YMCA Nursery and Forest School Fairthorne Manor

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.

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.

I really can't thank the team enough for the hard work they put in to make the children happy!

Honestly, the best staff and preschool, really kind and friendly, and my little one who has just gone to school really grew in spirit and learning there; he was also speech delayed, and they helped him develop this and greatly improve. My youngest has recently started, and it was clear from the first day that although it was a new environment, he felt secure and cared for. The trees, walks, campfires with melted marshmallows and outdoor play areas make this setting a wonderful place to send little ones, and I have to say, they did more online learning for the children in the first lockdown than my eldest sons junior school did. Excellent preschool!

My daughter was very nervous when starting in Foxes but she loves her days there, her comment of "I can't wait to go to bed so I can go to Foxes in the morning" made me realise she is in the right place. My only regret is that I did not send her to Fairthorne earlier. Thank you all so much you all do such a fantastic job.

An amazing nursery with dedicated staff who genuinely care for the children and make learning fun. The long walks, messy play, baking, stories and camp fires are just some of the fun daily activities. I personally cannot recommend this nursery enough. If you want your child to come home happy and smiling then this is where they need to go!

Amazing. We have had two children go to Fairthorne, the youngest from Rabbits Room to Foxes. It’s just an incredible place for a child to develop and be a child. We love the space and the activities - but the best thing is the ethos and caring nature of all the staff. A great place for a little person to develop and thrive.

Our daughter has been with the nursery since she turned ten-months-old and she is now just about to turn four. Having progressed through all three of the rooms, we can confidently say that every staff member we've ever had contact with, has been supportive and enthusiastic in helping us to develop our daughter into the kind, confident and independent little lady she is today. She looks forward to attending the nursery to see her friends and loves being able to have adventures outside, whatever the weather. She's learned to walk and talk here and when we noticed she had a slight speech issue, at age three, the nursery contacted a speech therapist to work with us all to help correct these issues, before she started school. This has now all but been corrected over just a few months, despite being in the middle of a pandemic. The facilities available on the grounds are exceptional, and our daughter has enjoyed sailing on a boat in the river, zip-lining and using the bouncy pillow, amongst other great activities.

YMCA Nursery Fairthorne Manor is just fantastic and an experience that can't be matched elsewhere. The outdoor space is amazing and the kids get to take part in lots of great outdoor activities, including boating on the river - plus lots of campfires and marshmallows. As keyworkers, I can't put into words how amazing the team have been this year - it has been overwhelming - their kindness and dedication to the children's wellbeing - especially during the uncertainty of the first lockdown. The food is great - our daughter eats better than us (pulled pork tacos anyone?) and Fairthorne Manor is amazing value compared to other locations. Our youngest will be going to school this September and it will be sad for us that she is leaving - but she and her sister will be back for the amazing Daycamps in the holidays. Thank you so very much, Team Purple.

This nursery is absolutely fabulous and I can’t recommend it enough. I have been so delighted with how my daughter has settled in and she loves the staff so much. They’re all so friendly and obviously care about the children. She is always outside and doing fun things and loves going.

Our 2-year-old son currently attends YMCA Fairthorne Manor and it’s fair to say he loves it. From the very first viewing, he was made to feel very welcome and has since grown to love his 2/3 times a week full-day sessions. The Nursery benefits from a superb location with the emphasis on getting fully involved with the outdoor settings, whether it be the huge open green spaces, woodland or river. The staff are truly exceptional and we feel so happy to be leaving him in their very capable care. I find they always remember the little things that are going on, both with him and us, which adds to that personal touch. He always comes home in a bubbly, happy mood which says it all - and its fair to say we have noticed him making big developmental strides over the past year. We would have no concerns with recommending the Nursery to anyone and look forward to our son's development over the next few months.

