Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school

Old School House, 7 London Road, Purbrook, Waterlooville PO7 5LQ
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9.8 99 Reviews
  • Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school, Waterlooville
Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school in Hampshire offers a warm, welcoming, and vibrant environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. Recently refurbished, the nursery boasts beautifully designed interiors that create a modern yet homely atmosphere. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with high-quality resources tailored to the needs of each age group, encouraging children to engage in imaginative play and develop a love for learning.

One of the standout features of Purbrook Day Nursery is its specialised baby unit, designed to provide the youngest children with a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. This dedicated space is carefully arranged to support the developmental milestones of babies, offering a cosy, secure setting where they can explore and develop at their own pace. The baby unit is staffed by experienced and caring practitioners who are specially trained in infant care, ensuring that each baby receives the individual attention and care they need to thrive.

As children grow and transition through the nursery, they move into rooms designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers, each providing an age-appropriate environment that supports their developmental journey. The nursery’s learning spaces are crafted to inspire curiosity and creativity, with a curriculum that integrates play-based learning and prepares children for the next steps in their education.

In addition to the superb indoor facilities, Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school offers a wonderful outdoor area where children can enjoy fresh air and physical activity. The outdoor space is equipped with a variety of play equipment and natural resources, providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Outdoor learning is a key part of the nursery’s approach, encouraging children to connect with nature and develop their physical skills in a safe and stimulating environment.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Helen O'Hara (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 25

Total Places for Children

  • 50

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays, Christmas

Parking

  • Off street parking available at the front of nursery building, on the London road. Parking also available in church car park accessed from roundabout.

Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school Reviews (99)

