--- title: "YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery, Portsmouth | Ofsted: Good" url: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/ymca-little-whale-day-nursery-po2-8er-ey319060 description: "YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery in Portsmouth — rated Good by Ofsted and 4.7/5 from 19 reviews. See fees, opening hours and photos. Compare nearby nurseries." lang: en-GB --- Nursery Advice: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/ Claim Your Nursery: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/claim # YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery Ofsted: Good (Mar 2024) · 4.7 (19 Google reviews) · H M S Excellent, Whale Island, Portsmouth, PO2 8ER · Portsmouth Number of places 62 places Age range 0–4 yrs Last inspected Mar 2024 Local authority Portsmouth ## About this day nursery YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery, situated in Portsmouth, provides a play-based learning environment for children, focusing on fostering development in a fun and engaging atmosphere. The curriculum is designed to support each child's individual growth, catering to their unique interests and needs. The day nursery emphasises creating a safe, stimulating, and inclusive setting where children feel empowered to explore and learn. They believe in the importance of outdoor play and offer various activities to encourage physical development and a connection with nature. The nursery is also part of the broader YMCA Fairthorne Group, which has a long-standing commitment to youth development and community support. This affiliation allows them to draw upon a wealth of experience and resources to enhance the nursery experience for the children in their care. The nursery aims to prepare children for their next steps in education by building foundational skills and a love for learning. Our ethos The YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery provides a play-based learning environment with a focus on fostering development in a fun and engaging atmosphere. They believe in the importance of outdoor play and aim to prepare children for their next steps in education by building foundational skills and a love for learning. What it's like Staff warmly welcome children and their families into this inclusive nursery. Children arrive happy and settle quickly. Staff know the children well and plan activities that they know they will enjoy, promoting children's curiosity and motivation to learn. Play-based learning Outdoor play emphasised Part of YMCA Fairthorne Group ## Pricing & funding Fees are structured around full days, morning, or afternoon sessions, with a discounted weekly rate for five full days. Additional hours and hot lunches can be purchased separately. Funding for eligible three and four-year-olds and Tax-Free Childcare are accepted. Funding accepted 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) 30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs) Tax-Free Childcare Good to know - Registration fee: £50.00. - Deposit required: £100.00. - Hot lunch available for £4.00 if not included in the session. - Accepts 15 and 30 hours funding for 3 and 4-year-olds. - Accepts Tax-Free Childcare. ## Key facts Opening hours 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday Age range 3 months to 5 years Term time / All Year All Year Food Nutritious meals and snacks provided Registered with Ofsted 2006 Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery Last inspected 19 March 2024 Safeguarding effective Overall effectiveness Good Quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good What it's like to attend Inspector highlights - The experienced leadership team has worked hard to raise the quality of teaching since the last inspection. - Partnership with parents is highly effective. - Staff develop a curriculum that is ambitious and exciting. They focus on supporting children to become resilient, confident and independent learners. - The special educational needs coordinator works well with other professionals, parents and staff. - Staff provide children with a good range of opportunities to develop their independence skills. Areas to develop - 1 improve the development of children's language and communication skills by using questioning more effectively. Inspection #10290980 · Source: Ofsted View full Ofsted report (https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50244781) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection > Parents value the amazing support from the staff team. > Parents commend staff's understanding of the challenges that naval families experience. Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision The special educational needs coordinator works well with other professionals, parents and staff. She ensures that there is a highly inclusive environment for children. Staff understand children's individual needs, and skilfully deliver targeted activities to close any gaps in learning. This helps to ensure that children receive the support they need swiftly. Outdoor space Children understand how to use the physical apparatus outside safely. Older children are keen to take part in bug hunts, using checklists of minibeasts and distinguishing between the different bugs they find. ## Google Reviews of YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery 4.7 (19 Google reviews) Michael Hutchinson a year ago Exceptional Nursery. Sarah and the team work really hard to make this a welcoming and inclusive environment. They accommodate the needs of individual children and parents. The nursery has a very good programme for military children that helps them cope when a parent is deployed. It includes a dedicated care worker who will work with you to develop a tailored package to deal with individual needs. It is outstanding. They look after the children superbly and the location benefits from safe and secure walks. Marching bands and the odd Royal visitor. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYdjZmdG53RRAB!2m1!1s0x48745d693f08dc75:0x106d0d27506b7494) SK a year ago My daughter is very shy and has always been very clingy with me so I knew it would be hard when the time came for her to start nursery. She joined Little Whale nursery at only ten months and despite the emotional start, she now at age 3 loves going in, has a great relationship with the staff and has friends there who she looks forward to seeing every day. Her confidence has grown and grown and it's so nice driving away in the morning knowing she is going to have a great day. Everyone is very kind and I love the fact that the children get so much time in the garden to enjoy the fresh air! Thank you all for all you do. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYd1pDM3lBRRAB!2m1!1s0x48745d693f08dc75:0x106d0d27506b7494) Hannah Mason a year ago My 2 year old twins have been attending YMCA Little Whale Nursery for 3 months and they love it. They call the nursery staff thier best friends and love playing in the big adventure play park attached to the nursery. They get lunch and tea provided which saves me so much hassle while working and the menus are fantastic. We are very happy here. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYMXA3NlRBEAE!2m1!1s0x48745d693f08dc75:0x106d0d27506b7494) daniella liparoti a year ago All three of my daughters have attended the nursery over the course of 12 years with my youngest daughter starting three weeks ago. The nursery is a magical as the very first day we joined all those years ago and the staff are so welcoming and friendly. The updates on my daughters daily antics are wonderful. We couldn't be happier with our decision to return to YMCA third time round. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYMnBhQklnEAE!2m1!1s0x48745d693f08dc75:0x106d0d27506b7494) Lindsay Carnie a year ago Highly recommend YMCA Little Whale Nursery. The staff are lovely and supportive and have been a great comfort to our family, specifically during times of deployment. A lot of time is spent outside, not only playing but learning new life skills. The environment feels very safe and it is great to know that they can go on walks, exploring and learning road safety on the base. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYc1k3VlNREAE!2m1!1s0x48745d693f08dc75:0x106d0d27506b7494) Reviews from Google for YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps (https://maps.google.com/?cid=1183616739572413588&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Improved from Requires improvement → Good in 2024 Date: June 2010 - March 2024 Good - April 2023 Requires improvement - August 2019 Good - March 2014 Outstanding - June 2010 Good ## Frequently asked about YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery ### What is the age range at YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery? ### What are the fees at YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery? ### How can YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery be contacted? ### How does YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery support children with SEND? ### Where is YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery located? ## Nearby day nurseries in Portsmouth Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery. - Ofsted: Good 0.7 mi ### Discovery Nursery School (Portsmouth) Portsmouth · PO2 8HR https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/discovery-nursery-school-portsmouth-po2-8hr-2622195 - Ofsted: Good 0.7 mi ### Carousel Nursery School Portsmouth · PO2 8ND https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/carousel-nursery-school-po2-8nd-ey500461 - Ofsted: Good 0.8 mi ### Top Tots Day Nursery MLC Portsmouth · PO2 9QA https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/top-tots-day-nursery-mlc-limited-po2-9qa-2604135 - Ofsted: Outstanding 0.9 mi ### Stubbington Lodge Portsmouth · PO2 0HP 4.7(14 Google reviews) https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stubbington-lodge-po2-0hp-ey487983 - Ofsted: Good 0.9 mi ### Twinkle Star Nursery Portsmouth · PO2 0AD 4.8(24 Google reviews) https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/twinkle-star-nursery-po2-0ad-ey413517 - Ofsted: Good 1.0 mi ### Puffin Pre-School Portsmouth · PO2 9PN https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/puffin-pre-school-po2-9pn-ey393239 See all nurseries in Portsmouth →: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q=Portsmouth ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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Sarah and the team work really hard to make this a welcoming and inclusive environment. They accommodate the needs of individual children and parents.\nThe nursery has a very good programme for military children that helps them cope when a parent is deployed. It includes a dedicated care worker who will work with you to develop a tailored package to deal with individual needs. It is outstanding.\nThey look after the children superbly and the location benefits from safe and secure walks. Marching bands and the odd Royal visitor.", "datePublished": "2024-11-01T14:32:39.008338Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "SK" }, "reviewBody": "My daughter is very shy and has always been very clingy with me so I knew it would be hard when the time came for her to start nursery. She joined Little Whale nursery at only ten months and despite the emotional start, she now at age 3 loves going in, has a great relationship with the staff and has friends there who she looks forward to seeing every day. Her confidence has grown and grown and it's so nice driving away in the morning knowing she is going to have a great day. Everyone is very kind and I love the fact that the children get so much time in the garden to enjoy the fresh air! Thank you all for all you do.", "datePublished": "2024-10-17T08:53:10.541916Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Hannah Mason" }, "reviewBody": "My 2 year old twins have been attending YMCA Little Whale Nursery for 3 months and they love it. They call the nursery staff thier best friends and love playing in the big adventure play park attached to the nursery. They get lunch and tea provided which saves me so much hassle while working and the menus are fantastic. We are very happy here.", "datePublished": "2024-10-16T09:08:31.548968Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "daniella liparoti" }, "reviewBody": "All three of my daughters have attended the nursery over the course of 12 years with my youngest daughter starting three weeks ago. The nursery is a magical as the very first day we joined all those years ago and the staff are so welcoming and friendly. The updates on my daughters daily antics are wonderful. We couldn't be happier with our decision to return to YMCA third time round.", "datePublished": "2024-10-15T13:44:03.255411Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lindsay Carnie" }, "reviewBody": "Highly recommend YMCA Little Whale Nursery. The staff are lovely and supportive and have been a great comfort to our family, specifically during times of deployment.\nA lot of time is spent outside, not only playing but learning new life skills. The environment feels very safe and it is great to know that they can go on walks, exploring and learning road safety on the base.", "datePublished": "2024-10-17T18:39:21.780684Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/ymca-little-whale-day-nursery-po2-8er-ey319060#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "South East", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=South%20East" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/ymca-little-whale-day-nursery-po2-8er-ey319060" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/ymca-little-whale-day-nursery-po2-8er-ey319060#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the age range at YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts children aged 0 to 4 years." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the fees at YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A full day from 7:30am to 6:00pm costs £60.00. Morning and afternoon sessions are £38.00 each, a five-day week costs £285.00, extra or flexible hours are £8.50 per hour, and a hot lunch is £4.00 if not included. A £50.00 registration fee and a £100.00 deposit also apply." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery be contacted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Telephone: 023 9421 8321. Email: littlewhale@ymca-fg.org. Website: https://ymca-fg.org/portsmouth/little-whale-nursery/" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery support children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The special educational needs coordinator works with parents, staff and other professionals to shape support around each child. Staff understand individual needs and plan targeted activities to close learning gaps quickly, helping children access a highly inclusive setting." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where is YMCA Little Whale Day Nursery located?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery is in Portsmouth, PO2 8ER, at H M S Excellent." } } ] } ] } ] ```