"I've used YMCA Whale Island nursery for all three of my children now. The staff are fantastic. They're friendly, passionate and my children…"
Read all 9 reviews
58 Places
Location Type
Day Nursery
Discover YMCA Whale Island Nursery!
Located at HMS Excellent, the nursery is ideally placed for military families and members of the wider armed forces community, while also providing a warm and ... Read more
"Our daughter went to YMCA Eastleigh first in Toddlers and then in Preschool. The staff were fantastic from the start, helping to ease her…"
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95 Places
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Discover YMCA Eastleigh Nursery!
Conveniently located in North Stoneham, Eastleigh Nursery combines a modern, purpose-built setting with a warm and welcoming community feel. With dedicated rooms ... Read more
"My son has been here since he was 11 months old, he has absolutely thrived due to the care he receives from the outstanding staff. He has…"
Read all 27 reviews
128 Places
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Discover YMCA Fairthorne Nursery!
YMCA Fairthorne Manor Nursery and Forest School is situated near Botley and is an inspiring place, with fantastic facilities matched by the warm and generous ... Read more
"Excellent staff, they all do incredible work at the nursery. They have helped my son transition and manage him perfectly from babies to the…"
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Discover YMCA Andover Nursery!
Located in a purpose-built setting in East Anton, Andover Nursery offers a bright, welcoming environment designed entirely around children’s development. With ... Read more
Type of Nursery
Day Nursery
Open all year
Full Day Care
Sessional Day Care
YMCA Fairthorne Group Reviews in Hampshire (69)
8.0
YMCA Fairthorne Group has a Group Review Score of 8.0 (7.955) out of 10. The Group Review Score is calculated using the average from all locations with a Review Score, and in addition 75%+ of all locations belonging to YMCA Fairthorne Group must have a Review Score.
from Daniella F (Mother of Child) published on 6 October 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
I've used YMCA Whale Island nursery for all three of my children now. The staff are fantastic. They're friendly, passionate and my children have all thrived here. My youngest has been with the nursery for a year and absolutely loves it! The facilities are second to none and the outdoor nature of the
nursery is its biggest appeal. Can't recommend this nursery enough.
Reply from Ross Owen, YMCA Team at YMCA Nursery, Whale IslandThank you so much for sharing such a lovely review. It means the world to us that all three of your children have been part of our YMCA Little Nursery. We're very proud of our staff and outdoor space, as we know they make a great difference to our little ones' development. Your kind words about the team will be shared with them - they'll be thrilled to know the positive impact they've had. We really appreciate your recommendation and continued trust in us.
from Mark M (Father of Child) published on 2 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Our daughter went to YMCA Eastleigh first in Toddlers and then in Preschool. The staff were fantastic from the start, helping to ease her in gently as she was very nervous at first. She soon made really good connections with the staff, who clearly put in time and effort to get to know her. The staff
were very helpful and communicative, letting us know what our girl had been up to, and giving detailed feedback at parent's evenings and via the app. The resources and activities were great - she received a lot of stimulation, and in particular, was helped with a speech impediment, and became much more chatty over time. The meals were good, too, and it's a lovely, new, purpose-made, small-and-cosy setting: just three rooms - babies, toddlers, preschool, with a shared garden full of toys and adventure equipment. To top it all, they put on a lovely 'graduation' ceremony for the leavers. Such an excellent nursery, we wholeheartedly recommend it!
Reply from Ross Owen, YMCA Team at YMCA Nursery EastleighSuch a beautiful review, Thank you so much. We treat all our little ones with the love and care they deserve and love having her as a part of our YMCA Family. We wish her all the best in her next 'big girl' steps.
from Kim W (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
My son has been here since he was 11 months old, he has absolutely thrived due to the care he receives from the outstanding staff. He has additional needs which have been met at every stage, the girls who have looked after him have always gone above and beyond to make sure his needs are met and that
he is happy. He gets so excited when we arrive at nursery and I think would happily stay with them longer if he could. He loves the outside space and the walks they go on, along with the variety of activities which take place inside too.
