The yellow paint station team at Rainbow Run 2025

Eight Days Out From Rainbow Run 2026

1 mins
Jun 12, 2026

8 days to go until Rainbow Run 2026, raising vital funds for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) and continuing our long-standing support for this incredible charity.

This year marks the eighth year that Happy Days has sponsored the much-loved yellow paint station at the Rainbow Run. This time our support centre will be working together to throw paint at participants whilst 10 members of Treloweth nursery team are actually running it!

Their final ticket tier is on sale until Wednesday 17th June and registration will close at midday, so if you want to join in with the fun, act now!

Children’s Hospice South West provides specialist care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, supporting not just medical and nursing needs but the emotional wellbeing of the whole family. Across their three hospices, CHSW offers a warm, home-from-home environment where families can rest, recharge and spend precious time together, whether through planned respite, emergency support or end-of-life care.

Supporting CHSW is a cause that resonates deeply across the Happy Days community. As an organisation dedicated to giving children the very best start in life, we are proud to stand alongside a charity that supports children and families during some of their most challenging moments.

We’re looking forward to bringing our energy, colour and enthusiasm back to the Rainbow Run 2026, and to continuing our fundraising journey with Children’s Hospice South West throughout the year.

Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/happy-days-nurseries?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Happy Days Falmouth staff around a table writing on a mind map

Happy Days Falmouth’s Training day

2 mins
Jun 08, 2026

It’s safe to say inset day at Falmouth was a success! It was an incredible opportunity for the team to participate in a range of fun training and teambuilding activities. 💫

“To start the day, we engaged in a fun team-building activity where we divided into two groups to create the Happy Days logo. The challenge was to draw it using a pen attached to pieces of string, which made for an interesting way to control the pen! This required a lot of teamwork and focus.

Afterwards, we were delighted to welcome Nelly from the Learning Through Landscapes/My Nature Play project, who led us in a two-hour session. During this time, we explored the significance of outdoor play, the essence of playfulness, and how adults can act as co-explorers with children. Following the discussions, we moved outdoors to our garden for some hands-on activities. The first task involved pairs working together to find a hard surface, choosing a tool such as a hammer, pebble, or rolling pin, and gathering flower parts along with two pieces of cloth. Each pair placed the flower parts on one cloth to create a pattern before laying the second cloth on top. Using their selected tools, they banged, rolled, or scraped the cloth to see the results, discovering that the colours transferred beautifully and left a lovely pattern behind!

Next, we introduced clay as the medium for expressing feelings. Each team member found a hard surface and a piece of clay to mold their face, allowing for unique interpretations of how they wished to portray their emotions. By the end of the day, the sun had helped set the clay faces! We are eager to implement some of these enjoyable activities in our nursery over the next few weeks!

In the afternoon, we continued with more team-building challenges, where the teams collaborated to construct the tallest tower using just large marshmallows and spaghetti. The challenge required the structure to stand unsupported for a full minute! Our winning team achieved a height of 16cm, while the runners-up reached an impressive 14cm.

We all took part in a Makaton session led by Louise from the Local Authority.

Later, the team split into three groups to dive deeper into our SEND policy with our current SENDCo, Katie. Cindy, the Explorers Room Supervisor, addressed important topics related to Under 2’s training, such as sleep patterns, developmental stages, and the two-year-old checks. We concluded the session with a curriculum recap led by Kate before finishing off the day with an engaging knowledge quiz in the sunshine!

It was such a successful day and the team took a lot from it in terms of new ideas to explore nature play, how we can best support the children in our care, recommendations for families etc. We now look forward to completing some of these amazing activities with your children in the coming weeks!” ~ Kate (Nursery Manager)

If you are looking for your next steps in Early Years Happy Days Falmouth is currently hiring for a range of roles and we would love to hear from you. 😊

~Happy Days Falmouth ⭐

Children in the garden with a butterfly at Happy Days Penair

Butterflies in Happy Days Penair!

