Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

A nurturing and creative environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn through play

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43 High St, Totton, Southampton, SO40 9HL

Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 18:00

Age: 0 - 60 months

Fee table

About Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton provides spacious, purpose‑built care for children aged 3 months to 5 years, with safeguarding and consistent routines helping every child feel secure, stimulated and valued. We strengthen family ties through key person links and regular updates.
Large windows flood playrooms with natural light, creating airy spaces for age/stage groups. Our team uses child‑led "planning in the moment" within the Early Years Foundation Stage to ignite curiosity and development.
Behind the train station, our secure garden supports daily outdoor play with resources for climbing, bikes and sensory discovery. Opportunities may include imaginative role play and local nature walks, blending convenience with adventure.
Could Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton be the bright, accessible haven your family needs? Book a tour today and see our sunlit rooms.

Nursery Facilities

Discover the facilities available at our nursery and how they support your child's care, learning, and development.

Onsite Parking

Convenient parking on site so you can drop off and collect your child without the stress of finding a space nearby.

Our Nursery Fees

We understand how important it is to have a clear picture of the costs associated with your child's care. Our fee sheet is designed to be transparent and straightforward, so please click below and take your time to look through it.

You can also learn more about fees and funding options on our dedicated pages Fees and funding page

If you have any questions at all, please do get in touch. We are always happy to talk things through with you.

Our Fees

Nutritional Approach

We believe food is fundamental to healthy growth, happy minds, and positive lifelong habits. In the earliest years, what children eat shapes taste preferences, supports brain development, and lays the foundations for long-term health.

All meals are freshly prepared on site each day using quality, seasonal ingredients. Our menus are developed with expert guidance, designed for inclusion, and go beyond Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. We want every child to become a confident, curious eater.

Our Menu

Meet Our Nursery Manager

Sarah Porter

Hi, I'm Sarah, the manager at Play Away Day Nurseries Totton. I've been working in childcare since 2001 and hold my Level 5 qualification. I started as a nursery practitioner and worked my way up through the ranks.

Family First gave me the opportunity to cover Sholing as maternity leave cover. Three days before starting, they received an inadequate Ofsted rating. With the help of Michelle Fountain, we gained a good rating four months later. I then moved to Fordingbridge, where they were sitting on requires improvement. Nine months later, with Michelle's support, we gained another good. Now I'm at Totton, joined in November 2025, and aiming for a hat trick with my third good this year.

My approach is built on passion, dedication, and resilience, with a good sense of humour along the way.

What to Expect on Your Nursery Tour

Our Next Open Day

Meet our friendly team

Learn about our curriculum

Explore funding options

Explore our rooms and areas

Our Commitments

Our curriculum is built around five core commitments that guide how we nurture every child.

Critical And Creative Thinkers

Nurturing curiosity and confidence to imagine, test ideas, and solve problems through exploration.

Sense of Belonging

Building secure, trusting relationships so every child feels safe, valued, and confident.

Explorers of Our World

Connecting children to nature through outdoor experiences that build resilience and independence.

Confident Communicators

Supporting every child to express themselves in ways that are meaningful to them.

Happy and Healthy

Encouraging physical activity, healthy eating, and joyful experiences that support lifelong wellbeing.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is built around five 'I can' statements: being able to communicate, regulate emotions, be independent, be a positive member of the community and be curious about the world around us.

All ages implement this throughout the nursery, and when children reach the preschool room, they are at the stage when they are best prepared for reception at school. All of this is adapted for children who need extending or for children with additional needs, ensuring children reach goals to the best of their ability.

What Parents Say About Us

8.4

Review Score for Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

40 reviews

August 26, 2025

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

the nursery is so friendly and supportive and have been amazing with my little one, hes learning so much and come a long way since joining im so proud, the staff and management have always been happy to see us and are so supportive and kind with everything!

