Happy Days are delighted to be sponsoring Emily Lewis, Nursery Practitioner at Happy Days, Cheswick, to help her on her way to Kenya to build one of the FIRST Play Action International Playgrounds.

Play Action International are a play-based charity that is passionate about giving all children the chance to play. They go out to Uganda and now expanding into Kenya with a group of volunteers to build playgrounds, transforming their empty field into one that is bursting with colour and fun, and in the meantime leaving a legacy for children to learn and develop those essential life skills and nurturing their physical, psychological and social development through what children know best… Play!  

After previously volunteering with them last August in Uganda, Emily has been given the chance to go out with them to Kenya and build a Play Action International playgrounds but needs to raise £1,350 to be able to do this. Happy Days were more than happy to donate to help Emily achieve her target.

Emily said, “After my previous experience, I haven’t stopped thinking about how incredible the experience was and haven’t stopped saying to my colleagues at Happy Days how much I would love to go back and do this again. Play is something I am so passionate about after my studies at university and my experiences at Happy Days and I want to be able to provide this knowledge to everyone around me! Play is such an amazing thing, the happiness it can bring to children’s faces and the learning that comes from a child’s play is so unexpected sometimes! I am so passionate about giving every child the opportunity to play, so this is why I am working with Play Action International again to make this happen!”

Jackie Cambridge, Head of Quality, commented, “Play influences the way a child’s brain develops and it is therefore fundamental that we recognise the importance of providing high quality play environments and experiences which nurture a child’s learning and development. Play enables children to explore and discover the world around them. During play children practise new skills as well as learning about themselves and those around them. The positive effects of play are far reaching, all children have the right to play!”

We wish Emily all the best and can’t wait to see the photos from her amazing trip!

Anyone wishing to donate can visit Emily’s Just Giving page:  www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emilyinkenya

Happy Days are calling on students, teachers and anyone else who has spare time on their hands during the summer months, to join them and spend the summer in one of their local nurseries, having the best time with the children.

Whether you love working outside in the garden or woodland areas, are excited by STEM, or want to pass on your drama skills by reading and performing stories with the children; there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Their nurseries are opening their doors this summer to support anyone interested in a career in childcare to develop their skills and learn more about the opportunities available in a caring and fun environment.

Even if you’re not looking for a career in childcare but have a passion for caring for children and want to earn an income over the summer, then there are positions available for you.

Working in childcare empowers you to inspire a generation of children, who in turn will shape the future of the world. Where else can you becoming a train, a doctor, an astronaut, a tiger, and a gardener all in one day?

So, if you want to have a Summer of Fun with the children and earn a wage at the same time, get in touch today – we have seasonal vacancies across the South West – why not spend your summer in sunny Cornwall or vibrant Bristol?

Come and inspire their future and inspire your future, with a summer job in childcare.

Email: recruitment@happydaysnurseries.com for more information

It’s back! Bigger and better than before! 

Happy Days Nurseries and Pre-Schools are delighted to once again be running their Summer of Fun campaign, following the success of last year. So dust off your sun hat, dig out the sun cream and prepare for an awesome Summer of Fun!

Happy Days Summer of Fun campaign consists of a host of activities for children, families and colleagues – bringing communities together so that everyone, no matter what their age, can enjoy a Summer of Fun with their local Happy Days nursery.

A major highlight of the campaign are the Happy Days Let’s Get Active Open Days being held on 24th June and 1st July – celebrating School Sports Week with a host of sporty activities for the whole family to enjoy. Everyone who attends will be able to enter a Free Prize Draw to be in with a chance of winning £200 worth of family sports equipment. Head on over to Let’s Get Active (happydaysnurseries.com).

Happy Days are once again proud to be supporting their local charity, Children’s Hospice South West, sponsoring the Rainbow Run Cornwall on 17 June and raising money for this exceptional charity during their Let’s Get Active Open Days.

Are you ready for a Summer of Fun? Then keep a look out on social media and the Happy Days website for more details of the activities planned.

Happy Days Nurseries and Pre-Schools is delighted to have been given the opportunity to expand its portfolio further with the acquisition of The Hollies Daycare Nursery, Cardiff. This is the first setting in Wales and demonstrates its desire to move into new areas outside South West England as part of its ambitious expansion plans.

The Hollies Daycare Nursery was established in March 2002 and quickly gained an excellent reputation for providing first class quality of care for children from 6 weeks to 8 years in the Canton area of Cardiff. The Hollies now accommodates 148 children providing them with exciting learning opportunities and stimulating play experiences.

