First Friends Day Nursery - Eastleigh

Grantham Road, Eastleigh SO50 5PU
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9.9 80 Reviews
  • First Friends Day Nursery - Eastleigh, Eastleigh
This award-winning, family-run day nursery provides premium childcare and support for children aged 3 months to pre-school. Open 51 weeks of the year, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, the nursery proudly accepts government-funded childcare places.

Conveniently located on Grantham Road in Eastleigh, this sought-after and highly rated setting offers a warm, nurturing environment where children thrive. With separate rooms for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers, and a charming garden space, the nursery has been described by families as a true home-from-home.

The team is dedicated to nurturing a lifelong love of learning in every child. Their approach balances structured activities with opportunities for free play, encouraging confidence, independence, and natural curiosity. Through both guided experiences and child-led exploration, children are supported to develop the skills they need for a smooth and happy transition to school.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Kieron Hooper (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 10

Total Places for Children

  • 42

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • From £46.50 for a half day session to £82.00 for a full day session.

  • 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 home-cooked nutritious 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 07:00-19:00
    Tuesday 07:00-19:00
    Wednesday 07:00-19:00
    Thursday 07:00-19:00
    Friday 07:00-19:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • They have visitor parking available

First Friends Day Nursery - Eastleigh Reviews (80)

9.9

First Friends Day Nursery - Eastleigh has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.928) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time First Friends Day Nursery - Eastleigh has 80 reviews.

