At Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools, we believe nurseries should sit at the heart of their communities. They are not only places where children discover and explore but also hubs of support and belonging for families. By working with local partners, charities, and families, we create environments where children shine and parents feel part of something bigger.
Why Community Engagement Matters in Early Years
The benefits of embedding nurseries within communities are far-reaching:
For children, it creates opportunities to build empathy, resilience, and confidence. Whether it’s reading to care home residents or planting flowers in a local park, these experiences shape not only their learning but their character.
For families, it creates a vital support network. Parenting can be isolating, but when nurseries provide Stay & Play sessions, coffee mornings, or practical advice on funding and transitions, families feel connected and reassured.
For the wider community, nurseries act as bridges. They bring together schools, charities, businesses, and residents in a way that strengthens everyone.
For the future, it sets an example. Children who grow up in nurseries that value community and sustainability carry those lessons forward, creating positive ripples for years to come.
Building Belonging from the Start
Starting nursery is a big milestone, and our role goes beyond simply providing childcare. Across our nurseries, we run free Stay & Play sessions, walk and talks, baby massage groups, and first aid workshops to support families from the very beginning of their parenting journey. These sessions are open to the wider community, not just those enrolled, offering parents the chance to meet others, share experiences, and feel connected.
Families also benefit from practical guidance, whether that’s advice on routines, funding, or transitions to school. By offering these early touchpoints, our nurseries ensure parents feel welcomed, supported, and never alone in navigating the challenges of family life.
Children as Community Citizens
We encourage children to see themselves as active citizens from the earliest age. Whether it’s intergenerational visits to local care homes, taking part in charity fundraising, joining in with litter picks, or planting flowers for pollinators, our children are involved in projects that nurture empathy, kindness, and responsibility.
Initiatives like our collaboration with the National Lobster Hatchery in Cornwall help children understand the importance of caring for their environment, while activities like creating “kindness rocks” to hide in local parks show them the joy of spreading positivity within their community.
Supporting Families in Meaningful Ways
We know parenting isn’t always easy, and our nurseries act as trusted partners for families. Many of our settings organise clothing swaps, food bank donations, and community fundraising events in aid of charities such as Children’s Hospice South West. Our Christmas and summer fairs bring together local businesses, schools, and families, creating spaces where the whole community can connect.
We also recognise the importance of communication and connection. In Bristol and Cornwall Happy Days has created an open Facebook group called ‘New Mums & Dads’ where parents receive updates, advice, and tips. Alongside this, our monthly podcast gives families access to expert knowledge on topics like preparing children for school, learning to swim from birth, or using music to support early language development.
Embedding Sustainability into Everyday Life
Sustainability is at the heart of our ethos, helping children understand that caring for the world starts with small, everyday actions. From achieving Eco-Schools awards to running Lending Libraries, organising clothes swaps, and creating wildlife-friendly gardens, our nurseries embed eco-friendly practice into daily routines.
By involving children directly, whether in recycling, planting, or helping with community initiatives—we help them grow into thoughtful, responsible citizens who understand the impact they can have on their environment and community.
Celebrating Community Success
Community is part of the Happy Days identity. By offering free sessions, supporting local causes, and building connections that last beyond nursery, we ensure every family feels part of something special. This commitment has been recognised nationally, with Happy Days Charlton Heights Nursery & Pre-School shortlisted for Community Nursery of the Year at the NMT Awards, celebrating the role we play in supporting families and strengthening communities.
At Happy Days, we see our nurseries as community anchors. By placing belonging, support, and sustainability at the centre of what we do, we help children, families, and communities shine together.