Kim Herbert, Managing Director for Happy Days Nurseries and Pre-Schools stated, “As soon as we met Lisa Cronk and David Hutchings and viewed their fantastic nursery we knew this was a setting we wanted to be associated with. Their values and beliefs of providing children with the very best care and education align with our own and we are looking forward to building on this. The staff team at The Hollies will remain in place and we look forward to working with them to support children to become strong and motivated learners for life and provide a top class service to enable parents to work and live their daily lives knowing their children are cherished and cared for to the highest standard. 

Lisa Cronk and David Hutchings, outgoing owners of The Hollies Daycare Nursery said: “From our initial contact onwards, we have been impressed with the Happy Days ethos and approach to providing first class day-care provision. We move on, safe in the knowledge that Happy Days will continue to provide a quality focussed, nurturing and caring environment for our children.”

Kevin Higgs, Development Director for Happy Days Nurseries, said, “This is an exciting acquisition for us, following on from our expansion into Worcestershire with our new Droitwich nursery, we are now venturing into Wales, enabling us to provide inspiring childcare and education to more families across the UK.”

Fiona Blackwell, Operations Director, added, “The Hollies is the perfect fit for us and we look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and families into the Happy Days Group.”

Happy Days Nurseries and Pre-Schools has now increased their total number of settings to 21, with more new nurseries in the pipeline. Anyone interested in selling their business, or a developer looking for a nursery provider to partner with, should contact

Kevin Higgs: kevin.higgs@happydaysnurseries.com;
Kim Herbert kim.herbert@happydaysnureries.com
Marcia Viccars marcia.viccars@happydaysnurseries.com

For more information on Happy Days Nurseries and Pre-Schools visit www.happydaysnurseries.com  

For more information on The Hollies Daycare Nursery, Cardiff, visit https://www.holliesnursery.co.uk/ 

Happy Days Nurseries and Pre-Schools are delighted to once again be the yellow paint station sponsors for the Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) Rainbow Run on 17th June 2023.

The CHSW Rainbow Run is Cornwall’s most colourful, family-friendly 5k this summer and raises funds to provide vital care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. These fund raising efforts make a big difference and help brighten families’ lives in their darkest times.

The Rainbow Run, Cornwall is open to anyone over the age of 5. You can run, skip, walk or jog with family, friends or work colleagues. However you choose to take part, you will be showered in powder paint at 7 different coloured stations and you will be making a difference every step of the way. 

Happy Days will once again be throwing yellow paint at runners as well as having a presence in the Events Village where you will be able to have your face painted, with all proceeds going to CHSW. This is a great family, fun filled day out!

Karen D’Aguilar, Head of Sales and Marketing, stated, “This will be my second year participating in the Rainbow Run and it is a thoroughly enjoyable event. This year we had the opportunity to visit Little Harbour Hospice for the launch of the event and it was a privilege to have a tour of the facilities and learn more about the care they offer. It has made us even more determined to raise vital funds for this fantastic charity. The attention to detail that has been given to the design of this hospice is outstanding and they truly provide a wonderful service to families in the local area. We aim to raise as much as possible this year, not just from this event but with fundraising activities throughout the year”

In addition to this sponsorship, Happy Days Nursery, Treloweth are entering a team to run the 5k. Jo Lawrence, Nursery Manager, said, “This is a great team building exercise and we are looking forward to an action packed, fun day, all whilst raising money for this worthy cause.”

If you would like to make a donation a fundraising page has been set up; visit the Just Giving page here or by scanning the QR code below. For every £20 raised, this will help to provide 1 hour of vital care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. 

For more information on the Rainbow Run visit: https://www.chsw.org.uk/event/rainbow-run-cornwall-2023 

Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools is delighted to be expanding its portfolio with the opening of two new nurseries in the late summer/autumn.

Happy Days Nursery & Pre-School, Charlton Heights, Bristol and Happy Days Nursery & Pre-School, Droitwich are both brand new purpose built nurseries, and are currently being fitted out and equipped with resources and furniture, to provide inspiring childcare and education, where every child shines.

Expanding its offering in the Bristol area, Happy Days, Charlton Heights is conveniently located five minutes from its Outstanding nursery in Bradley Stoke where the current demand for places cannot be met. With all its nurseries in the Bristol area holding extensive waiting lists, priority for places at Charlton Heights will be given to those parents currently registered, and parents are encouraged to sign-up for a place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

The Charlton Heights nursery boasts three large airy rooms, with floor to ceiling windows and access to a large outdoor area, allowing free flow for children of all ages. Each room has been reconfigured by the Happy Days development team along with its experienced Childcare & Education team choosing the best resources to deliver its unique curriculum, providing opportunities for children to learn, explore and discover, whilst attending Happy Days Nursery, Charlton Heights.

