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About Us

Happy Days Nursery

Happy Days Nursery is a full day facility which also offers sessional care with ages ranging from 9 months to 5yrs inclusive.

Our nursery is a happy, safe, secure and stimulating environment in which learning is actively encouraged through play. We provide resources, activities and first-hand experiences which allow children to explore and persevere and to become creative, confident learners.

We build positive relationships with families to support children’s emotional well-being and work within a framework which ensures equality of opportunity for all, aiming to meet children’s individual needs.

Our Values

Family is at the heart of our nursery. Toni Weidner, an infant teacher, started the nursery on its journey of enriching the lives of young children in the local area in a Territorial Army hut on Hullbridge Road in 1990. The success and reputation of the nursery was built on Mrs Weidner’s values and genuine love of teaching children. After a short time at Park School the nursery moved to it’s purpose built home on Lubards Farm. The build was a labour of love by Mrs Weidner’s husband and son. The nursery remains in the Weidner family as Nicole Sturman (Mrs Weidner’s daughter) and Jenny Weidner (Mrs Weidner’s daughter-in-law), took over Happy Days in 2016. In 2023 Nicole took sole ownership of the nursery working alongside her talented and extremely experienced team, including Kate, the manager who has been at the nursery for over 25 years. Inspired by Mrs Weidner’s values, Nicole’s sole aim is for Happy Days to nurture every child to become the best they can be.

With many of our staff having been here for a number of years, the Happy Days Family has extended to include staff members and their children, many of whom have attended the nursery. We consider it fundamental to our nursery that many of our staff are long standing. The values are embedded in everyday life in the nursery and, with our open door policy, we welcome and support families on their child’s journey through Happy Days.

“I am thankful to have been part of your family over the last four years” “Very good reputation and yes it did live up to expectations. Children are taught good manners and kindness and still have a fabulous time”

Starting Your Child

At Happy Days Nursery we want to make the transition from home to nursery a positive experience that focuses on the individual needs of each child and family. We recognise that you, as parents, are your child’s first and most enduring educator and we really value the knowledge and understanding you have of your child. Children starting with us will have a home visit or occasionally an online call before starting at the nursery for practitioners to gain important information about your child and also potentially see them in a familiar environment at home in which they feel confident and comfortable. This information will help us to plan a supportive transition for your child into the nursery and also begin to plan for their future learning and development. It is also an invaluable time for parents and practitioners to discuss your child’s needs, abilities and interests. We then offer a complimentary 2 hour visit prior to starting at the nursery to enable the key person to make an initial bond with your child. This is also a great opportunity for your child to play alongside the other children and practitioners at the nursery. It is vital for parents and practitioners to work together. This will enable your child to feel confident and secure within the nursery. The information you give us about your child is key in ensuring a smooth transition into nursery life. We want children to feel happy and safe in the absence of their parents, therefore we have flexible settling-in procedures. Subsequent visits needed to settle your child into the nursery will be arranged with your child’s key person.

“My son got to meet his keyworker in his own environment so it wasn’t so daunting the first time he went to Happy Days.”

The Curriculum

The Early Years Foundation Stage sets the standards for learning, development and care requirements for children from birth to five years. The EYFS governs the way registered childcare and educational provisions operate. Our nursery values the EYFS, its welfare requirements and statutory guidance. We have our own set of policies and procedures that work inline with the EYFS which are made available for parents at anytime. Play is an important principal of the EYFS and a central part of young children’s learning and development. Through play children can explore, develop their ideas and creativity, be imaginative and develop friendships. Play is spontaneous and allows children to be in control of their learning, take risks and try out new ideas. The rich and purposeful play that is provided at Happy Days Nursery allows children to develop holistically. Practitioners plan for children’s next steps ‘in the moment’ to ensure their learning is meaningful and sparked by their individual interests. The opportunities we provide for all children will enable them to succeed in an atmosphere of care and of feeling valued.

“My daughter has flourished since attending. The range of activities you offer is brilliant for developing the all-around child.”

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    Contact Information

    Our nursery is a happy, safe, secure and stimulating environment in which learning is actively encouraged through play.
    Please contact us for further information or to book a viewing of the nursery.