First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke

The Scout Hut, Hanmore Road, Chineham, Basingstoke RG24 8PJ
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9.7 65 Reviews
  • First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke, Basingstoke
This highly-rated and much-loved nursery school in Chineham, Basingstoke, provides premium childcare and early education for children aged 12 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 (snack provided)

Afternoon Session: 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm (lunch provided)

Full Day: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (lunch and snack provided). Minimum book pattern per week is either one full day or two half-day sessions.
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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Faye Griffiths (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 10

Total Places for Children

  • 40

Age Range

  • from 1 years 0 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). Includes snacks and lunch.
    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 and lunch 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 (65)

9.7

First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.654) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke has 65 reviews.

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Total of 65, showing 41-60
Review from K N (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
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 Submitted via Website • Report
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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Review from Lieer Z (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Although my child only spent a few months at the nursery, surely he had an amazing time and learnt a lot from the teachers. I really appreciate all of your efforts and help. Thank you, First Friends Nursery!
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Review from Francesca O (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter still attends First Friends and has been there since January 2019.
She absolutely loves going there and always talks about nursery and the staff at home.
She sees it as another family, home from home. The manager have been so good in particular with my daughter. I would definitely recommend
this nursery to anyone I know.
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Review from Tracy R (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl was born with Down Syndrome and I was worried about putting her into nursery. First Friends and the nursery manager were great at helping not just my daughter but me to adjust. It was a home from home. I now have my son attending and I've never had anything bad to say about their care
and teaching. A brilliant nursery.
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Review from Nicola H (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started one morning a week at First Friends at the end of April 2018 and loved it from day one. He took no time at all to settle in. The staff are always very friendly and approachable and seem to enjoy working there. The manager is fantastic, she always makes time to speak to the parents and
ask if their are any concerns or she will update you on your child’s progress. My son had a slight bump in one session and the manager took the time later that evening to email me asking if he was ok and it’s the little things like that that make this nursery stand out. A very happy mummy and son here!
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Review from Kathryn S (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Couldn't be happier. My son took a while to settle in but all the staff have helped and welcomed my son into Preschool.
He's been there since September 2018 and has come such a long way in such a short space of time.
Absolutely no complaints and can't wait for my daughter to start.
Keep up the great
work.
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Review from Rachel H (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It is a lovely nursery and the staff are really polite and excellent with the children and the kids love them. I will be taking my little girl there when she old enough.
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Review from Angela P (Mother of Child) published on 14 December 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves her time at Nursery. All the staff are so friendly and amazing with the children. The manager and one other member of staff especially are fantastic with her and are a great support.
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Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy loves coming to nursery and playing with his friends. He has settled in really well and I feel comfortable leaving him in their care.
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Review from Simone S (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with First Friends preschool. The staff create an environment where the children can do lots of varied exercises and play. They are always happy to talk to you about your child and I feel that it is very well run and organised.
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Review from H O (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Organised, safe and secure environment for children to happily explore their learning, in an independent and structured fashion. Friendly staff that guide both parents and children clearly and confidently. Very good communication with parents.
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Review from Kulbir M (Father of Child) published on 14 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son love going there, the staff is really good and helpful. We are overall satisfied with management.
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Review from Marina J (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started this month in order to get prepared for starting school in September 2019. He loves it, he has been before dropping off and collecting other children for a while with my childminder so knows the staff and more importantly they know him. There is always lots for them to do and loads of
variety. The staff are all caring and helpful, He will be going more often in January 2019, I can't think of any faults at all.
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Review from Chloe K (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic nursery. Have been so very kind and loving to my very anxious son. Within a few weeks of starting he is like a transformed child. The manager of the nursery came up with many, many ideas to try and help settle my son in which have all worked and genuinely care about him and me.
Brilliant nursery and would recommend to everyone. Especially those with worried children like mine.
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Review from Tim L (Father of Child) published on 6 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My lad went there 7 years ago, now my daughter is there. Still an excellent place for the kids, the staff care for them and about them.
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Review from Suzanne W (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have been to this nursery and I thoroughly recommend it. Such a friendly place and I have absolute trust in the manager and her team. My little girl loves going there and my son was so well prepared for school.
They are a small nursery compared to others nearby and that is what makes
it so appealing-all the children are given plenty of attention and they do so many fun activities.
I would definitely recommend First Friends!
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Review from Siobhan L (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been part of the nursery since 2015 both of my children has attended and enjoyed going. The preschool have helped and supported both myself and my children in many ways with their speech, development, confidence and education. They have prepared them well for school and had great communication
between parent and preschool. I love dropping my son off knowing he is happy and going to have a good day and look forward to hearing about his day. I highly recommend and will be sad to leave next year.
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Review from Lucy B (Mother of Child) published on 20 June 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful nursery, excellent staff. A huge variety of activities and lovely surroundings. Would recommend them to anyone looking for a nursery.
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Review from Vicki M (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Both of my daughters have attended Abacus and my youngest still attends until she starts school in September. I have found Abacus to be a warm, welcoming facility with caring staff and a wide range of activities to keep children of all interests engaged. Opportunities are available for additional
learning with French and Polish language and Stretch and Grow weekly which I know are enjoyed. The staff are fantastic and always open to chat through any queries or issues offering support and guidance if required with regular reviews with the children's key workers.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.654)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.654) out of 10 for First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 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 4.654 for First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke is calculated as follows: ( (138 Excellents x 5) + (36 Goods x 4) + (13 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 188 Ratings = 4.654
  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 First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke is based on 15 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 40 number of registered child places is 8, which has been reached with 15 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.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

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.

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