Fiona Blackwell, Operations Director, said, “We are delighted to be able to offer more quality childcare to an area where nursery places are in high demand. Our new Charlton Heights nursery will enable more children to access a Happy Days nursery, ensuring all children have the best possible start in life, enabling them to reach their full potential to become strong and motivated learners for life.”

Happy Days Nursery, Droitwich, is the first Happy Days Nursery in this area and demonstrates the desire to expand its operation to a wider market to provide innovative care and education to more children. Located in Yew Tree Village, a new residential housing development approximately 3 miles south of Droitwich Spa, this new nursery is close to the A38 with convenient links to Worcester and the M5.

The Droitwich nursery, with four inviting rooms, set over two floors, a large garden and designated parking onsite for easy drop off and collection, is perfect for the local community and commuters alike.

Kim Herbert, Managing Director, stated, “It’s an exciting period of growth for Happy Days, and we are delighted to share that following our investment by Zetland Capital we now enter into our next phase of expansion into new and existing areas. We are delighted to have secured these new nurseries at such an early stage which allows us to use our experience of developing new settings that are designed and equipped to provide the Happy Days unique offering, where every child shines.”

Both nurseries are actively recruiting for Early Years Practitioners, Senior Team Members, chefs and administrators and anyone interested should contact the recruitment team: recruitment@happydaysnurseries.com.

Back in January as part of Veganuary, Happy Days Nursery Group launched a fun competition for all colleagues. After much deliberation, Rob and Graham from The Cornish Vegan, in Truro selected Alan, the chef at Happy Days Cheswick, as the overall winner with his Veganuary Nacho Lasagne.

Graham, co-owner of The Cornish Vegan said, “All the entries have been impressive, and making a decision has been difficult. We were impressed by the amount of vegetables and the novel twist on the lasagne. In fact, we intend to try it ourselves as it looks so appetising!”

Well done Alan! And again, thank you to both Rob and Graham from The Cornish Vegan for judging this competition.

Happy Days nursery group understands the importance of ensuring their children enjoy a balanced diet that is nutritious and delicious as well as free from allergens and is always looking at ways to promote healthy eating habits with their staff, children and their families.

We all know that we need a healthy balance of fruit and veg in our diets, and for our growing children it’s really important. At nursery our children eat alongside their friends and their room staff. The older children get involved in laying the table as part of their steps to independence and we make it quite a social event. They are always encouraged to try something new, as they often change their minds once they’ve had a little taste.”

Want to try Alan’s winning recipe? Please see below…

Veganuary Nacho Lasagne

Ragu Ingredients

50ml Vegetable oil
250gm Onions (peeled & finely chopped)
250gm Carrots (peeled & finely chopped)
4 cloves Garlic (peeled & finely chopped)
5 sticks Celery (washes & finely chopped)
250gm Leeks (trimmed, washed & finely chopped)
250gm Butternut squash (peeled, deseeded & finely chopped)
1 TBSP Mixed herbs
100gm Green lentils
3 vegan stock cubes
100gm Tomato puree
1.2kg Chopped tomatoes (tinned)
1 litre Passata
1 TSP Black pepper

White sauce Ingredients

100gm Vegan spread
100gm Plain flour
1 litre Pea milk
2 TBSP’s Dijon mustard

Additional Ingredients

200gm Vegan grated cheese (cheddar style)
Pinch ground Nutmeg
300gm Plain/lightly salted tortilla chips
20 Dough balls,
25gm Grated Prosociano (vegan style parmesan)
1kg Blanched cauliflower & broccoli florets

Ragu Method

Heat the oil with the onion, carrot, garlic, celery, butternut squash, leeks & mixed herbs
Cook slowly until just starting to colour
Crush the stock cubes and add to the pan & mix together
Stir in the lentils & tomato puree
Add the chopped tomatoes, passata & pepper, then use 150ml of water to swill the tins and passata packets into the pan
Bring the pan to a simmer then reduce the heat, cook for approx. 15-20 minutes ensuring fully cooked
Check consistency and taste

White sauce method

Melt the vegan spread in a pan then add flour,
Mix beating rapidly to form the roux, stir-in the mustard
Add all the Pea milk a little at a time, beating together well until a smooth sauce is obtained
Reduce the heat and cook for approx. 10 minutes, stirring occasionally

