South-West chain Happy Days plans new expanded premises

The new setting, which will continue to operate as a workplace nursery for Derriford Hospital staff as well as a nursery for the local community, will have increased capacity and cater for 145 children compared to the 120 spaces currently on offer.

Children will also have access to a new woodland area offering lots of opportunity for exploratory play. Rooms within the nursery will be smaller with fewer children in each area and decorated in neutral colours to create a calming atmosphere. The wooden furniture in each of the rooms has been specially designed to ensure that the children are sitting properly and that their spines are supported.

The new nursery, one of 16 settings operated by Happy Days throughout Devon and Cornwall, will also run a summer programme for children of all ages to encourage them to engage with the woodland environment.

Jackie Arthur, managing director of Happy Days Nurseries, said, ‘At Happy Days Nurseries, we are well used to managing change and indeed, one of the highlights of the last move we made was the delight and excitement of the children with their new nursery.

‘Working in partnership with Derriford Hospital we are able to deliver childcare that is a real benefit to the staff of the hospital whilst at the same time being a key resource in the local area.

‘There is already lots of excitement and ideas from the children about their new nursery and they are looking forward to moving into the new building.’

Clare Conway, HR advisor at Plymouth Hospitals Trust, said, ‘The nursery is a real benefit to our staff as it means their children are on site with a provider that understands the needs of the hospital. We have had positive feedback from parents who are looking forward to a new nursery with direct access to the outdoors.’