1 mins
May 28, 2026

🦋Butterflies in Happy Days Penair!🦋

This week is both National Children’s Gardening Week and Garden Wildlife Week!

Over the last few weeks the adventurers have been keeping an eye on their caterpillars and learning about their transformation into a chrysalis and then finally into a butterfly. 🐛

After watching them change the Eco Committee released them into the wild! Eco School activities like this make up part of our Inquisitive & Ambitious Thinker aspect of Happy Days bespoke curriculum.

This aspect helps to foster a child’s understanding, curiosity, and appreciation of their natural world while developing their awareness of the importance of environmental issues and sustainability. 🌳

~Happy Days Nursery Penair

Happy Days Fest

Get Ready for Happy Days Fest, Our Summer Open House!

1 mins
May 18, 2026

Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools are delighted to invite families to this year’s Happy Days Fest, a festival-inspired summer open event taking place across participating nurseries this June and July.

Designed especially for children under 5, Happy Days Fest will give families the opportunity to explore nursery environments, meet friendly early years teams and enjoy a wide range of playful, child-led activities in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

The event celebrates everything families love about summer, music, creativity, outdoor play and community connection, while also giving parents and carers the chance to discover more about nursery life at Happy Days.

Children attending can enjoy activities including music and movement sessions with Boogie Mites and Sing & Sign, sensory and outdoor play, festival crafts, glitter face paints, shaker making and World Music Day inspired experiences from around the globe.

Alongside the fun, families will also have access to funding information and support, helping parents better understand the childcare options available to them.

Many nurseries will also be fundraising for Children’s Hospice South West throughout the events, supporting the incredible work they do for local children and families.

Every family attending will also be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a summer hamper.

The main Happy Days Fest event will take place on Saturday 27th June 2026 from 10am–1pm, with some nurseries hosting on alternative dates.

Alternative dates include:
• Poole – 6th June
• Derriford, Saltford Nursery & Pre-School, Portsmouth – 20th June
• Summercourt & Boorley Green – 4th July

Additional events:
• Verwood – Character Day featuring everyone’s favourite marmalade-loving bear
• Yate – Summer Fete supporting Bristol Children’s Hospital
• Playbox, Truro City & Penair will attend Truro Play Day on 20th June instead.

Families do not need to book and are welcome to simply drop in and enjoy the celebrations.

For more information or to find your nearest nursery, contact Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools on 0800 783 3431 or email enquiries@happydaysnurseries.com.

Children at Happy Days Bath Plant Trees Thanks to Woodland Trust Donation

1 mins
Mar 06, 2026

Children at Happy Days Nursery & Pre-School Bath recently enjoyed a hands-on outdoor learning experience after receiving a donation of young trees from The Woodland Trust.

Excited to take part, the children worked together to plant the trees at the front of the nursery where they will grow and develop over time. The activity began with a discussion about trees and nature, where the children shared ideas about what plants need to grow and how we can care for the environment.

With spades in hand, the children dug small holes, carefully placed the trees into the soil and gently covered the roots. They even created their own sign to place beside the planting area, proudly marking the spot as their tree.

Activities like this form an important part of learning at Happy Days. By exploring nature and taking part in real-life experiences, children begin to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Outdoor activities such as digging and planting also support both fine and gross motor development, helping to strengthen muscles, coordination and confidence.

Moments like these encourage curiosity, teamwork and a sense of responsibility for the natural environment. The children are already excited to watch their trees grow and change over time.

As the trees continue to develop, they will serve as a lasting reminder of the children’s contribution and their growing connection with nature.

Happy Days is Taking Part in Rainbow Run 2026 to Support Children’s Hospice South West

1 mins
Feb 05, 2026

Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools are proud to confirm that we will be taking part in the Rainbow Run 2026, raising vital funds for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) and continuing our long-standing support for this incredible charity.