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Review from J G (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very happy with the nursery. The children love going and have bonded well with the staff. There is a great healthy menu and some engaging activities daily. We are very happy with our choice of nursery. I enjoy picture updates on the closed FB group.
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Review from T W (Mother of Child) published on 28 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so pleased we are able to send our youngest daughter to First Friends. Her older sister used to attend and had such a wonderful time at nursery so it's now super that it's the younger one's turn to have the fun! It's such a lovely setting, with a real family/home-from-home feel. The staff involved
in the care of my daughter are first class. They are so attentive and committed to their roles and the children, giving their best at all times. A really super nursery and it's great to be back!
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Review from Nikki M (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My girls absolutely love going to nursery. I have no problem getting them ready in the morning because they're always so excited. They're coming on leaps and bounds in their development which is wonderful to see. The staff always give thorough handovers and I love how they are child-led and listen and
adhere to my requests. The menu is healthy so I know they're eating lots of fruit and veg. Couldn't recommend this nursery enough.
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Review from Sophie W (Mother of Child) published on 2 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
First Friends have been amazing for my daughter. She started here as her first setting when she turned 3 and she absolutely loves it! The staff are lovely and always ensure that they give you a full handover at pick up at the end of the day, and are always available over the phone, email or text if
there are any problems. Highly recommend First Friends for your little ones
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Review from Francesca B (Mother of Child) published on 2 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The girls here have gone above and beyond with my daughter and I couldn't thank them enough! She wasn't there for long but she made such close relationships with her key workers. I can't thank you girls enough, you are amazing!
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Review from Syeda A (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started nursery last year in September. It was so hard for us to see our daughter struggle to settle in at the nursery. But the amazing team at the nursery, helped us and our daughter who is autistic overcome barriers. The team at Eastleigh has been so helpful and supportive that our daughter
runs into nursery now. Without saying goodbye. Thank you for being a part of our journey and thank you so much.
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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been at First Friends Day Nursery since May and we cannot speak highly enough of all the staff. They have supported him in settling in and are always providing him with excellent care and stimulation. The biggest compliment is that he runs into the building every morning without even a look
back at his Mum!
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Review from Becca E (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little man's been here for a while now, started in babies, moved to toddlers and we are in the process of moving to preschool. I cannot fault the staff one bit, they always have time to talk about the children's day.
My son always comes home happy and bouncy and to me, that's what counts.
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Review from Georgia T (Mother of Child) published on 13 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter moved to First Friends after some issues at her previous playschool. First friends responded to my email enquiries within hours. We were viewing the next day and able to start settling in sessions the following week. Absolutely fantastic service. My daughter has settled in so well, so much
so she looks forward to going! The ladies at First Friends are brilliant. Always letting me know how much my little girl has eaten, any nappies that have been changed. The app is always updated regularly. I never feel left in the dark about anything. I recently had an occasion where I was called into work for an extremely important meeting, my daughter was able to come in for a session. I couldn’t believe the service! I am so pleased I moved my daughter to First Friends.
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Review from S G (Mother of Child) published on 8 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm so pleased we chose First Friends for our little boy. He's been there a few months now and he settled in so well and we get great feedback every day from his key person. We feel included in all decisions related to his care and are so happy with all the progress he has made since joining.
Highly
recommend!
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Review from Natasha V (Mother of Child) published on 10 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since our little one started, the staff have been amazing in supporting his transition to nursery and catering to his needs. They’re always super helpful with any adjustments we want to make to his routine and he absolutely loves it there. He always has such a great time, with a variety of different
activities that keep him engaged and learning. His key person goes above and beyond and we couldn’t be happier with our choice of nursery!
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Review from Abbie C (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son and daughter have both attended First Friends Nursery, since June 2021. They helped transition my son into school and my daughter is now in preschool. She loves going to nursery and is very excited to see her friends and the adults that care for her. She even asks to go at the weekends now too.
My daughter's progress in the last few months has been visible, she is very confident and chatty. She has learnt so much at nursery and will proudly tell you the first letter of her name, wherever she sees it. The staff have been wonderful and supportive through some difficult times and we are very thankful that we chose First Friends for our kids. Thank you.
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Review from V H (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending First Friends for over three years. From day one we have been impressed by the nurturing, caring and fun environment.
Our daughter loves going to nursery. She has made some great friends and adores all the adults. The children spend a lot of time outside, this includes
regular Forest School sessions. Our daughter has also enjoyed Spanish and dance lessons. We really appreciate the time and effort which goes into planning activities. This has helped our daughter to develop her social and creative side, as well as a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy which will serve her well when she starts school. We feel so lucky to have found First Friends. We would recommend them to any parents looking for the best nursery environment for their little ones.
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Review from Abby R (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We, as well as our daughter, are really happy with First Friends! Cannot fault any area of the nursery. The staff are so lovely and we are relaxed knowing our daughter is being well cared for, and having a great day, every day.
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Review from Shane T (Father of Child) published on 23 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My partner and I have had a wonderful experience with First Friends, Eastleigh, as has our daughter. She has a fantastic relationship with her key worker, who very regularly updates the app (a fantastic feature) with photos of some fun and unique activities which are also aiding in her development.
Our daughter is always excited both at drop-off and pick-up. All of this fills us with confidence that she is progressing while really enjoying herself.
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Review from Danielle S (Mother of Child) published on 23 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As first time parents, we were really apprehensive about leaving our 4-month-old in childcare, however, I can honestly say it's the best decision we have made. I felt as though First Friends understood how hard it can be to leave your child in the care of someone else and they made it as easy as they
possibly could. Our little one has come on so far and always leaves nursery happy. The staff are so caring and always happy to help when they can, they treat your child as an individual and understand that each child is different. We have felt our daughter's needs have always been met here, and I would honestly recommend this nursery to any parents looking into childcare. Thank you for everything you have done First Friends!
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Review from Denise R (Grandmother of Child) published on 22 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My granddaughter has been in this nursery for six months now and she has come on leaps since starting, all I can do is thank all the staff for their dedicated time they spend with each child to help them flourish. I would recommend this nursery to anybody looking for a good place for their child to
go.
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Review from Jasmin R (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending First Friends Nursery since she was eight months old and I can honestly say they have been amazing! Her transition from the baby room, through to toddlers and now Pre-School has always been handled perfectly - they have nurtured and supported her at every stage. Her progress,
reports and daily updates are always communicated clearly to us and they are always sharing funny stories and photos with us, which makes you feel so at ease. I cannot recommend the manager and her team highly enough. Thank you for everything you do!
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Review from Becky M (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has recently started with First Friends Nursery and I could not be happier. As a new mum, I was dreading having to leave my child and go back to work but the staff could not have made it easier for me. I always receive lots of photos and updates throughout the day along with a lovely tapestry
entry so I know what he has got up to. The staff genuinely make me feel like my child is the only child they look after and I know he is so well cared for. It makes me happy to know that he is being taught and nurtured in a loving environment just as he would be at home. The food is always amazing and the activities they get up to are great. My little boy loves going to nursery and I couldn't recommend First Friends Nursery enough.
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Review from Anthony H (Father of Child) published on 21 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attends three days a week and every time I collect her she is smiling and can't stop talking about her friends and the staff there. The staff have always been happy to help with any questions I have, and the nursery is also clean and well looked after.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.928)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.928) out of 10 for First Friends Day Nursery - Eastleigh is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 28 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 28 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 4.928 for First Friends Day Nursery - Eastleigh is calculated as follows: ( (311 Excellents x 5) + (21 Goods x 4) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 333 Ratings = 4.928
  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 Day Nursery - Eastleigh is based on 28 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 42 number of registered child places is 8.4, which has been reached with 28 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

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (1)

Kieron

Kieron Hooper

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Hi, I have been in early years since 2014, when I qualified as a Nursery Educator. Since then, I've worked across a range of settings, steadily climbing the ladder to become Nursery Manager in 2022. Alongside my hands-on experience, I also hold a degree in Early Years Childhood Studies with a 2:1.


When I'm not at nursery, you’ll find me exploring new places or cheering on my beloved Portsmouth FC.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact First Friends Day Nursery - Eastleigh to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. First Friends Day Nursery - Eastleigh has an Enhanced Service - more info.