Holly W

August 10, 2025

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Our experience at play away over the last few months has been amazing trusting your child with strangers is the hardest thing anyone has to do, but the staff all across the nursery have made us feel like family everyone knows our little girl name people that don't even work in her room know her and she loves every single person there. never has she not wanted to go in, she gets excited when we drive in if anything sometimes she doesn't want to leave. I generally couldn't thank everyone enough for everything they do for our girl you can tell they all genuinely care for the kids couldn't recommend this place enough

B L

August 7, 2025

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

I truly believe the staff within the hungry caterpillar team care for the wellbeing, safety and development of my child. The team are so approachable, friendly and patient. My child is always smiling and giggling when I collect him at the end of the day, and I can see that he adores the staff looking after him!

P T

August 7, 2025

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

The nursery has been wonderful with my child and helped him progress well in the nearly 3 years he's been there, the staff are friendly and care passionately about all the children in their care. They have always gone above and beyond to help with whatever questions or concerns I have.

K M

March 27, 2024

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Both children have loved being at Play Away. The care from all staff is exceptional. Activities are enjoyed and are varied to help with learning. There is a great selection of food offered to the children and they are encouraged to try new foods. Our experience of Play Away has been and continues to be a great choice to ensure our children enjoy their time at nursery.

S E

March 27, 2024

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

From initial contact through to today's wonderful open day every communication with staff members at Play Away Day Nursery has been fantastic! Promt, professional and full of care. Staff know children's individual need, care plans and personalities so well. Our child loves coming here and smiles when she sees the room staff. Her development since starting has been outstanding and we are grateful for the care they show and exciting activities they run. The safeguarding and medical care training and care shine through. Thank you.

C S

March 27, 2024

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Since attending Play Away Totton, his confidence has really grown. We've noticed a real difference in his development and he loves attending the nursery. The team in the owl babies room are really helpful and supportive in whatever you are trying to achieve at home.

D B

March 27, 2024

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Play Away provides my daughter with a safe and fun environment to learn and grow. All the staff are really friendly and take a keen interest in ensuring children are developing in a way that suits them.

Jessica P

March 27, 2024

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

My child didn't want to come to nursery but as soon as we came in he didn't want to leave. They are so understanding of his needs.

Kirsty B

March 27, 2024

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Since my daughter started in September she has come on in leaps and bounds with her communication, her confidence and also her independence. We really feel that this has stemmed from being at Play Away Day Nursery.

M K

March 27, 2024

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Our daughter loves coming to Play Away and that is all to do with the warm and welcoming staff. The activities they plan and deliver are varied and fun. It is clear how much all staff care. The food is fab too.

Sarah W

March 27, 2024

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Very pleased with the nursery! All of the team have been so helpful and caring. Very, very happy parents. Online updates and the daily diary are a lifesaver.

Johanna D

March 27, 2024

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Play Away was the only nursery we viewed before signing up our son when he was coming up to 9 months and haven't regretted it. Now, 2 and a half, our son really thrives. Explores with new food, enjoys all the interaction with other children and all the activities. We're soon to sign up his sibling. The staff have been so supportive and accommodating when he's been poorly or has sad wobbles but with their help, he's come on leaps on bounds.

Katie H

October 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

My son has been coming to Play Away for 18 months now and he loves it! The staff are brilliant and are so interactive with him. My child feels safe and secure which means I can go to work knowing he's happy.

Carly C

October 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Our 19-month-old loves Play Away, and our daughter who's now at school attended from age 1. Both experiences so far have been nothing but positive. The staff in every room are so friendly, kind, and caring. The management are equally so, always so responsive and helpful. The chef is wonderful. It really feels as though the staff genuinely care about the whole family. I would thoroughly recommend this nursery to anyone.

Charlotte S

October 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Play Away Day Nursery I highly recommend the manager and the other teachers doing a fantastic job. The children have fun and are also learning it's exactly the right balance. Play Away Nursery always gave us peace of mind, we would clearly see a change in development, and the children adore their key workers and grow in confidence, it is well catered for in a supportive and fun environment and have never looked back. Thank you Play Always, the support is outstanding.