I really can't thank the team enough for the hard work they put in to make the children happy!
from Oliver H (Father of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Excellent staff, they all do incredible work at the nursery. They have helped my son transition and manage him perfectly from babies to the toddler group. I have seen him grow and develop amazingly and forever thankful to the staff.
Reply from Sophie Packer, Digital Marketing Co-ordinator at YMCA Nursery AndoverThank you, Oliver, for your lovely review for the Andover team.
from Samantha C (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience4.0 out of 5
Lovely setting and really friendly staff. Great outdoor space. Lovely activities are planned throughout the week, and I really enjoy seeing pictures and observations on the app. Would be nice to have more parent-involvement Eg. Play and stay sessions for parents to come in for an hour and play. Or breakfast/tea
with parents once a term. Parents to come in a read stories on World Book Week? Also sometimes in the wet weather parents are stood waiting for long periods at drop off or collection. (I waited almost 20mins in the pouring rain with a newborn while queuing to collect my child) could we not wait in the cafe (which is closed for the evening pick up) when the weather is very wet? Better for staff, parents and children.
(Can't comment on cleanliness as never allowed in setting)
Reply from Kelly Clark, Marketing Manager at YMCA Nursery EastleighThank you for your honest review and feedback Samantha, we will pass this on to the Nursery team as you've made some lovely suggestions.
from H H (Mother of Child) published on 18 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Really well-deserved ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted Report!
Always knew this nursery was the one!
My daughter goes in Happy and comes out Happy!
My son is also due to start when I return back to work after maternity leave!
I have no problems or concerns, and I cannot wait to watch both my children thrive
in a place they love!
Reply from Eileen Isherwood Adams, Manager at YMCA Nursery AndoverThank you for this wonderful review; it's lovely to read that our little ones are happy and enjoying their time here at the YMCA Andover.
from Monique S (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Our first child (daughter) went to the nursery when it first opened and she had such a wonderful time there. She had built strong, secure relationships with some of the staff there and she still absolutely loves it there, despite leaving a few years ago now. So when we had another baby, there was no
question about where we would send him because they are all so lovely and caring at the YMCA. The experience we have had there is welcoming and caring. Our boy, who is now in the baby room, loves it there and the teachers are amazing.
Reply from Georgia Ellison, Recruitment Coordinator at YMCA Nursery AndoverThank you for your review of our Andover nursery! We are very happy to hear that you have had a wonderful experience with our Andover team! I will be passing over your kind words!
from Louise L (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Amazing staff and nursery. Honestly cannot fault anything. My daughter loved her time and misses the team very much. The outside space is fantastic and the children are always outside. They really work hard preparing the children for school.
Reply from Georgia Ellison, Recruitment Coordinator at YMCA Nursery AndoverThank you for your review of our Andover Nursery! We are very happy to hear that you have had a wonderful experience with our Andover team! I will be passing over your kind words!
from A V (Mother of Child) published on 13 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience4.0 out of 5
My son has been attending the nursery since the summer of last year. He started in the baby room and it was such a great experience and start to our first-ever nursery experience. The care and empathy were to such a high standard. He is now in the toddler room and has such a lovely bond with his key
worker. He often speaks of him at home and the other teachers. He always comes home looking like he had a great time! My only flaws in this setting are, we never see the manager, I understand the drop-off and pick-ups are outside but it would be nice to make contact with the manager once in a while. And the other is, the menu really lacks quality and my child often will come home hungry. Other than this, we are really happy with this setting and look forward to seeing our son grow throughout his nursery journey.
Reply from Georgia Ellison, Recruitment Coordinator at YMCA Nursery EastleighThank you for your review of our Eastleigh Nursery! Glad to hear your son is having a great time at our nursery!
from Claire B (Mother of Child) published on 15 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
The YMCA Nursery is simply the best!
I have 2 children here and I couldn’t think of a better place for them to be.
The staff are fantastic and really understand each individual child and what they need to progress to the next stage of their development.