My daughter currently attends Foxes (the pre-school room within the nursery). During the Covid pandemic, the nursery has been exceptional in the way that it has continued to run, keeping the environment as 'normal' as possible for the children and keeping them entertained, educated and most importantly, running around and playing in the huge outdoor spaces around the nursery site. My daughter loves going to Foxes every week - she has thrived and the staff really take their time to get to know every child there; everyone is so welcoming and energetic; how they do that with tens of children in their care every day, I have no idea. My son is 8 now and still has so many fond memories of being a Fox. Fairthorne gives the children such a great start in life. I'm really going to miss it when school time arrives in September.

This nursery is exceptional and so supportive. Taking in and looking after my daughter straight after her coming out of her Spica cast from DDH. She has developed so much being with the team and the other kids and even started taking her first steps, now running around. Everyone from the admin, management and ladies in the room do an amazing job. I can't thank them enough, my daughter loves this nursery. Thank you.

Thank you for making this transition so easy and keep being excellent!

A friend recommended this nursery to me and well I couldn’t be more grateful. The choice to send my son here was the best decision I’ve ever made! Every member of staff has gone above and beyond to support my son and me in many situations and on a daily basis. My son has some extra needs and the nursery staff could not be more accommodating, they deeply care for him and he feels safe there. He loves to be there and has built such strong relationships! The progress in his abilities since he started has absolutely soared and his confidence now is amazing! My son started in September 2017 and after 2 years shall be finishing in July this year, we will be very sad to say goodbye as he starts his next adventure in school but we will be forever grateful to this nursery and all the wonderful staff for giving him the best start possible!

We love this nursery, brilliant activities for children they can explore the grounds on daily walks safely without the worry of cars! Many other nurseries rarely take children on trips so the fact that there are lots of grounds for them to explore is brilliant! The transition from the toddler room to the preschool room was very supportive, the key worker going with my son for his visits, plus they share the garden anyway so that eased the transition. The staff are amazing, so supportive always make sure they give a handover, very attentive. Staff are always approachable. They are always occupied with activities with the children too and it never seems hectic even though it is a very big preschool. My son is learning so much, he was talking in the bath about things that sink and things that float today and he said he'd learnt it at 'school'. Brilliant, keep up the good work guys!

My daughter has recently left the nursery but she had an amazing time there. She struck a real bond with her key workers and all of the other staff members and I know she felt confident and safe in their care. She took a little while to settle in when she first started but once she had she was always really excited to go in the morning. I especially like the fact they take them on lots of walks and have lots for them to do in the gardens. They also regularly interact with different animals. I would highly recommend to anyone with adventurous children. The staff are really friendly and approachable and are very supportive of the parents' wishes.

Sadly my eldest is due to start school in September and I know just how much she will miss her friends and the staff there. My youngest regularly tells me her best friend is her key worker and they have such a special bond. The staff really love and care for each individual child and it’s great to be a part of the Fairthorne family.

Fairthorne is an amazing nursery and I am so happy that my sons have had the opportunity to be looked after in such a unique nursery setting. The large grounds provide a variety of outdoor learning opportunities. Rain or shine they are out and about making the most of it. It always brings a smile to my face when I find out what they have been up to, particularly when the possibilities include boat trips, zip wires, playing on the bouncy pillow or sitting around a campfire!!

I have always found the staff to be friendly and caring, providing a relaxed and engaging atmosphere but with the appropriate measures in place to keep the children safe. Having had my children attend Fairthorne over last 7 years it has become a bit of a second home.... even when we are not at nursery, we are at the Fairthorne based events!

I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Fairthorne to others, it is wonderful and I will no doubt shed a tear when my youngest leaves for school next year, will miss it.

We are very happy with the set up of the nursery, the outdoor space is amazing and one of the main features of the nursery that persuaded us to send our son to Fairthorne Manor. The staff are great, very warm and welcoming, and the surroundings make for a great learning experience.

My son is growing in confidence every day and that is down to all the lovely people who look after him at Fairthorne Manor.