H H

October 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

My son sometimes gets attached to us and struggles at handover but the staff have been fantastic at supporting him to feel comfortable. He loves his time at nursery and the staff are a great team, across all rooms, admin, management, catering, etc. Everyone knows my son's name and takes the time to greet us. I recommend Play Away regularly!

Liz P

October 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Our son has been coming to Play Away for two years now and has progressed up through the rooms. We have always been really impressed with the staff who are really friendly and get to know our son really well. We feel his individual needs are recognised and considered. The atmosphere at Play Away is lovely and we are really happy with his care. Thank you!

E W

October 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

My children are very well looked after at Play Away and their key workers have always gone above and beyond. The continuity of care is fantastic and it's been the same staff for both my children. I would and do recommend this nursery.

R M

October 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Both my children have had the best start to their early years experience thanks to Play Away. It is such a warm and welcoming environment, full of fun and learning. Every member of staff takes the time to learn about the individual children and this shines through. I can go to work knowing my children are safe, cared for, and having lots of fun. I would recommend Play Away to all of my friends.

Rhian R

October 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Play Away Day Nursery has provided the most exceptional lead of care, supervision and education. The staff are attentive, flexible and nurturing to needs whilst all the while being committed to our family needs. Whilst all the time being committed to our family values and the school ethos. We could not ask for a better environment and educational service. We cannot thank you enough for everything you have done.

M H

October 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Our daughter loves going to Play Away. She's been going since she was 9 months old, she's now 3 and I honestly can't fault anything. The staff are amazing and the facilities are second to none. If/when we have a 2nd child we won't think twice about sending them here.

Zadie C

October 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Helpful and happy staff who are well organised. Staff make an effort to inform us of our son's behaviour and developments and always have time to hear our concerns. Staff are always vigilant in ensuring our son's dietary requirements are met. All staff make an effort to learn our son's name and always say hello in passing.

J P

October 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

We have had a very positive experience here having moved one of my children from a different local nursery. Lots of opportunities for children to develop. Staff are friendly and supportive. Would recommend to anyone.

K C

October 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

My son was warmly welcomed in the babies room when he started the nursery. The nurses were very nice and helped him settle quickly. The transition into further rooms was well organised and my son was happy to move. In each room the staff are friendly and supportive and my son is happy staying here when Mummy goes to work.

J K

October 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

My daughter has come on really well since being at nursery. The team have been great with her and made her feel really welcome. She loves nursery now - which is a lovely feeling - knowing she is well cared for when we drop her off and that she will have such a fun day.

Sophie H

October 11, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Our son has been coming to Play Away since he was one. Since this time, he has absolutely thrived with the support of the staff here. They really get to know each of the children to understand exactly what they enjoy doing. Our son loves coming to Play Away and always tells us how much fun he's had. As parents of a son with allergies - we know he is always looked after, and having a chef onsite makes sure he always has yummy food!

Chelsea H

September 27, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Very friendly staff my children come to this nursery and always have good fun.

D T

September 26, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

My son has been at this nursery for four years and he has loved every minute of it. The staff are amazing and the children are always excited for their day!

R K

September 26, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

I could not rate this nursery enough. My son has quite complex needs and the staff have gone above and beyond for him. They have been vital in his development and not only supported him but also me.

S E

September 26, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Our son has been coming here since babies and made his way to paddingtons. He has had a few medical problems that have supported him all the way, including having hearing aids. He's been happy to attend every time.

Sarah H

September 26, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

My child has had a lovely time and journey at Play Always. I know when I drop him off that he is always in safe hands and he is well looked after. He loves the food at Play Always! Thank you for an outstanding service and my child will miss coming to nursery.