This year marks the eighth year that Happy Days has sponsored the much-loved yellow paint station at the Rainbow Run, and we’re excited to be part of another vibrant, joy-filled event that brings communities together for an important cause. The Rainbow Run 2026 is set to be another unforgettable day, celebrating colour, connection and compassion while raising money to support children and families across the South West.

Children’s Hospice South West provides specialist care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, supporting not just medical and nursing needs but the emotional wellbeing of the whole family. Across their three hospices, CHSW offers a warm, home-from-home environment where families can rest, recharge and spend precious time together, whether through planned respite, emergency support or end-of-life care.

Alongside the Rainbow Run, Happy Days will continue to fundraise for CHSW throughout the year. Last year, colleagues went above and beyond in their fundraising efforts, including a brave skydive that raised over £500 for the charity. Throughout 2026, teams across our nurseries will once again be supporting CHSW with bake sales, wear-the-colour days and other creative fundraising activities.

Supporting CHSW is a cause that resonates deeply across the Happy Days community. As an organisation dedicated to giving children the very best start in life, we are proud to stand alongside a charity that supports children and families during some of their most challenging moments.

We’re looking forward to bringing our energy, colour and enthusiasm back to the Rainbow Run 2026, and to continuing our fundraising journey with Children’s Hospice South West throughout the year.

Happy Days Yate celebrates two wonderful years of learning and community

2 mins
Feb 05, 2026

Happy Days Nursery & Pre-School in Yate has proudly celebrated its second birthday, marking two years of supporting children and families in the heart of the Ladden Garden Village community.

Since opening its doors two years ago, Happy Days Yate has quickly become a much-loved setting for local families. The purpose-built nursery was designed to offer children a calm, inspiring environment with free-flow access between indoor and outdoor spaces, supporting confident, curious learners from the very start of their journey.

In just two years, the nursery has already achieved an Ofsted ‘Good’ rating, a significant milestone that reflects the dedication, skill and commitment of the team. This achievement highlights the strong relationships built with families and the consistent, high-quality care and education provided every day.

To mark the occasion, families were welcomed with a selection of birthday treats in the reception area. The nursery’s much-loved chef, Karina, baked cupcakes for parents and staff to enjoy, alongside croissants, pain au chocolat and iced coffees for families to grab on the go, a small thank you for the trust and support shown since opening.

Zoe, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Yate, reflected on the milestone:
“The past two years have flown by. Watching the nursery grow, welcoming so many wonderful families and seeing children thrive has been incredibly rewarding. I’m so proud of our team and everything we’ve achieved together, including our Ofsted Good rating. Thank you to all our families for being part of our journey — we really couldn’t do it without you.”

Sam Richardson, Operations Manager, also shared her congratulations:
“Happy Days Yate is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when you have a passionate, committed team and a strong sense of community. Achieving Ofsted Good within two years is something to be very proud of. It’s been fantastic to see the nursery grow and continue to provide such a warm, welcoming environment for children and families.”

As Happy Days Yate looks ahead, the focus remains on continuing to build strong partnerships with families, nurturing children’s confidence and curiosity, and creating a place where children feel safe, supported and excited to learn.

Happy second birthday, Happy Days Yate, here’s to many more years of learning, laughter and shared milestones ahead. 🎉

Happy Days is a purpose built, one level nursery & pre-school with direct garden access. Inside, it is wonderfully spacious, equipped with high end furniture and resources to inspire and ignite children’s minds and imagination, making it the perfect environment for children to learn and grow. Our staff team have formed strong bonds with our families and ensure our children are cherished and cared for to the highest standards.

To find out more about Happy Days Nursery and Pre-School, Yate click here, to book a tour and view this incredible space click here. Alternatively you can get in touch with the nursery via the contact information below.

Phone: 01454 540006 | Email: yate@happydaysnurseries.com

Happy Days Nursery Group announces Charities of the Year: Children’s Hospice South West and The National Lobster Hatchery

1 mins
Jan 12, 2026

The Happy Days Nursery Group is proud to announce Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) and The National Lobster Hatchery as its Charities of the Year.

