Food
Thoughtful Food Programme encourages nutritious meals and new flavours
First Friends Day Nursery in Waterlooville
Ofsted: Strong standard·
5.0(1 Google review)
·Denmead Junior School, Bere Road, Waterlooville, PO7 6PH · Hampshire
Number of places
35 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2026
Local authority
Hampshire
About this day nursery
First Friends Day Nursery operates as one of Hampshire's most extensive family-owned nursery groups, overseeing six award-winning establishments that collectively care for hundreds of children weekly. Their philosophy centres on the belief that outstanding childcare is delivered by exceptional individuals, featuring a specialist team of highly qualified educators, many of whom have long-standing tenures with the organisation.
This continuity fosters secure and confident relationships for the children. The nurseries cultivate warm, nurturing environments where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to learn.
They advocate a play-based approach combined with exploration and a deep appreciation for the natural world, aiming to ignite curiosity, build self-assurance, and instil a lifelong passion for learning. The group emphasises a personal approach, getting to know each child and family individually, building trust and a sense of belonging.
They also highlight a "Thoughtful Food Programme" for healthy eating and a "Movement & Mindfulness" programme to support physical and emotional development.
Our ethos
We believe exceptional childcare starts with exceptional people. In our warm, nurturing environments, children feel safe, valued and inspired to learn. Through play, exploration and a love of the natural world, we encourage curiosity, build confidence and lay the foundations for a lifelong love of learning.
What it's like
Children at the setting benefit from a rich and varied curriculum that provides them with carefully planned, highly engaging experiences. They confidently access a wide range of opportunities that support their learning, development and individual interests. Children are continually encouraged to try new experiences while also building on their existing knowledge and skills. They are encouraged to share their ideas and contribute to decisions within the setting, helping them develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging.
Family-owned nursery groupSix award-winning nurseriesHighly qualified educatorsPlay-based learningNature and outdoor adventuresMovement & Mindfulness programme
Pricing & funding
Pricing on request
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Request pricing →Key facts
Opening hours
Not specified on this page
Age range
Babies and young children
Session types
Not specified on this page
Staff
Not specified on this page
Waitlist
Now accepting enrolments for 2026-2027
Ofsted Inspection — new report card
Strong standard
Last inspected Jul 2026
Grade summary
Exceptional
—
Strong standard
Expected standard
—
Needs attention
—
Urgent improvement
—
Each dot represents one of the six inspection categories. Headline is the average of the six grades, rounded up.
Category grades
AchievementStrong standard
Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routinesStrong standard
Children's welfare and wellbeingStrong standard
Curriculum and teachingStrong standard
InclusionStrong standard
Leadership and governanceStrong standard
Age range
0 to 5
Registers
Early Years Register
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted report for First Friends Day Nursery
Last inspected 8 July 2026
What it's like to attend
Children at the setting benefit from a rich and varied curriculum that provides them with carefully planned, highly engaging experiences. They confidently access a wide range of opportunities that support their learning, development and individual interests. Children are continually encouraged to try new experiences while also building on their existing knowledge and skills. They are encouraged to share their ideas and contribute to decisions within the setting, helping them develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging.
Inspector highlights
- Children across the setting make excellent progress in their learning and development.
- Children develop exceptionally positive attitudes to learning, making thoughtful choices about their play and collaborating well with peers.
- A deeply respectful culture has been established where children and adults develop exceptionally positive relationships.
- Staff skilfully support children to understand what will happen next and help them manage changes in the daily routine.
- The curriculum has been carefully designed to fully engage and interest every child in the setting.
- Practice across all areas of the setting is completely inclusive, with staff skilled at identifying when children need extra support.
- Leaders have an excellent overview of the setting and work closely with staff to ensure practice remains consistently of a high standard.
- Strong professional partnerships with local schools and support services ensure children receive timely and appropriate support.
Areas to develop
- 1Leaders should ensure continued improvement in the setting's successful work to remove barriers for children who need extra help to realise a transformational impact on all children's achievement and wellbeing.
Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Leaders of special educational needs and/or disabilities are excellent at working closely with staff to enable them to remove any barriers that might prevent children reaching their full potential. They use their in-depth knowledge to support children to take part in weekly mindfulness and wellbeing sessions, and staff consistently teach children how to express their emotions using large movements.
Google Reviews of First Friends Day Nursery
5.0
(1 Google review)
Luke O'Hara
11 months ago
Great purpose built nursery with a lot of outside space for the children to explore and have free play. The entire play area is open plan and allows children to interact with all ages. The facility is secure and has air-conditioning, keeping staff and children comfortable. The staff are friendly and welcoming. First friends have a wide curriculum and provide a varied menu with fresh food.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for First Friends Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Most recent inspection
8 July 2026
Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.
View full Ofsted reportFrequently asked about First Friends Day Nursery
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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more