E H

September 26, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

We could not have asked for a better nursery. My child has attended Play Away since the age of one. Throughout this time, we have been delighted with the care and attention she has received. All of her key workers have put a huge amount of time and energy into her development. She has absolutely loved her time at Play Away; she always talks about all the fun activities, time playing in the garden and storytelling at group time. As parents, we have always been impressed by the staff's knowledge and professional manner. The facilities and outdoor space are fantastic, and the care that she has received cannot be faulted. Thank you, Play Awat, for being such an important part of her first years.

Jo S

September 12, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

We absolutely loved this nursery. We moved house when our eldest was 2. She was already settled in a small setting where we used to live and were a little nervous about her being in a bigger nursery. But we had no reason to be. We continued to be amazed at the capacity all of the staff had in remembering both our kid's names. Even if they weren't in the same room as them and they both happily went off to nursery each morning that they were in. The food was amazing! The kids tried things they'd never tried at home and loved it. And we even asked for a couple of the recipes which their amazing chef provided us with. Our eldest has just started school. She seems to know most of her phonics already, can count to 39, and can even teach us the names of some Spanish colours (we didn't teach her any of this). We were really sad to leave. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all so, so much.

Roz H

July 15, 2023

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

100% recommended! Trusting, caring and fun! Both my children attended Play Away Day Nursery. My youngest has just left for her summer adventure before school. I cannot recommend this nursery enough - over the 5 years I have used them, they have always been there for my children. I never had to worry as a parent that my children were being left - they always felt like Playaway was a family home. They loved the staff and the friends they made. My son has severe allergies and I knew that the food made was carefully made for him. They always made sure he never missed out and tried new recipes to include him in things like making egg-free pancakes! During the dreaded COVID and when other family childcare became a strain they always supported with flexibility and understanding. I am really sad to say goodbye - but am truly grateful that I chose them with my most trusted possessions! Thank you for all.

Sarah W

November 11, 2022

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

Both my children have or do attend Play Aways in Totton and I seriously couldn't fault it. The staff are all so caring and friendly. Always looking for new activities to entertain the children and keep learning fresh/fun. My children genuinely love going there and they have had a huge impact in their confidence and growth. I would highly recommend it.

Fiona H

November 10, 2022

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

I have so many wonderful things to say about the team at Play Away it is difficult to put it all in writing. Every single member of staff is beyond brilliant with my son, as they were with my daughter who attended before him. The Manager and Chef are an absolute dream team, knowing each child individually and showing so much care in everything they do. My son has severe allergies and they have not only supported him with his journey with food at nursery but have eased my anxieties on a number of occasions, going above and beyond to care for him. The play staff are also absolutely phenomenal, knowing him uniquely, genuinely caring and helping him thrive every day. My husband and I will be incredibly sad to say goodbye to everyone at Play Away as they have exceeded every expectation I could ever have asked for from a nursery. They are all truly amazing and I cannot thank them enough for how they have cared for both of my children.

Lucy C

November 10, 2022

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

The experience that I have had at the nursery has been amazing all the staff have been welcoming and very caring and my grandson has come on in leaps and bounds since being there. The feedback that the staff give is very good, with pictures and videos which is wonderful.

A H

November 10, 2022

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

My little one has a fantastic time here, always comes home happy and has brought lots of little artworks home. Owl babies are lovely and are really good with the children and always welcome them with a smile in the mornings. They are very friendly and understanding of all and any issues. Thank you.

W B

November 10, 2022

Review of Play Away Day Nurseries - Totton

My daughter has been in Play Away full-time for the last 3 1/5 years and it has been the very best experience. The staff are very supportive and always adapt to my child's needs without being too submissive. My daughter has a strong personality and the staff are fantastic at encouraging her uniqueness and building on her confidence. She has learnt so much with day-to-day play as well as dedicated learning based on important events like Black History Month and why we wear poppies in November. Thanks to Play Away I have no concerns when she joins school next year. The food is also varied and cooked fresh on site. My daughter can be fussy and they have taught her to at least try new foods. I honestly couldn't recommend Play Away enough. Thank you!

Anna J