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First Friends Nursery School

Ofsted: Good
(Jul 2024)
·
5.0(3 parent reviews) ·The Scout Building, Chineham, Basingstoke, RG24 8PJ · Hampshire
Number of places
52 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2024
Local authority
Hampshire

About this day nursery

First Friends Nursery School is a family-operated group of nurseries located across Hampshire, dedicated to providing exceptional early years care. They are known for their commitment to fostering a love for nature and encouraging learning through engaging play experiences.

The nursery aims to create a warm and supportive environment where children can freely explore their curiosity, develop self-assurance, and begin their journey of lifelong learning. They have received multiple accolades, including being recognised as a finalist for the Nursery World Awards 2024 and receiving top 20 awards in 2022.

The nursery also highlights its "Thoughtful Food Programme," "Movement & Mindfulness" activities, and "Earth Explorers Programme" as key aspects of its offering. First Friends Nursery School actively engages with its community, supporting charities such as Naomi House & Jacksplace, and maintains open communication with parents, including offering a WhatsApp contact for general enquiries.

Our ethos

First Friends Nursery School is committed to fostering a love for nature and encouraging learning through engaging play. They aim to create a warm, supportive environment where children can explore their curiosity, develop self-assurance, and embark on a lifelong learning journey, with specific programmes like "Earth Explorers" and "Movement & Mindfulness".

What it's like

Children quickly settle to play on arrival, building positive relationships with staff and developing a strong understanding of expectations and routines. They successfully develop skills and knowledge for future learning, gaining confidence and independence in various tasks. Staff effectively support children's recognition of emotions and provide consistent interactions, incorporating children's interests into a positive learning environment.

Family-runNature-focused learningLearning through playAward-winningThoughtful Food 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.

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Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for First Friends Nursery School

Last inspected 5 July 2024 · Sheena Bankier

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children quickly settle to play on arrival, building positive relationships with staff and developing a strong understanding of expectations and routines. They successfully develop skills and knowledge for future learning, gaining confidence and independence in various tasks. Staff effectively support children's recognition of emotions and provide consistent interactions, incorporating children's interests into a positive learning environment.

Inspector highlights

  • Leaders consistently monitor practice and identify improvements, including revised induction processes and strong support systems for staff well-being and professional development.
  • The curriculum is well-thought-out and sequenced, with staff effectively considering children's different learning needs and promoting their progress.
  • Children with additional needs, including those who speak English as an additional language, are very well supported through strategies like Makaton signing, picture cards, and tailored activities from the SENCo.
  • Children confidently make their own choices, exploring and investigating resources with curiosity.
  • Staff promote children's relationships, understanding of behaviour expectations, and teach about healthy lifestyles.
  • Strong partnerships with parents, other professionals, and local schools ensure a consistent approach to meeting children's needs and support a successful move to school.

Areas to develop

  • 1enhance staff's awareness of children who are quieter or more content to play alone to provide more effective teaching and support to these children
  • 2enhance resources for the older children, particularly outdoors, to promote their play experiences and choices further.
Inspection #10351218 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff have a strong knowledge and understanding of children's individual learning needs, gaining a wide range of information about their backgrounds when they start to include these successfully. They work very effectively with parents and other professionals to provide seamless support for children with additional needs, regularly assessing their progress and identifying next steps. Children with additional needs are very well supported, including those who speak English as an additional language and those who need more support for their learning and development; staff use a variety of strategies to engage with children, including Makaton signing and picture cards to support communication. The nursery's special educational needs coordinator provides small group and individual activities tailored to children's needs, such as language-focused activities.

Outdoor space

Older children line up and wait sensibly before walking calmly outside to play. Occasionally, some areas are not as well resourced for older children outside; for instance, many older children enjoyed the mud kitchen, but there were not many resources to choose from to help enhance and develop their play further. The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

Parent Reviews of First Friends Nursery School

5.0
(3)
Derya TAN
2 years ago

All staff are very friendly and smiley . My daughter goes there since she was 20 months. she is so happy to go there and of course as a mum I am happy too. Thank you for everything.

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taher mohammedali
2 years ago

First friends have been great from day one. Both my sons have been there with no issues at all. Very friendly and courteous staff. Would definitely recommend for your little one.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for First Friends Nursery School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: October 2018

  • July 2024Good
  • October 2018Good

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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