Working for
happy days
We are committed to building a culture that allows our colleagues to shine.
Where Colleagues
Shine
At Happy Days, our culture is built on a foundation of nurturing, growth, and community. Learning and development are at the heart of what we do because we believe that every child, as well as every member of our team, deserves the opportunity to shine. We prioritise the well-being of our children and staff, creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Our values are not just words on paper; they are the guiding principles that inform every decision we make, bringing our mission to life: to provide inspiring childcare and education, where every child shines.
Why Join us?
We offer a range of meaningful benefits designed to support your wellbeing, professional growth, and work-life balance. Our benefits aren’t just perks—they’re part of a culture that puts people first. They support us build a workplace where you’re empowered to thrive every day and where you’ll feel valued.
Our range of benefits continue to improve, so even after you join, do look out for updates and enhancements!
Core Reward:
Pensions
The People’s Pension Scheme – employee and employer contributory scheme where you’re automatically enrolled a short while after joining us.
Away from Work
Annual leave ranging from 5.6 weeks up (inclusive of bank holidays) depending on role and pro-rated for part-time.
For our nursery based colleagues, their annual lave increases with service; and for non-nursery based roles annual is 25 days plus Bank Holidays.
Childcare Discount
Our employees can also benefit from 50% childcare discount in any Happy Days nurseries in our group, to help you care for your own little ones.
Christmas is on us!
We gift all the working days off between Christmas and New Year. And, for those nurseries that are closed on Christmas Eve, if it falls on a working day, we gift that too (and if your nursery is open on a working day you bank a day’s leave).
Refer a Friend Bonus*
You help us onboard more great people and we’ll reward you!
Additional Benefits:
Blue Light Card*
We fund your Blue Light Card membership for two years where you can access instant discounts on everyday purchases as well as those big ones!
Life Assurance
We understand how important it is our loved ones are looked after in the unfortunate event of death. Life Assurance is a valuable benefit that provides financial protection to your loved ones in the event of your death. If the worst were to happen while you’re employed with us, a lump sum payment—two times your annual salary—would be paid to your nominated beneficiary.
Health and Wellbeing
We understand our employees need a little bit of extra support at various stages in their lives and we offer a range of complimentary support services through SPARK.
SPARK
We offer a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits designed to support you and your family. From 24/7 GP access, counselling and physiotherapy, to specialist support with child mental health, cancer, long-term conditions and elder care. You’ll also have access to wellbeing tools, bereavement support and second medical opinions, giving you reassurance and practical help whenever you need it most.
WHY WE INVEST IN OUR TEAM
Early years is a career built on care, patience, skill and passion. At Happy Days, we recognise that dedication.
From professional development and qualifications to team nights out and recognition awards, the leadership team at Happy Days are committed to building a culture where people feel appreciated, connected and proud of the work they do.
~ February 13th
Across Happy Days, National Apprenticeship Week was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the dedication and enthusiasm our apprentices bring to our nurseries every day.
With over 100 apprentices across the South of England and Wales, teams marked the week by recognising achievements, celebrating qualifications and showing appreciation with thoughtful surprises. It was a chance to reflect on the important role apprentices play within our settings and the bright futures ahead of them.
We are incredibly proud to support their journey and watch them grow in confidence, skill and passion.
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~ February 3rd
At Happy Days Bath, International Croissant Day was celebrated with freshly homemade croissants, baked by their talented chef and enjoyed by the nursery team. There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm pastries to bring a smile to everyone’s morning.
Meanwhile at Happy Days Poole, the team created a cosy breakfast table in the staff room, complete with croissants, juice and breakfast nibbles, a simple but thoughtful way to pause, connect and start the day together.
~ January 30th
Our 2026 Managers Conference and Shine Awards brought Happy Days teams together to celebrate a year of hard work, growth and success.
With colleagues from across our 39 nurseries in the South of England and Wales, the event was a chance to reflect, reconnect and recognise the dedication shown in every role across the business.
A brilliant reminder that it’s our people who make Happy Days shine.
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~ December 22nd
We’re extremely proud to celebrate Laura from Happy Days Exeter, who has completed her Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification with a distinction!
~ December 2nd
We’re thrilled to share a snapshot from our celebratory staff breakfast following Lyde Greens positive Health & Safety audit!
A huge thank you to our incredible team for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to keeping our nursery a safe, welcoming place for all children.
It’s always lovely to take a moment to recognise the people who make everything we do possible and what better way than with good food and great company?
~ November 15th
To celebrate their constant hard work the staff at Derriford had a lovely buffet for lunch on National Nursery Practitioner Day!
Their passion, creativity, and commitment make an huge impact that lasts a lifetime. We would like to thank all of our practitioners for their dedication to providing high quality childcare every single day.
~ November 13th
Our Penrice team enjoyed a fantastic team-building day at Dreadlock Escape Rooms in Lanivet, Bodmin!
It was a great opportunity to work together, share laughs, and strengthen the teamwork that makes our nursery such a special place. One team even escaped with 17 minutes to spare, impressive work!
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~ November 13th
Celebrating Success at the NMT Awards 2025!
On Saturday, members of our Happy Days team travelled to London to attend the prestigious Nursery Management Today Awards, where we were proud to be named finalists in six categories.
~ November 13th
At Happy Days Weston-super-Mare, our team enjoyed a special lucky dip appreciation bucket filled with thoughtful treats and surprises to say a huge thank you for all the kindness, care, and love they show every single day.
~ November 10th
We’re so proud to celebrate Ellie at Happy Days Derriford, who has officially achieved her Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education! 
Your hard work, dedication, and passion for supporting children’s learning and development truly shine through in everything you do. We can’t wait to see you continue to grow and inspire others as part of Happy Days.
~ November 8th
A huge congratulations to our wonderful Gemma, who has officially passed her NVQ Level 3 qualification, with a distinction!
We are incredibly proud of all the hard work, dedication, and passion Gemma has shown in achieving this milestone.
~ October 31st
Our wonderful team at Cheswick were treated to some delicious Halloween goodies, all thanks to our amazing chef!
A big thank you to Alan for spreading some extra sweetness around the nursery!
~ October 2nd
Today at Edward Bears Private Daycare, we are celebrating the incredible team who make our nurseries such a special place!
To say thank you, we treated them to some well deserved goodies, including relaxing face masks, tasty food, and personalised certificates of appreciation.
Why We Love Working For Happy Days
Join the Happy Days Team
If you’re looking for a nursery where:
- Hard work is recognised
- Leadership is supportive and appreciative
- Professional development is encouraged
- Team culture genuinely matters
We would love to hear from you.