At The Hollies, we believe that being part of the local community means more than just caring for children; it’s about creating meaningful connections with the families, neighbours, and friendly faces who make up the vibrant community around us.

Last week, we were proud to host a special “Give Back” event in nearby Thompsons Park, designed to say a simple but heartfelt “thank you” to those who live, work, and spend time in our local area.

With the help of the brilliant Handlebar Baristas, we set up a pop-up coffee stand and offered free hot drinks to anyone passing through the park, from early morning dog walkers and pram pushers, to families enjoying the sunshine or people simply taking a stroll through one of Cardiff’s most loved green spaces.

The atmosphere was warm, relaxed and full of smiles. Throughout the morning, we served countless cups of coffee and tea, and had so many lovely conversations with people from all walks of life. It was a small gesture, but one that sparked big moments of connection and reminded us of the power of community.

As part of our wider mission at The Hollies, we’re committed to being an active and positive part of life in Canton. Events like this help us strengthen those all important community bonds and remind us why we do what we do. We’re not just here for the children in our care, we’re here for the families and communities they grow up in.

We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who stopped by and helped make the morning so special and of course to the Handlebar Baristas for keeping the coffees flowing!

Keep an eye out for more community events from The Hollies in the coming months. We can’t wait to connect with even more of you.

📞 Contact Us
Phone: 029 2037 8177
Email: hollies@happydaysnurseries.com
📍 The Hollies Daycare Nursery, 9 Sanatorium Road, Canton, Cardiff, CF11 8DG

Happy Days Nursery & Pre-School in Weston-super-Mare is delighted to announce it has received a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted following its most recent inspection.

Inspectors praised the nursery for its effective curriculum, nurturing environment, and enthusiastic team of staff, who create exciting learning experiences for children both indoors and out. The report highlights how staff enable children to become confident, independent learners through a range of carefully planned activities and strong emotional support.

Children were observed to be happy, settled, and emotionally secure, with Ofsted noting: “Caring, gentle staff welcome children with a smile, and children settle quickly… Children develop a positive attitude to learning and, overall, behave well.”

The nursery team was also commended for encouraging physical development, language acquisition, problem-solving, and resilience. Activities such as outdoor exploration, yoga, and creative storytelling were noted as key examples of how staff help children to grow in confidence and curiosity.

David Lord, Early Years Operations Manager for Happy Days Nurseries, said: “This outcome is a fantastic reflection of the commitment and passion shown by the whole team in Weston-super-Mare. Their care, creativity, and teamwork shine through every day, and we’re thrilled that Ofsted has recognised their impact on children’s learning and wellbeing. We will continue to build on this success and aim even higher.”

The report also acknowledged the strong leadership and support structures in place, particularly during a period of positive staff transition. Parents were found to speak highly of the nursery’s communication and the progress their children are making, especially in language and social development.

Well done to the team and our wonderful children and families.

📞 Contact Us
Phone: 01934 420 343
Email: westonsm@happydaysnurseries.com
📍 Happy Days Nursery, 6 Whirlwind Road, Weston Business Quarter, Weston-super-Mare,BS24 8EF

We’re absolutely thrilled to share that Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools has been named a finalist in the 2025 Nursery World Awards, in the Online and Social Media category!

This incredible recognition celebrates the work we do to connect with families, share helpful resources, and highlight the amazing things happening across our nurseries every day. Whether you’re a parent, carer, or early years professional, we’re proud to offer a range of digital spaces where you can find support, ideas, and a real sense of community.

Here are just some of the ways you can connect with us online:

• Listen to our monthly podcast, full of practical tips, expert advice, and real conversations with our nursery team. Listen now
• Read our latest blog posts, covering everything from preparing for nursery to supporting children’s development at home. Explore the blog
• Join your nursery’s closed Facebook group, where you can see regular updates, ask questions, and connect with your child’s nursery team.
• Be part of our wider parent community in our open Facebook groups: New Mums and Dads Cornwall | New Mums and Dads Bristol

📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to see what our nurseries are getting up to, celebrate practitioner achievements, and discover fun activities you can try at home.

📹 For those interested in working in early years, our TikTok channel gives a behind-the-scenes look at life at Happy Days, with some videos reaching over 300,000 views!

“We’re so proud to see our hard work recognised, and to be alongside such wonderful other nurseries is a real privilege,” said Alice Avery, Digital Marketing Executive. “We’re excited to celebrate our team and the other finalists in September, good luck everyone!”

We’d like to say a big thank you to Nursery World and the judging panel, and congratulations to all the other finalists.

We’re counting down to the awards night on Saturday 27th September 2025 and in the meantime, we’ll keep doing what we love most: connecting with you and celebrating the magic of early years every day.

Happy Days Nursery in Bradley Stoke is celebrating a remarkable achievement after once again being awarded an Outstanding judgement in all areas by Ofsted, the highest possible grading.

The latest inspection report, published in July, praised the nursery for providing a “rich learning environment” where children “thrive,” demonstrating confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging. The report states that children arrive “eager to learn, confident and happy,” supported by warm and caring staff who foster a calm, nurturing and language-rich environment.

