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Play Away Day Nurseries in Southampton (SO14)

Ofsted: Good
(Jan 2025)
·
4.2(27 parent reviews)
·Andersons Road, Southampton, SO14 5FE · Southampton
Number of places
102 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2025
Local authority
Southampton

About this day nursery

Play Away Day Nurseries Ltd, established in 2002, is an inclusive and welcoming nursery in Southampton for children aged 0-4 years. 30pm Monday to Friday for 51 weeks of the year, the nursery creates a secure and happy environment where children feel a sense of belonging.

Staff work closely with families to understand each child's individual needs, helping them settle and form strong bonds. The nursery was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in its latest inspection on 22 January 2025.

The curriculum is carefully planned and well-sequenced, taking into account what children already know and their interests to support their next steps in learning. Additional funding is used effectively to tailor support for children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring steady progress from their starting points.

Staff also use various methods to support communication, such as learning key words in children's home languages and using simple sign language. Babies and toddlers receive gentle and caring support from staff, who also encourage independence skills such as feeding themselves.

Older children show independence by putting on their own coats before going outside. Children demonstrate positive attitudes to learning, showing inquisitiveness and eagerness, which helps develop their problem-solving skills.

The provider ensures staff receive good support and training to deliver quality care and education.

What it's like

Children arrive happy, confident and eager to learn at this inclusive and welcoming nursery. Staff work closely with families to gain a deep understanding of the children in their care. They use this information to help children settle, meet their individual needs and form good bonds with staff.

Inclusive and welcoming environmentStrong family partnershipsCarefully planned curriculumSupport for SEND and communicationFosters independenceChildren eager to learn

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds

Key facts

Opening hours

7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday for 51 weeks of the year

Established

2002

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Play Away Day Nurseries

Last inspected 22 January 2025

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 arrive happy, confident and eager to learn at this inclusive and welcoming nursery. Staff work closely with families to gain a deep understanding of the children in their care. They use this information to help children settle, meet their individual needs and form good bonds with staff.

Inspector highlights

  • The curriculum is carefully thought out and well sequenced.
  • Staff understand the importance of developing children's speech and language.
  • Staff caring for babies and toddlers are gentle and caring.
  • Children show positive attitudes towards their learning, being inquisitive and eager to learn, which contributes towards their problem-solving skills.
  • The provider ensures that staff have the support and training they need to deliver good-quality care and education for all children.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to recognise when they can encourage children to develop their independence skills further
  • 2strengthen the monitoring and support for staff so that they fully understand their roles and responsibilities.
Inspection #10378750 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The provider uses additional funding well to tailor support to meet the individual needs of children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. All children make steady progress from their starting points. Staff also use different methods to support individual children's communication needs, including learning key words in children's home languages and using simple sign language.

Outdoor space

Older children put on their own coats before going outside.

Parent Reviews of Play Away Day Nurseries

4.2
(27)
Andreas Koulouris
11 months ago

We just want to say a big thank you to everyone at [Nursery Name] for the love, care, and patience you’ve shown our son. It’s been such a joy to watch him grow, learn, and thrive in such a nurturing and positive environment. Your dedication, kindness, and creativity have made a lasting impression on him—and on us as parents. You’ve helped lay a strong foundation not only for his education but for his confidence and happiness too. We are truly grateful for all that you do every day. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts

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Walaa Dababneheh
a year ago

We are very happy with the experience at Play Away nursery! Our son absolutely enjoys his time there, and we’ve seen great progress in his development. The management is fantastic, always keeping us updated with a detailed log of our child’s day. They truly work hand in hand with us as parents, taking the time to understand our child’s unique needs and how we can best collaborate to support his growth. The manager is always available to listen and take actions. They are very attentive to any changes in our child, ensuring that he’s always getting the right care and attention. Highly recommend!

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AZ MAS
a year ago

As a father of two, I cannot express how grateful I am for the incredible experience both of my children have had at Play Away Nursery. From the very first day, it was evident that this nursery is a nurturing and welcoming environment where kids thrive. The staff is truly exceptional, consistently demonstrating patience, kindness, and genuine love for the children. Both of my children have flourished in their care, developing not only important social skills but also a love for learning through engaging activities and play. I would particularly like to commend Lizzy, the manager. Lizzy has gone above and beyond to support us as parents, always taking the time to listen to our concerns and offering invaluable guidance. Her compassion and understanding during tough times have made a significant difference in our family’s journey. Whether it was a challenging transition for our little one or simply needing reassurance about their development, Lizzy was always there with a comforting word and practical advice. Play Away Nursery has been a home away from home for our kids, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any parent looking for a nurturing, supportive, and inspiring environment for their children. Thank you, Lizzy, and the entire team at Play Away Nursery, for all that you do! Warm regards, Dr A

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Rosie Gordon
3 months ago

A Lovely diverse nursery with a fun friendly atmosphere! All of the staff are passionate about what they do and are so welcoming. I have two children who have both attended since toddlers. My youngest now in pre school. They both settled in really well and have a caring close bond with their key workers. Always told in detail at pickup what they’ve been up to during their sessions. which gives me comfort that they are in good hands :)

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Zsófia Kulik
a year ago

My went there for a year. He really struggeled at the beginning, with separation, but the staff was really patient and kind. He enjoyed every day afterwards. Overall we had a good experience. Would recommend.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Play Away Day Nurseries. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: April 2009

  • January 2025Good
  • January 2023Good
  • November 2014Good
  • April 2009Good

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