Play-A-Way Day Nursery

Play-a-Way Day nursery, our third setting opened doors to children in May 2022. The centre is conveniently located in a residential area at 37 Stuart Road. This centre is operating from the same premises Strawberry Fields Day Nursery operated for many years.

Our brand new nursery at Stuart Road provides a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 3 months to 5 year olds. Babies from 3 months to 23 months will be cared for in our large and bright Baby room.

All children have access to our well-equipped secure outdoor play area. Toddlers and Pre-schoolers are divided into groups based on age and development level of each child. Our nursery practitioners are caring and professional and do their best to create a home away from home for your children. Activities for children are chosen carefully by their Keyperson depending on the age and development level of each child.

We have Online Learning Journal facility where the development of your child is updated and you will be able to check the progress your child is making.

We operate throughout the year, except during Christmas period and bank holidays

Limited free funded places for 3 to 5 year olds as well as limited spaces for 2 year olds are available.

All major childcare vouchers are accepted.

Babies: 3 - 23 months

Our bright and spacious baby room is well designed to provide your babies a caring and homely environment. We have dedicated sleeping area to ensure your little ones get the quality rest they need during the day. We offer two free settling days and will work with you to follow your babies routine.

We strive to provide a warm and caring environment for your babies and create a home away from home for them. Your babies key person will introduce them to a variety of exploration play to help them develop.           

Toddlers and Pre-school: 2 years to 5 years

Our new  Play A Way Day Nursery  aims to provide a homely experience that will ensure little one is always comfortable and happy.

We pride ourselves on our small group sizes, which means your child will have the chance to bond with their peers and develop friendships while under the care of our considerate and dedicated staff.

All our staff are long running carers at Play a-Way, which means your child will see the same face each day. This helps to develop trust and positivity.

Wraparound care and holiday clubs for School aged children and Babies: 3-23 Months

We offer wrap around care which is designed keeping busy parents in mind.

Our Breakfast club runs from 7:30 AM until 8:30AM every weekday. You can drop your child off to us before school or nursery, knowing that they’ll be fed a nutritional meal and start their day in the company of friends, where they’ll play and develop. School aged children attending our breakfast club will be dropped off to their school by us.

Our After-School Club is open from 3:30pm to 6pm, in conjunction with our after-school pick-up service. When your child arrives at after-school club, they’ll have a range of activities to choose from, including crafts, games and play. We also encourage school children to make a start on any homework they might have during this time, which our staff are more than happy to help with.

Children will be provided with a nutritional hot meal.

We offer drop off and pick up services from the following schools;

  1. Byron Primary School

For school aged children in addition to breakfast club or After school clubs we offer holiday club during school holidays.

Would you like to schedule a tour? We would love to show you around.

Play A Way Day Nursery Care Team

Jemma Hepburn

Nursery Manager

I have been with Play-a-Way family for almost 15 years. Last year I completed my B.A (Hons) Degree in Early Childcare and Education. I have worked across all the areas of the nursery from being Baby Room Supervisor to Toddler Room Lead, and for the past 3 years I have worked as Manager. I really enjoy working at the nursery and enjoy teaching the children through many fun and varied activities. I love to see  how the children grow in confidence from their first days when they begin their journey with us at Play-a-Way. I have two children and they both attended Play-a-way from the age of 7 months until they started school. Both of my children really enjoyed their time in the nursery making new friends and learning lots of new things. I look forward to meeting you in the future and providing a fun, welcoming and homely nursery for your children.

Stacey Ponsford

Deputy Manager and Baby Room Lead

I have been working in early years for over 10 years now, I gained my Level 3 as an apprentice. I have had several roles over the years, but now working alongside Jemma as a Deputy Manager and as  a Baby Room Lead. I feel I have created a home from home environment for babies to grow and develop into thriving toddlers. I enjoy working in partnership with parents and carers and feel privileged that parents trust us with their children. 

Nikki Barrs

Preschool Room Lead

I have been working at Play-a-Way for almost 2 years. I started here as a work experience student to receive my Level 3 in Children’s Play, Learning and Development. I have worked my way up to become Preschool Room leader. I enjoy promoting children’s independence and supporting them to create strong relationships. I enjoy working closely in partnership with parents and look forward to meeting new parents and their children.

Sue Acton

Toddler Room Lead

I am the Toddler Room Lead at Play-a-Way with BTEC Level 3 in Early years. I have over 10 years working with both SEND and Early Years professionally and 8 years personally as a parent. I have been at Play-a-Way for a year now and I am pleased to bring a wide range of knowledge, skills and experience to the team. I love Early Years and all that comes with it,  watching children complete what might be the smallest of milestone to some but huge to them. In our toddler room we build on the key skills needed such as potty training, language skills and independence, ready for them to gain new skills and experiences in Preschool.