Throughout the year, nurseries across the group will take part in fundraising events, awareness days and community activities to support both charities, reflecting Happy Days’ commitment to caring for children, families and the world they grow up in.

Children’s Hospice South West provides vital hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as essential support for their families. Across their three hospices, CHSW offers respite care, emergency and palliative care, and the chance for families to spend quality time together in a warm, welcoming environment.

Happy Days will be supporting CHSW through a wide range of fundraising activities, including sponsored events, community challenges and participation in the Rainbow Run 2026. Funds raised will help provide specialist care and support at a time when families need it most.

Alongside CHSW, Happy Days is also delighted to continue its support of The National Lobster Hatchery, a marine conservation, research and education charity based in Padstow, Cornwall. The Hatchery raises and nurtures baby lobsters, releasing them back into the seas around Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to help protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainability.

The partnership reflects a shared ethos: Happy Days cares for young people, while The National Lobster Hatchery cares for young lobsters — both focused on education, protection and giving the best possible start.

Following the success of previous fundraising initiatives, including Lobster Day and Lobster Week, Happy Days looks forward to continuing to raise awareness of marine conservation and sustainability with children and families throughout the year.

By supporting both charities, Happy Days aims to give children meaningful opportunities to learn about kindness, care, sustainability and the wider world around them.

To find out more:

Happy Days Poole Takes on the Carbon Cut Challenge!

1 mins
Dec 09, 2025

Throughout November, our team and many of our families, have been taking part in the Eco-Schools Carbon Cut Challenge, a six-week initiative encouraging simple, everyday actions that help reduce our carbon footprint.

Each week, we’ve introduced a new sustainable action, covering themes like food, travel, energy use, and reducing waste. The response from both our team and families has been fantastic, it’s been wonderful to see everyone getting involved and making small but meaningful changes.

Here are some of the challenges we’ve been embracing:

🌍 Making three meals plant-based

🌍 Swapping three journeys for active travel

🌍 Enjoying a device-free day

🌍 Planning meals to reduce food waste

🌍 Washing at 30°C

🌍 Turning the heating down by 1°C

These simple steps help children learn about caring for our planet and show how small changes can make a big difference, especially when we do them together 🌿

We’re proud of our Poole community for leading the way, and we hope this inspires other families to join in too.

Let’s keep the momentum going and continue building a greener, more sustainable future for our children ♻️


Celebrating Success: Lucie Achieves Distinction in Level 3 Early Years Educator Qualification

1 mins
Dec 02, 2025

Celebrating Success: Lucie Achieves Distinction in Level 3 Early Years Educator Qualification

Happy Days Penair is delighted to celebrate a fantastic achievement from one of our team members. Lucie, who has been a familiar face within the Happy Days family for many years, has successfully achieved a distinction in her Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship.

Lucie’s journey with Happy Days is a truly inspiring one. Eighteen years ago, she began her early years adventure as a Happy Days baby at our Treliske nursery. Her connection to the organisation came full circle in November 2023 when she joined Happy Days Penair for work experience as part of her Level 2 Early Years course. After qualifying, she transitioned into a full-time role at Penair, where she continued her training and completed her Level 3 apprenticeship with exceptional success.

Throughout her time at Penair, Lucie has consistently demonstrated passion, dedication, and a strong commitment to high-quality early years practice. Her nurturing approach and positive attitude shine through each day, making her a valued and much-loved member of the team.

Nursery Manager [add manager name if you want] said:
“Lucie is a joy to work with. Her enthusiasm for supporting young children to learn and grow is evident in everything she does. Achieving a distinction is a true reflection of her hard work, professionalism, and love for early years education.”

We are incredibly proud of everything Lucie has achieved and look forward to supporting her as she continues her career within Happy Days.

A huge congratulations, Lucie — well done from all of us!


📞 Contact Us
Phone: 01872 264 568
Email: penair@happydaysnurseries.com
📍 Happy Days Nursery, Penair School, St Clements Hill, Truro, TR1 1TN