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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Total of 80, showing 61-80
Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 9 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with First Friends, the children make a real connection with the nursery staff, who clearly care for them. My child comes home singing tunes and every day is a good day! I appreciate the extra time to chat and support the nursery has given us in working with my son's speech and medical issues.
Feels like being part of a family.
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Review from Stella (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After a few unsuccessful attempts at different nurseries, we found First Friends to fit perfectly with our requirements. First Friends has an open plan layout which is refreshing as others were cluttered and full of trip hazards - my child requires a little extra help due to his autism, his awareness
is not fully there. He has not had any injuries since he started in August 2020! My son enjoys nursery immensely. His speech and confidence have improved significantly and his key worker has played a major part in that. I feel confident dropping him off and get a detailed update on the collection. I have already recommended First Friends to other mums and will continue to.
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Review from Jessica N (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two children have been at this nursery since August 2020. I cannot recommend First Friends, Eastleigh highly enough. My children run to nursery because they are so excited to go in and have their day at nursery and talk non-stop about what they have done when they return home. The staff are absolutely
amazing and foster such a positive, caring and kind learning environment where the children are safe and happy and for this, I cannot thank them enough. One of my children has additional needs and I have worked very closely with all the staff to support the child and the level of attention, care and compassion shown are outstanding with a prompt response. Overall I would highly recommend this nursery; it’s wonderful.
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Review from Danielle H (Mother of Child) published on 12 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When looking to find a nursery after leaving a workplace with one on-site, I didn't expect to find somewhere meeting the high standards I had already experienced, but I couldn't have been more wrong. First Friends is a warm, friendly, family-feel nursery in which my son has thrived where following
the child's lead in learning and development is clearly a top priority. The staff are very empathetic to the needs of the children; my son is benefitting from care that I cannot fault. He has gone from strength to strength in his communication and despite being only two, he is showing interest in numbers and counting and has developed amazing social skills. I often hear him singing one of the many songs that he has learnt and he talks of all the activities he takes part in. The food is an excellent standard, with meals being eaten at tables where the children and adults interact with each other. I have not hesitated to return my son during the Covid-19 period and will continue to do so.
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Review from Jessica R (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our two and a half year old son has attended First Friends since September 2018 and we couldn't be more delighted with the care and opportunities he is given on a daily basis. He transferred to First Friends as it was closer to home and the staff were friendly and supportive of this transition, working
hard to get to know him straight away. Helen, the nursery manager, is fantastically welcoming, plans wonderful learning tasks and has a clear vision for how the nursery can get better and better. All of the staff are very knowledgeable about child care and development and are more than happy to take the time to chat about the day. Our son literally skips into nursery! I am completely confident that he is having a great time in a safe and happy environment.
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Review from Renata T (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loved First Friends from the first day in. The staff are professional and very friendly. I would recommend this nursery very highly.
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Review from Sally (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
First Friends Eastleigh is a brand new setting and therefore all the facilities, building and staff are also new. They are constantly improving their offering and have some great ideas bought in by various members of new experienced staff. If something occurs which they haven’t dealt with before, they’re
quick to find a solution.


With very friendly and happy staff, with new additions constantly joining due to the intake of children, they are always on hand to help, offer advice and support the children they look after. My little one needed extra help with speech and language and her key worker has helped bring her on leaps and bounds over the last 6 months. They also actively support things you’re wanting to encourage at home or other childcare settings.


Outside space concerned me as they don’t have grass and the space is small, but these things don’t matter to a toddler!
My little one is very happy to go to First Friends nursery twice a week ... and often doesn’t want to leave!!