This achievement marks the continuation of a legacy of excellence at Happy Days Bradley Stoke, reaffirming the setting’s status as a leading early years provider in South Gloucestershire. The inspection highlighted the exceptional care and education offered to all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), noting they “make remarkable progress from their individual starting points.”

Excellence in Every Area

Inspectors commended the nursery’s ambitious and well-structured curriculum, which provides “stretch and challenge for all children.” Learning is fully embedded in everyday experiences, whether it’s splashing in puddles outdoors or discussing emotions through books and interactive group discussions.

Children’s behaviour was described as “exceptional,” with older children taking turns and sharing with minimal support, and emotional wellbeing promoted through thoughtful interactions and tailored resources. Staff were praised for their consistent use of Makaton and their ability to extend children’s language and critical thinking skills throughout the day.

A Strong, Supportive Team

Happy Days Nursery’s commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development was also recognised. The report noted a strong culture of support, including regular wellbeing check-ins and tailored training opportunities. Staff described feeling “highly supported by the provider,” and their passion for early years education was evident throughout the inspection.

Mealtimes were highlighted as another strength, with inspectors noting the calm, independent routines and meaningful incorporation of mathematical language into everyday routines.

Working in Partnership

The nursery’s strong relationships with families were another key highlight. Parents praised the professionalism and dedication of the staff team, particularly the support provided to children with additional needs. One parent described the nursery’s support as “exceptional,” with many saying they were “blown away” by the care and education their children receive.

The nursery’s partnerships extend beyond families, with close collaboration with other early years professionals ensuring timely support and personalised strategies for every child.

A Community of Excellence

Nursery Manager Stacey Bailey shared her pride in the team’s success: “We are absolutely over the moon to have retained our Outstanding Ofsted rating. It reflects the unwavering dedication, passion and care that our team shows every single day. The children are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re so proud to provide a setting where they feel safe, valued and inspired to learn. I’d also like to thank our amazing families for their continued trust and support, it means the world to us.”

📞 Contact Us
Phone: 01454 614 411
Email: bradleystoke@happydaysnurseries.com
📍 Happy Days Nursery, Almondsbury Business Centre, Woodlands Lane, Bristol, BS32 4QH

We’re thrilled to announce that Happy Days Nursery and Pre-School Treloweth in Redruth has officially opened its beautifully refurbished nursery and brand-new baby unit extension!

The grand opening took place on Saturday, when our Managing Director, Kim Herbert, had the honour of cutting the ribbon to mark this exciting new chapter. Families, new parents, and curious local visitors were warmly welcomed to explore the upgraded facilities, meet our passionate team, and discover what makes Happy Days such a special place to grow, learn, and thrive.

The new baby unit has been thoughtfully designed to provide a calm, safe, and nurturing environment for our youngest children, while the rest of the nursery has been refreshed to ensure all children continue to benefit from the highest quality early years experience.

We’d like to thank everyone who joined us for the open day and helped us celebrate. We can’t wait to welcome more families into our growing community here at Happy Days Treloweth.

Marcia Viccars to Join Industry Panel for Christie & Co’s Childcare Market Insight Webinar

We are delighted to share that Marcia Viccars, Mergers and Acquisitions Director at Happy Days Nurseries, will be joining the expert panel for Christie & Co’s Childcare Market Insight 2025 webinar on Wednesday 10th July.

Hosted by Courteney Donaldson and Nick Brown of Christie & Co, the session will bring together industry leaders including Jordan Tully (Toots Nurseries) and Marcia Viccars to reflect on key developments in the UK childcare business market during the first half of 2025. The discussion will explore how nursery owners, buyers, and investors are responding to current challenges and opportunities, and what trends may shape the sector in the months ahead.

With over 20 years of leadership experience in the childcare sector, Marcia brings a wealth of expertise in operational growth, acquisitions, and driving quality outcomes for children. Her passion for high-quality, sustainable childcare will bring valuable insight to this important conversation.

📅 Webinar: Wednesday 10th July 2025
📍 Register & Join via Facebook or LinkedIn:

• Facebook Event
• LinkedIn Post

Join us for what promises to be an informative and forward-thinking session on the future of the childcare business sector.

Happy Days Saltford Launches Community Food Swap Shop

Happy Days Nursery Saltford has launched a brand-new Food Swap Shop — a simple but powerful idea to help reduce food waste and support families and staff.
The concept is straightforward: if you have any unopened, in-date food items at home that you no longer need, you can pop them on the Food Swap shelf at the nursery. Likewise, if you spot something on the shelf that you’d like, you’re welcome to take it — no questions asked.

Nursery Manager Jay explains:
“Let’s prevent good food going to waste and share what we have. The shelf is open for everyone to use.”

The initiative reflects the nursery’s community spirit and commitment to sustainability. It’s not only about reducing food waste, but also about creating a supportive environment where families can help one another in small, meaningful ways.

The Food Swap Shop is now open and ready to use — just inside the nursery entrance. Whether you’re dropping off something or picking up a little something extra, every small act helps make a difference.