One of my children has SEN and they have been
outstanding in supporting his development, tracking his attainment and putting targets in place to support him. He always comes home telling us what a fantastic day he has had, the friends he has made and all the delicious food he has eaten.
The environment is well thought out, inviting, engaging and motivating.
They also offer a breakfast club which is great for working parents.
Childcare is expensive wherever you go but I trust the YMCA wholeheartedly with my children.
I would recommend them to all parents in Andover, thank you YMCA!
Reply from Georgia Ellison, Recruitment Coordinator at YMCA Nursery AndoverThank you so much for taking the time to write up this lovely review of our nursery. It is always a pleasure to receive such a rewarding review for the nursery as the staff love what they do and deserve all the recognition.
from Claire H (Mother of Child) published on 12 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Our son has attended YMCA Eastleigh for the past year and a half, he started in the baby room and is currently in toddlers. He settled in right away and sometimes it's hard to get him to leave! All of the staff have been amazing, they are friendly and approachable and build such strong relationships
with the children. It's also nice to see male members of staff. They have helped him immensely with his speech and I love that my son gets a wide variety of meals and eats so much better than he does at home. I would recommend this nursery to anyone!
Reply from Georgia Ellison, Recruitment Coordinator at YMCA Nursery EastleighThank you so much for taking the time to write up this lovely review of our Eastleigh Nursery. It is always a pleasure to receive such a rewarding review for the nursery as the staff love what they do and deserve all the recognition.
from H W (Mother of Child) published on 12 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
YMCA is a fantastic nursery and I couldn’t wish for a better place for my daughter. The staff are all so caring, kind and they are a big part of the reason that she has developed into such a confident happy little girl. Any concerns have always been dealt with appropriately and fairly.
Reply from Georgia Ellison, Recruitment Coordinator at YMCA Nursery AndoverThank you so much for taking the time to write up this lovely review of our nursery. It is always a pleasure to receive such a rewarding review for the nursery as the staff love what they do and deserve all the recognition.
from K H (Mother of Child) published on 12 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at this nursery from six months, I was initially nervous about putting her into nursery but the staff here were so welcoming and helpful. They made me feel at ease instantly and we have formed fantastic relationships with them over the past two years. They really care about the
welfare of our daughter and she loves going there. I love all of the creative things that she makes and brings home, especially for special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day etc.
If ever there have ever been issues, the staff are really good at talking to us and talking through what they can do to help support or manage what has happened. They have also been wonderful at supporting us when we have had personal problems and therefore last-minute childcare needs.
We feel very connected to the staff at the nursery and our daughter's love for it speaks for itself. We are grateful for everything they do.
Reply from Georgia Ellison, Recruitment Coordinator at YMCA Nursery EastleighThank you so much for taking the time to write up this lovely review of our Eastleigh Nursery. It is always a pleasure to receive such a rewarding review for the nursery as the staff love what they do and deserve all the recognition.
from L E (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
My child has attended the nursery for the last two years, and I have been so pleased to see how much she has grown in that time, thanks to the wonderful staff at Whale Island. It is a smaller setting, but with such wonderful and unique surroundings that the children get to explore. The children are
encouraged to learn through involvement and gain so much confidence in their own abilities. I was so happy with the children's involvement in nature learning to grow and harvest their own food in the nature garden. The staff are all so lovely and supportive and encourage the children with their adventures and crazy imaginations. I would thoroughly recommend Whale Island to anyone.
Reply from Sarah Henderson, Nursery Manager at YMCA Nursery, Whale IslandThank you very much for taking the time to write this review. We are very proud of our nature garden and all the learning it provides for the children. We are glad to hear that your child enjoyed the nature garden.
from Puja J (Mother of Child) published on 30 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
My little boy has attended since he was 11 months old and he’s loved his journey. Amazing staff with so much heart and caring mindset. The teachers really make an effort to engage the kids and develop them in a very individualised way. The management is really committed to providing a safe, fun, and
loving environment and we’re very thankful to the whole team at the nursery!
