stella
4 weeks ago

I’m incredibly happy that my daughter attends this wonderful nursery. From the very beginning, it’s been clear how well she is cared for and supported each day. The staff go above and beyond in everything they do: they are kind, dedicated, and truly passionate about the children’s wellbeing and development. I’m so grateful for the care and attention they provide, and I can’t thank them enough.

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Inspection history

Most recent inspection

13 June 2023

Good

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

Frequently asked about Play A Way Day Nursery

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more