9.8

Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.799) out of 10, based on 32 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school has 99 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
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Total of 99, showing 81-99
Review from Caroline V (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My second child is now at Rocking Horse and is very happy. My first child has just left for big school and was there for about 2 years. All the staff have been amazing. They are kind and caring and always kept me informed with everything. They were very supportive of my son's extra learning needs. I
would not hesitate to recommend them.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thanks for taking the time to provide us with this very complimentary feedback. My colleagues will be really happy to know how much you value their hard work - we are delighted you have entrusted us…read more
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Review from R R (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
With the thought of returning to work looming, I wanted to find a nursery that felt like a home from home, and Rocking Horse ticks all the boxes. The staff are wonderful and it is obvious they really care about the children they look after. The manager is always on hand to answer any concerns or queries
and she is also very much involved with the children, which, in my opinion, is rare. With two gardens for the children to explore, there are endless opportunities for their learning and development. My son's confidence has greatly improved and his speech has come on leaps and bounds. He will soon be moving up to the bigger room and I have no concerns that he will find this transition difficult, as all of the staff go above and beyond to get to know all of the children. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Rocking Horse to other parents, it is a truly fantastic nursery with passionate and attentive staff.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thanks for writing a raving endorsement for our nursery. We work hard to provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children to learn in. We have such a fantastic team of people at the…read more
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Review from Becky H (Mother of Child) published on 19 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had three children attend Rocking Horse Nursery and they have loved it. And that is all down to the brilliant staff. Not only are they brilliant with the kids but have supported us as a family. We get daily tapestry updates and they make handovers really easy for myself with the twins. We couldn’t
recommend them enough.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thanks for writing such a fantastic review for our nursery.
I've said it before, but my team really are hardwired to care for children and I am so pleased to hear how happy you are with us.
Thank…read more
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Review from Saffron R (Mother of Child) published on 19 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Rocking Horse since July on recommendation from a friend and from the very first meeting (viewing the nursery) I have been over the moon with every aspect. The team are wonderful, the facilities are great, clean and safe. The communication from the team working with my daughter
directly and from management is second to none. My daughter enjoys it so much she doesn’t even wave me off anymore she’s too excited and happy to see the staff and get inside. I can already see my daughter coming on in her communication skills and is always very excitable and chatty on our way home. Which is reflective of the activity, support and encouragement she receives.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
I cannot thank you enough for your kind and supportive comments - the nursery team will be delighted to hear such wonderful things. It's great to hear that your daughter loves the nursery - our…read more
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Review from R G (Mother of Child) published on 19 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Both of my children have attended this nursery and have been very happy here. Even after the long break, my little boy was excited about returning to see his friends and his teachers. I'm very happy with the care the team provides.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thank you for sharing your nursery experience. I am delighted to hear you chose to allow us to care for both of your children, and that you are all so happy with the care and education we provide.…read more
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Review from Naomi C (Mother of Child) published on 19 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been coming here for nearly a year, and she absolutely loves it; there has never been a day she hasn't wanted to go. All the staff are lovely, extremely helpful and supportive of the parents and the children. The set up is fantastic, and the gardens are a big favourite for my daughter.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thank you for sharing your nursery experience; your comments are very kind. So pleased to hear your daughter loves going to the nursery; our fabulous colleagues will be thrilled to hear such…read more
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Review from Sarah F (Mother of Child) published on 19 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Great supportive staff throughout the pandemic being a key worker, my daughter loves attending each day. My daughter has been attending since eight months old and has gained great social skills as well as reached target milestones and progressed more which could have been tough in light of the current
situation. Thank you all.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thank you for entrusting us to care for your daughter. I am delighted to hear that our wonderful team was so supportive during the pandemic. Hearing from parents how their children have developed and…read more
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Review from Victoria T (Mother of Child) published on 19 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with our choice of childcare provider for our daughter. Everyone is so friendly, welcoming and great with the children. My daughter can be wary of faces she doesn't know but she settled so quickly here and absolutely loves all the staff, especially those in the nest with her.
They are always exploring outdoors, learning through play and having fun whilst being taken good care of.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thank you for choosing our lovely nursery; we are so pleased you decided to entrust us with your daughter. We have such a warm and lovely team of people at the nursery and I'm delighted that they have…read more
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Review from Charlotte W (Mother of Child) published on 14 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Having been in lockdown for a big part of her life, my three-year-old was not used to strangers at all. New situations made her very anxious and this rubbed off on me. When she started at Rocking Horse it was really tough for us both but the manager and her team have eased us in gently and she NEARLY
leaves without tears... nearly. Thank you all for making us feel welcome.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thank you for sharing your experience of the nursery. It's been a tough year and anxiety in little (and big) people is unsurprising. We have such a warm team of people at the nursery and I am…read more
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Review from E W (Mother of Child) published on 14 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has just left the nursery to go to school and absolutely loved her time at Rocking Horse, she made such lovely friends and the staff are always so welcoming and caring. My son still attends and can be clingy at drop off but the staff always deal with this really well and encourage him to
go in and start an activity. The two outside areas are great as there is such a variety of things for them to do as well as lots of equipment inside too. Overall a really great nursery/pre-school.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thank you for your review. I hope your daughter is doing well at school. Our team specialises in helping children and parents with the anxiety associated with nursery drop off - it's true what they…read more
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Review from Kerri V (Mother of Child) published on 12 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff at Rocking Horse are super friendly and always communicate well.
My little one always has a great time and I love knowing she's getting nutritional food.
She loves all the activities they do too.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Dear Kerri,
Super pleased to hear how happy you and your daughter are with Rocking Horse Nursery - thanks for choosing us and sharing your experience.
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Review from Danielle C (Mother of Child) published on 12 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Deciding on a preschool for my 3 year old was a job I wasn’t looking forward to doing.
My husband and I walked into Rocking Horse and instantly knew it was the one. The manager was so warm, friendly and welcoming. And our daughter immediately felt happy. The whole team are amazing at what they do.
The resources, the food, the activities. Everything at Rocking Horse is first class. Our daughter goes off every day with a smile on her face, what more could a mum ask for? I would recommend this preschool again and again. THE best around for miles.
Well done to the team, you’ve got it just right!
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Hi Danielle,
Wow-what a wonderful review for our manager and her amazing team of practitioners. I am super pleased to know your daughter enjoys the nursery; it's our job to give you peace of mind.…read more
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Review from Amelia T (Mother of Child) published on 12 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is 15 months old and I am so happy with the progress he's made at the Rocking Horse Nursery. He is excited to go in every morning and I know he is receiving the best possible care. All the staff are friendly and welcoming and his key workers have got to know him so well. After visiting a number
of nurseries, it was after meeting the staff at Rocking Horse that I knew this was the right place for him.
The building has character and they've filled it with 'fun'. The staff put a lot of emphasis on outdoor play which I think is fantastic! The car park to the rear makes the nursery really accessible.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thank you for allowing us to care for your son. It's great to know you chose Rocking Horse over other nurseries. Caring for children is in our DNA, our team of wonderful practitioners really do…read more
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Review from Debbie T (Mother of Child) published on 12 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has just turned 3 and has been attending since he was 10 months old. The nursery is very friendly, well run and he has made lots of friends there. He loves the home-cooked food that is offered. It is home from home and I have peace of mind he is in safe hands and enjoying himself. Thank you for
taking such great care of him.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Dear Debbie,
I was so pleased to read your comments and am super happy your son enjoys his time at the nursery, and our tasty home-cooked food (our lovely cook will be delighted to know this).
Thank…read more
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Review from Lou B (Mother of Child) published on 24 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sadly my son has now left this month to go to school and I was heartbroken. Rocking Horse have been outstanding over the last 2 and a half years and I’m only sorry it wasn’t our first choice on my return to work. Without a doubt, this isn’t just a nursery, it has been part of our family. My son has
grown and developed through their amazing care and I can not recommend Rocking Horse enough. Having needed additional speech and language assistance, they have worked alongside the specialists and have their own in-house specialist too. He has come on leaps and bounds. Even when we were struggling with the first dentist visit, they adapted their classes to incorporate the learning of dental care, etc. And the next visit to the dentist was a dream. They are flexible and when needed jumped in to help where we needed support.
Drop off is a breeze with a hidden gem of the car park at the rear. Two amazing gardens for the children to play in, amazing activities and more importantly, an incredible team.
Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thank you so much for taking the time to write about your experience at our wonderful nursery. I am delighted to know we played such a large part of your son's early years - the team will be really…read more
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Review from C (Mother of Child) published on 9 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has spent many happy years here at Rocking Horse. I really couldn’t ask for more in terms of care, attention, safety, fun, learning and development. The preparation for big school is great, and I’m so impressed with all the social skills, interactions and independence they develop at this setting
- it really is top-notch. The manager leads a great team here and it has a lovely family feel, especially with all the social and fundraising events too. We will miss Rocking Horse so much when it’s time to leave and we’ll always be grateful for our time here - special memories!
The return to Nursery after the Covid closure has been very well organised, reassuring and sensible. My child just couldn’t wait to return and going back was a happy day for us all and a seamless event. The drop off and collection is smooth, quick and safe.
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Review from Jodie L (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended this nursery for 2 years, he is now leaving in August to go to year Reception.