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Review from Giuseppe I (Father of Child) published on 28 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son started nearly 3 weeks ago and I am happy how he settled at nursery because it was not an easy transaction from the previous six months where he stayed in Italy.
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Review from Lauren P (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot speak more highly of First Friends Eastleigh. They have just been absolutely amazing not only with the care of my two children but also the help and support they continuously give me as well. Nothing is too hard for any of the staff.
I drop my children off and they are both clearly very happy
to be there, I pick them up and they don’t want to leave!
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Review from Ashleigh S (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son was already attending a nursery in Eastleigh which we were not completely happy with. First Friends were yet to open their doors but the manager was able to put my mind at ease straight away and we made the decision to move our son here. I can happily say this was the best decision for us all
as he is so happy and has make so many friends here. Most of the time, he runs in with a big smile.
He has a great relationship with the staff and I can go to work knowing he is completely safe.
The staff are very good at keeping me informed when it comes to bumps and bruises and give really good advice!
I wouldn't go anywhere else and would highly recommend this nursery to anyone.
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Review from Steff H (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves this nursery, I thought he would struggle with napping there as he sleeps nowhere else but his own cot. But by some miracle on his second day, he napped two hours in the cots provided. Other than when my son is poorly, I know he enjoys himself at First Friends. All the staff are so lovely
and great with him. He's been there six weeks and he joined as a non-walker, now he's walking and trying to talk more.
The setting makes me want to work there, it's just so lovely for the children. I won't be putting my son into preschool, as the nursery follow the same criteria and as they do the government funding it's not necessary for me to move him.
If my son decides to make a mess of his clothes they always bag them up for me and put him in their spares which I return when washed.
One thing I've noticed, he never ever comes home with food all down him or clothes that are ruined because of stains. How they manage that, I don't know.
I can't say enough good things about the nursery.
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Review from Marzena B (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very nice place, my daughter really liked. I can recommend this nursery to everyone. Thank you to everyone who works at First Friends Nursery.
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Review from Illy V (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to recommend the nursery to the working families. Their opening hours are well suited for busy mums. Staff have been very welcoming from the start and have shown professionalism and commitment. They offer lots of fun activities that support the children's development across various learning
journeys from communication to physical development. Many thanks for your support throughout the journey. Management, staff, food, activities, a clean place at the highest standard. Very close to my workplace.
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Review from Priyanka S (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I can see the improvement in my daughter who has been going for the last six months to the nursery and am very pleased with her learning curve and staff as well. The staff are really supportive and considerate. Each child is observed so keenly in the school and the respective plan of action is as detailed
and accurate as any parent can ask for their kid. I am happy with my choice of school I made.
Thank you First Friends.
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Review from Leanne (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at First Friends late last year. She has been incredibly happy there from day one.
The staff have all been really helpful and friendly. My daughter skips happily in the room with any member of staff, which is really reassuring and makes leaving her much easier to know she is happy!
Absolutely happy to have found First Friends for my daughter and have no worries recommending them.
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Review from Laura F (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at First Friends since September 2018. He really enjoys his days there which are always activity filled. The staff provide excellent care and are particularly mindful of my son’s eczema and associated medication. The themed weeks are great to get the children hooked into a topic and
fully explore an area of learning. The nursery is clean and well presented, all staff are professional yet friendly. I would recommend this nursery very highly.
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Review from Luencina Z (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely love the nursery and the staff. Went to see them just before they opened officially last year and was made to feel so welcome. My little one had amazing settling in days and I was kept in contact regularly before he started in September. He thrives with the staff team, took his first set
of steps at a keyworker evening, and now walks himself in without a care in the world. Updates are thorough, progress discussed and anything they aren't sure of, they check. My little one had to be dairy free when he started and every week they checked it remained the same as they knew he was being tested. My older children are also thought of and invited to events and love going to the nursery to hear about their brothers day. Outdoor space is small but they head to the park for more fun so this isn't an issue for me. It's a really family friendly, nurturing environment.
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Review from Kasey E (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is extremely happy at First Friends Day Nursery - Eastleigh. Management has gone above and beyond to help with my son and listened to every requirement needed to ensure his needs are met. All the staff interact with the children in a lovely manner. The set up of the rooms always keeps the children
entertained and learning new things. The nursery/preschool have never made me feel as if they look at my son as just a number, they five a family feel away from his home, meaning I can go to work happy and not be worrying about him.
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Review from Milina M (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful nursery with staff who are warm, engaging and nurturing. My son started in October and settled wonderfully. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this nursery.
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Review from Stephanie C (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son settled at First Friends Day Nursery very quickly, thanks to the lovely welcoming staff who gave him lots of reassurance and care. Our son is always very happy to go to nursery and has grown in confidence since starting.
He is learning so much and the staff are very proactive in supporting
his learning.
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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.