Reply from Sarah Henderson, Nursery Manager at YMCA Nursery, Whale IslandThank you very much for taking the time to write this review. We are very committed to children's individual interests, which helps with their enthusiasm to learn. Good luck in your next journey.
from Graham L (Father of Child) published on 23 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Our youngest son is just about to finish his time at Whale Island. He originally attended another nursery pre-Covid and was then transferred to Whale Island as we were no longer commuting to work.
We have seen how much he's developed over the last 23 months, from his confidence, his vocabulary and
articulation, to being able to ride a bike without stabilisers! Following his progress on the app has been great too.
Being one of the bigger kids this year has meant he had to be more of a role model for his younger friends, and hearing how he looks after the smaller children are great.
He has had an amazing time attending the nursery, and he is already saying how much he's going to miss his friends and "his grown-ups".
We can see that he's definitely ready to start school in September, but we have to accept this with a heavy heart as he's loved it so much. It's going to be very strange not making the trip over to Whale Island every morning to drop him off.
Reply from Sarah Henderson, Nursery Manager at YMCA Nursery, Whale IslandThank you for taking the time to write this review. It is always a great pleasure for us to watch the children grow in confidence and enjoy their time at their nursery.
from S L (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
I am writing a review of my child’s overall experience whilst being at YMCA Nursery, Whale Island.
The staff here have always gone above and beyond me to make me and my child feel welcome and safe.
The meals provided are always healthy, and routines are set in place for all children.
Overall, would
highly recommend it!
Reply from Sarah Henderson, Nursery Manager at YMCA Nursery, Whale IslandThank you for taking the time to write this review. It is always nice to hear that children and their families feel welcome and safe as this is very important to us.
from Kim P (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
I can't say enough nice things about YMCA Nursery, Whale Island.
The staff are so lovely and creative with their ideas for games and activities. There is nowhere else in the area with such a nice garden. The other week the children got to watch caterpillars hatching as well as a splash pool built by
one member of staff.
Three particular members of staff should have a medal for their dedication to the kids. My boys love them to bits.
It is a bit more expensive than some other nurseries, but it's worth every penny.
Reply from Sarah Henderson, Nursery Manager at YMCA Nursery, Whale IslandThank you for taking the time to write this amazing review. It is always nice to hear feedback from parents. The caterpillars and splash pool were a huge success, and it was lovely to see the children engaging and having lots of fun.
from Kelly A (Mother of Child) published on 18 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
My child has been going to the nursery for the last 8 months. It's the best decision I have made. The nursery is so good. My child thrives there. The outside space is amazing, and having the extra room on the island to explore is an added bonus. All the staff there are so friendly, hard-working and
amazing people. They keep you updated with things my child has done throughout the week, and the handovers are very detailed. The resources they have inside are great; they get children to think and learn whilst having fun. My child looks forward to going there every day and even wants to go there at weekends, which must say something for the setting.
Reply from Sarah Henderson, Nursery Manager at YMCA Nursery, Whale IslandThank you for taking the time to write this lovely review. It is always nice to hear how happy the children are in our setting, and it is a great pleasure for us to watch them thrive and grow.
from P W (Mother of Child) published on 18 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
We viewed a few nurseries for our children aged 1 and 3, and YMCA Nursery, Whale Island, was by far the best. Our children seemed most comfortable there; they were excited and happy to explore whilst we viewed the nursery and chatted to the staff. All staff are caring and compassionate and have made
wonderful bonds with our children. They were both quite unhappy when they first joined, but it didn’t take them long to settle; the staff made reasonable adjustments to help our eldest settle in, and now they love it. They both come home sticky and filthy, which is definitely a sign of a good day! The thing we loved most about the nursery would have to be the outside space. All of the children have access to a large outside garden; they quite often go for walks on the naval base grounds, which my children love. They had the opportunity to watch the band practising for the Queen's Jubilee and even joined in with pots and pans. We love YMCA nursery, and most of all my children are happy.
Reply from Sarah Henderson, Nursery Manager at YMCA Nursery, Whale IslandWe are very grateful to you for taking the time to write this review. It is always a pleasure watching children grow and thrive in the setting, and we are very happy that they are enjoying their time at nursery.
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