I cannot say enough about how loving, caring, supportive and talented the team are, my little boy loves his time there always talks about the staff and children. They nurture the children to get the

best out of them the kids love the 2 outside gardens building dens watching the tadpoles grow to frogs and much more.


I helped out in the muddy puddle walk earlier this year and what a delight that was, it was so nice to see all the children going round the walks finding ladybugs all sorts of different flowers and generally enjoying nature.


I will always recommend the nursery even though my little one does not go there now. If you are looking for a nursery that will 100% care for your little ones please sign up to them.

Reply from Helen O'Hara at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thank you so much - he's a joy to have!
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Review from Claire N (Mother of Child) published on 30 September 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my daughters have attended Rocking Horse Nursery and the whole experience has been fantastic for all of this.
From starting, they have felt part of the family, the staff are friendly and very caring. I am so happy that I have found such a lovely place for my children to go while I am at work.
Reply from Beejal Mistry, Deputy Manager at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thank you for your kind words. We love having your daughter here!
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Review from Leeanne (Mother of Child) published on 23 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our eldest son attended this nursery for approximately 18 months before he left for school. Our youngest son now attends and has done for 15 months since the age of 1. He loves his time spent there, especially when outside in each of their 2 garden areas. He benefits from the range of activities
offered to him, the opportunity to be physically active but also to partake in more relaxing, but still stimulating, activities. The environment promotes variety, creativity, and imagination from the children.


The staff are approachable, kind and caring and have developed knowledge of our son's individual needs over the time he has been attending.


I have recommended this nursery to friends and will continue to do so.

Reply from Beejal Mistry, Deputy Manager at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school
Thank you, Leeanne, for your kind words. We love to have your son here at our nursery, he never ceases to amaze us with all the new words and skills he has learnt!
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.799)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.799) out of 10 for Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 32 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 31 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.799 for Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school is calculated as follows: ( (339 Excellents x 5) + (28 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) + (7 Poors x 2) + (4 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 384 Ratings = 4.799
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school is based on 31 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 50 number of registered child places is 10, which has been reached with 31 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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