Day Nurseries Owned by YMCA Fairthorne Group in Hampshire

Have had a great experience since starting at YMCA Nursery @ Whale Island. The staff have been so acceptive of our son. They have adapted to his needs and triggers or habits mean he and they have a so much better experence. We have found the nursery team to be amazing and hold them and have found the whole process to be the best we have experienced in the area and while we have had our son.

Our son has had an outstanding experience at the nursery - consistent, caring staff who have genuinely supported his development. Our daughter's experience has been completely different. She began well with an excellent key worker, but that staff member left after the poor Ofsted outcome, and communication and care have declined since. Room moves have happened without notice, settling-in sessions weren't communicated, and handovers are inconsistent. We've had to repeat her sleep routine multiple times, and she was once sent home in trainers with no socks despite spares in her bag. Heavy reliance on agency staff affects continuity, and we receive very few updates on her learning or activities since the move to the app. The contrast between our children's experiences is stark. One positive is that the manager is open to feedback and keen to improve, but current issues remain significant.

Changing from Tops Lakeside to the YMCA was a complete eye opener for what care for children shouldn't and should be. The YMCA tram is engaging with children carrying not only for their physical safety but also for their psychological development, children are not only left to play, they are encouraged to explore. I just wish I had made this change sooner.

Thank you.

Our daughter has just finished her time here after 3 years. She has loved her time here and never had any problems with her attending. She eats well here and has made good friends, particularly loving being outside in all weathers. Staff listen to concerns and work with the parents to adopt consistent strategies to deal with issues. We will all really miss the nurturing and explorative environment and this nursery has prepared her well for her move to school.

Thank you so much to the whole baby room team for everything you do - we really appreciate you!

My son had an absolutely wonderful time in Baby room. We cannot thank the staff enough for how kind, attentive and friendly they make the environment, working with parents to ensure the best outcome for all the children. They have a wide range of food options which my child enjoyed. The staff are an absolute credit to this nursery and I would encourage anyone thinking about it to go with them.

It's been wonderful seeing my daughter grow in the YMCA setting for the past 3 years!

Our son has been attending the YMCA Eastleigh since January 2023.

We've had the best experience with them. The team work hard to nurture the children educationally and emotionally. Our son struggled with with drop offs/separation anxiety and his key worker came up with a plan to support him with this transition. He's always smiling and happy when we pick him up and loves his time there.

I'd agree with other reviews that there's certain things that could be improved on e.g. a shelter at the gate for drop off, and more events for parents to come into the setting , but in the scheme of things these are small areas

Our son had a dairy allergy which he's now grown out of and the team accommodated him well with no issues.

It's notable that there's always been a consistent team and staff turnover is low which means transition between rooms was easier.

Our son is about to leave for school and the teams efforts mean he's more than ready now. Thank you!

A beautiful setting for all 3 of my boys, the staff are so approachable and friendly. They go above and beyond to make sure my children feel safe, loved and happy. I would highly recommend YMCA and my children have loved every minute there.

I also love the app, it's the highlight of my day when I receive an update with a pic of my boy involved in some wholesome activity.

My daughter has been going to this nursery for 6 months and it has been nothing but positive from the start. The communication from staff and management is always good. Her development has come on a lot in a short time and she loves singing songs she's learnt at nursery. Every day she is excited to go in and from the moments they post she is always having fun. Would highly recommend this nursery to anyone.

Both my children attended this nursery and loved it. The setting is unique. The staff make excellent use of the outdoor space giving children opportunity to explore and learn. The staff are committed to continuous improvement. Alway looking for ways to enhance the experience. They do a fantastic job preparing children for school, building confidence and independance. I wouldn't hesitate to reccommend it to others.

When she was in the baby room, the team listened carefully to our concerns about delayed speech and worked closely with us to support her communication. We're so grateful for the progress she has made in both speech and confidence. The staff are always attentive to her needs, ensuring she has plenty of opportunities to nap, play, and snack. They're also incredibly caring and responsive whenever she needs extra support. Thank you.

My twin girls have been attending nursery at YMCA, Whale Island for two years and have absolutely thrived there. The staff put so much effort into fun and engaging activities which my children love. There is a large outdoor area for play and the children regularly get taken on little walks or to watch interesting things that are happening nearby.

Alot of care and attention is taken to develop my girls individually (e.g. regulating emotions, encouraging interest in letters) and I get regular updates through reports and parent evenings.

They are given lunch and tea and the food is varied and balanced. It takes a lot of pressure out of having to make a pack lunch and snack.

The staff are fantastic with my girls and so patient, I will genuinely be upset when we have to leave for School this September.

I only wish my daughter could have experienced fairthorne in the same way my son did. I hope that they can turn things around before yet another childcare setting is lost.

Our son has been at this nursery for nearly 3 years now and has thrived here. The baby room is caring and does lots of sensory exploring. In the toddler room they have plenty of space indoors but an amazing outdoor space with so much for them to do, they spend a large proportion of each day outdoors. They encourage children to be independent and I feel they have really helped get my son ready for school. My only criticism would be that communication regarding things like closure days should be better and the app isn't great. However overall a very good experience and the staff that look after the children are wonderful.

I can't recommend YMCA Whale Island nursery enough. It is a wonderful place for your child to learn and grow. The location is fantastic and your child will have more opportunity to be around nature and learn about nature than any other nursery around. My daughter has attended this nursery for 5 months and she loves it! She has excelled! The staff are so lovely and friendly and my husband and I trust them wholeheartedly. Thank you YMCA Whale Island Nursery.

The staff that have looked after my children genuinely care and are such kind people. I've noticed this even more in Rabbits the baby room. Liv, Kat, Heather, Esme especially.

The staff at this nursery are second to none. I know they truly care about the wellbeing of my child. They are supportive and approachable and will always help where they can. I know I can trust them to meet my daughter needs and keep her safe whilst encouraging her to learn and grow.

The children spend lots of time outdoors playing and in any given day do a list of fun activities. I'm always amazed by how much they do and the ideas they come up with.

I am thankful to have found such a wonderful nursery that has helped my daughter thrive since she was a baby. I would highly recommend YMCA Andover to anyone.