Nacho-Lasagne Method

Take a large baking tray/dish (approx. 40cm x 30cm x 5cm)
Add 1/3^rd ragu then layer 1/3^rd corn chips over the top
Repeat this twice more then pour and cover with sauce
Sprinkle the grated cheese over the whole dish
Shake the nutmeg over evenly and place into a hot oven and bake for 35-45 minutes until 0ver 75°c and nicely gratinated
Cool slightly and cut though 20 portions
To serve accompany with Baked dough balls, grated prosociano and blanched cauliflower & broccoli florets

Happy Days Nurseries are supporting National Careers Week by highlighting the varied careers available in the childcare sector and the pathways available to join this special industry!

Along with information about how you can start your career in childcare as a nursery practitioner and the routes available to progress, they will be focusing on some of the supporting roles in areas such as:

⭐ HR

⭐ Finance

⭐ Operations

⭐ Chefs

⭐ Business Support

⭐ Marketing

⭐ Facilities

Everyone who works in childcare is helping to inspire a generation of children, who in turn will shape the future of the world.

In addition, Happy Days Nurseries are also hosting a week-long programme of recruitment events at some of their nurseries in Bristol, Truro and St Austell where candidates can enjoy free breakfasts, lunches and workshops whilst hearing from industry experts about how they can inspire the future with a career in childcare.

Happy Days Nursery and Pre-School, Salisbury celebrated on the 20^th of January 2023, after officially opening its doors to children and families at the start of the year.

Following the delayed opening due to the COVID pandemic, the nursery is now complete and boasts a high end provision for children and colleagues to thrive. The purpose built and modern nursery provides childcare for babies, toddlers, and pre-school children, aged 0-5 years. The nursery is located in the new Longhedge Village, just on the outskirts of Salisbury, ideally located just minutes off the A345, which connects Salisbury to Amesbury and the A303. The nursery has parking bays located directly outside for ease of drop off and pick up. It offers full time and part-time care from 7:30 am – 6.00 pm and is registered for 81 children.

The event which took place on the 20^th of January was attended by the Mayor of Salisbury, Tom Corbin, Mark Beadle, Happy Days Nurseries Chairman, Kim Herbert, Happy Days Nurseries MD, Nicola Reay, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Nursery Salisbury, and several other special guests including nursery children, parents, staff, local businesses, and services. The opening was officially declared by Tom Corbin who cut the ribbon, to mark this celebration.

Mayor of Salisbury, Tom Corbin commented: “It gave me great pleasure to meet all the people who have been involved in the creation and build of Happy Days Nursery and Preschool at Longhedge and to meet the staff who I know will make this a wonderful and welcoming learning space for countless generations to come and I wish them every success.”

Commenting on the new nursery and the official opening event, Kim Herbert said:

“We are so pleased to have opened our nursery at Longhedge Village, and really look forward to supporting the wider community. We are very pleased to have worked alongside the Wiltshire Early Years team to be part of the development at Longhedge and we are thrilled to be offering as many children as possible the very best start in life. “

Happy Days Nurseries and Pre-Schools are delighted to be supporting Children’s Hospice South West for 2023, raising money with fundraising events throughout the year.

Children’s Hospice South West are dedicated to making the most of short and precious lives through the provision of the best possible hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. The care offered at each of their three hospices is not just about medical and nursing support for sick children but enriching lives of the children and their whole family.

Happy Days are proud to support this charity and, this year, Happy Days pledge to host one event per month in all their nurseries and support centre to raise as much needed funds as possible for this worthy charity as well as sponsoring the Rainbow Run and becoming a Business Club member again. This year, a Just Giving Page has been set up, making it easier for families and colleagues to make a donation.

Fiona Blackwell, Operations Director stated, “It is a pleasure to be contributing towards this special charity once again, helping to support local children and their families. As a company we believe every child should have the best start in life, which is why we donate via sponsorship as well as holding events throughout the year. We are truly grateful for our colleagues and families for their contributions to our fundraising efforts.”

Alice Merrett, Area Fundraiser for CHSW, said: “We are extremely grateful that Happy Days are once again supporting us going into 2023. All fundraising efforts make a huge difference to the families we support. Thank you, Happy Days for you amazing support!”

For more information on Children’s Hospice South West visit: https://www.chsw.org.uk/ .

If you would like to donate to our fundraising page, visit our Just Giving page here or by scanning this QR code: