First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke

The Scout Hut, Hanmore Road, Chineham, Basingstoke RG24 8PJ
Review Us
9.8 63 Reviews
This highly-rated and much-loved nursery school in Chineham, Basingstoke, provides premium childcare and early education for children aged 18 months to five years. Open during term time from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday, the nursery proudly offers government-funded childcare places.

Conveniently located near local schools, the nursery is ideal for families with older siblings, making the morning and afternoon school runs easier. For those travelling by car, a spacious on-site car park ensures smooth and stress-free drop-offs and pick-ups.

The nursery’s approach combines structured learning with opportunities for free play, supporting each child's development through both guided activities and independent exploration. This balanced method encourages confidence, curiosity, and readiness for school.

The dedicated team brings years of experience in early childhood education, providing a warm, welcoming, and engaging environment where children can truly thrive.

Families can choose from a variety of flexible booking options, including:

Breakfast Club: 8:30 am – 9:00 am

Morning Session: 9:00 am – 12:00 noon

Afternoon Session: 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm

Full Day: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (either one full day or two half-day sessions per week)

This nursery school offers a nurturing start to a lifelong love of learning.
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Type of Service

  • Nursery School
  • Open term time
  • Sessional Day Care

Person in charge

  • Faye Griffiths (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 10

Total Places for Children

  • 40

Age Range

  • from 1 years 8 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • From £21.50 for a half-day session to £44 for a full day session (9am-3pm).
    We also have a breakfast club from 8.30am-9am for £5.

  • Our prices include:


    Enhanced Curriculum:
    High-quality, trained educators, Movement & Mindfulness sessions, Earth Explorers sessions, Home learning, Makaton , Family events & celebrations, High-quality learning resources.


    Fuel for Learning:
    Fresh snacks tailored to each child's dietary, allergy, & cultural preferences


    Everyday Essentials:
    Summer hats, Sun cream, Toothbrush, Nappies & wipes, and T-Shirts for enhanced curriculum sessions.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:30-15:00
    Tuesday 08:30-15:00
    Wednesday 08:30-15:00
    Thursday 08:30-15:00
    Friday 08:30-15:00

When Closed

  • School Holidays

Parking

  • They have ample parking on the grounds of the nursery.

First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke Reviews (63)

Total of 63, showing 21-40
9.8

First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.807) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke has 63 reviews.

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Date Published

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Review from Jade Y (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely lovely staff, always friendly and helpful. My daughter always comes home exhausted after having a day filled with fun and curiosity. She has made so many friends and never wants to leave.

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Review from D B (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son attends First Friends Nursery School and he is always so excited for nursery days, my older son also attended this nursery and absolutely loved going to nursery also, the teachers are lovely and really welcoming. Overall very good experience

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Review from L B (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son absolutely loves First Friends. He is always so excited to go to nursery and play with his teachers and friends. He has a special bond with his key person and talks about her at home, which is really special. The teachers are really kind and always so welcoming. They know what my son likes to
do at nursery and will ensure activities are based on his current interests. He loves anything messy and playing outside. I feel very lucky that my son is so happy at nursery and can't thank the team enough.

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Review from R D (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff are friendly, approachable and have a lovely relationship with our daughter. She really enjoys going to nursery and talks regularly about what she does there and the staff! It will make the transition to school easier as she has grown in confidence and is learning valuable things every
day.

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Review from S L (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son attends First Friends in Basingstoke and really enjoys the time he's there. The staff are fantastic and so supportive of his needs, encouraging him to join in activities and try new things. He has made so much progress since being at nursery and always comes out happy and smiling. We're looking
forward to seeing how much more he progresses.

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Review from Charlotte S (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am happy with my experience so far at First Friends Basingstoke and my son seems to enjoy it too. However, I was a bit shocked to receive an invoice for 'consumables'. After chatting to the manager at the time I now understand what it's for but I had no idea about this charge every month which took
me by surprise as I thought it was going to be 15 hours free a week. I think every parent should be made aware of this charge in case they need to budget accordingly. I also have never received any paperwork or information whatsoever - so I had to ask lots of questions which the staff always answered very thoroughly and I kind of figured it all out each day. I think it would be really beneficial to the parents if we were given a leaflet or brochure or paperwork stating where to pick up their child from, what to pack/avoid in their lunch, a checklist of what they need each day, a school term calendar, policies about a poorly child, any safeguarding procedures, staff introduction etc

Reply from Louise Hayes, Owner at First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke

Thank you for your feedback. I am so sorry you didn't receive our price list when you started with us.
We are currently in the process of designing a new welcome pack for parents and will definitely take your feedback on board. We've also recently updated our website and now have a FAQ section.
I am pleased that your son is enjoying his time at First Friends.

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Review from James W (Father of Child) published on 21 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm very happy with First Friends, as when my daughter comes home she is so happy also she is so happy to see the manager and the rest of the team, so you must be doing something right because she always has a massive smile on her face when she sees you all. The style of the nursery really suits our
daughter, not overcrowded, learning through experience and lots of activities to keep her attention and she has made a lot of good friends.

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Review from L B (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Friends have been amazing at helping my daughter settle in and supporting me in all the decisions regarding further education. There is always a detailed handover given and a chance to ask questions about their day. Will be sad when my daughter has to leave!

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Review from D P (Mother of Child) published on 16 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had a wonderful experience at First Friends. Our daughter has blossomed since being there and it's been an absolute joy to see her confidence growing. She loves her friends and is so excited to go to school in the mornings. The teachers and staff are all really lovely - we love hearing about
all the lessons and collecting all the art that comes home. We highly recommend First Friends - Basingstoke!

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Review from Kieran P (Father of Child) published on 16 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing place, our little girl is very happy there and blossoming into the child we want her to be. We are looking forward to seeing her progress the next year and will for sure be sad when she has to move to big school.

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Review from M K (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2022
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started in September after being at a different nursery from a baby. I was a little concerned about how he would settle into the new Preschool. I didn't need to worry, all the staff are amazing. He loves coming in every morning and is such a happy boy. He is so excited when he comes out with
something he has made.
I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work and dedication every day.

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Review from Victoria P (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2022
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter skips into First Friends with so much excitement, thanks to the wonderful time she has there. I am kept up to date with everything she is doing via tapestry. I especially appreciate that their activities are structured and it is not just a free for all. They always have some relevance to
the time of year or a particular World Day that is coming up.

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Review from I W (Mother of Child) published on 11 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Friends is a loving, caring, kind and understanding nursery for kids and parents. The excitement of my kid going to nursery can tell how much fun, love and learning she is having and definitely making friends. We love how they make our little one independent and the creativity of the activities
make more exciting nursery days. We are very grateful for First Friend and for all the team.

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Review from Louise C (Mother of Child) published on 11 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Friends Basingstoke is such a lovely nursery my son loves attending and having loads of fun singing, playing and doing activities with others and always comes out at the end of the session with a smile.

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Review from N O (Mother of Child) published on 14 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has the best time at first friends, both my son and daughter were always at childminders as I was worried about a nursery setting, but when my childminder went part-time I needed to find somewhere for her to go a few days a week. So we took a look around first friends and it just seemed
so lovely!


She loves it, it’s given her such confidence (not that she needs it anymore) and I know it’s the perfect stepping stone for school!


The staff treat parents with respect, and my daughter loves it! What more could you want!

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Review from S L (Mother of Child) published on 14 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have and still do attend first friends. They both absolutely loved it. First Friends is more like a second home, the staff are incredible, amazing with the children and also have a great bond with us parents. The days are structured which personally, my son thrives off. I highly recommend
this nursery. My little boy is already sad he will be leaving for ‘big school’ in September, as am I, and he has said, when he’s bigger, he is coming back to first friends to be a teacher. I’ll be forever grateful to all, at first friends, who have taught both my sons.

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Review from Jordan H (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke, she is so excited when it is a nursery day and especially loves playing with her friends. She will talk about the nursery and her teachers whilst at home, which is so lovely to hear. The children do a variety of fun activities including baking,
painting and yoga. We are so happy with First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke and would highly recommend to all.

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Review from Jess B (Mother of Child) published on 23 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the ages of 2-4 years old my son attended First Friends and my daughter attends currently. It’s been such a pleasure having this nursery on our doorstep in Chineham as it provides a real sense of family to the parents and children. There is a big heart beating in this nursery and I can not recommend
it more highly. I’ve laughed and cried my way through many Nativity and Christmas songs, the Easter bonnet parade and Sports Days; enjoyed photos of the nature walks and the creative pictures and paintings that come home! My children have enjoyed the variety of activities the nursery provides such as the exercise programmes and French lessons, not to mention book sales and charity cake sales!

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Review from K N (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke is a warm and welcoming nursery school where both my children currently attend. The teachers are very attentive, caring to the children and really seek to give the children the best experience. Both my children love their time at nursery and I wouldn't hesitate
to recommend First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke.

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Review from Claire S (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2021
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a fantastic Pre-School, I really can't recommend it enough. The manager and the team are a fantastic, friendly and knowledgeable bunch that assisted my daughter with her medical conditions and speech delay with total patience and kindness to no end. The children who attend the Pre-School are
also caring and friendly and she made countless friends at her time in the Pre-School. Unfortunately, we had to move out of the area but if I could pick up the building and take them all with me, I would. I cannot fault them at all. The support and encouragement they provided through difficult times has been second to none. We miss you all lots!

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.807)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.807) out of 10 for First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.807 for First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke is calculated as follows: ( (174 Excellents x 5) + (35 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 212 Ratings = 4.807

  • b) 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 First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke is based on 18 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 40 number of registered child places is 8, which has been reached with 18 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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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Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (1)

Faye

Faye Griffiths

Job Title: Nursery Manager

With a background in childcare spanning over two decades, I'm proud to lead our beloved nursery in Eastleigh. I've been an integral part of the First Friends family, starting my journey as a nursery manager at our Basingstoke branch.

My commitment to excellence led me to temporarily manage our nursery in Barford St Martin for a fulfilling six-month stint. Qualified with an NNEB in 1994, I'm passionate about nurturing movement skills in children.

I believe these skills not only enhance cognitive abilities but also boost self-esteem and resilience.
... Read more

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