Nursery near me, nursery, preschool, ymca, fairthorne group, ymca nursery, ymca preschool

14 August 2025

Sending your child to nursery can be daunting, even if it is only for a few hours a week. As a parent, one of the first important decisions you will make is where to send your child to preschool. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to select the best fit for your child’s early development..

A good nursery school lays the foundation for lifelong learning, social skills, and emotional growth. In this article, we’ll guide you through the key factors to consider when picking the right nursery school for your little one, ensuring a nurturing and positive start to their educational journey.

  • Check Ofsted Ratings.

Make sure the nursery is licensed by the appropriate governing body and follows regulations for child safety and care. Having proof your child is in a well-established, safe environment, will ease any worries you may have. All YMCA Nurseries are rated Outstanding or Good, and we have the reports on our webpages.

 

  • Visit the site yourself

Even if you hear praise from other parents, always take the time to visit the nursery before making a decision. This gives you a chance to observe the environment, facilities, and how staff interact with the children.

 

  • Is there an a stimulating outdoor area?

Children are more motivated to learn in the outdoors. It is important a nursery school has a good sized garden. If your child loves being outside, why not even consider a Forest School?

 

  • Consider Location and Hours

Choose a nursery that is conveniently located and fits within your schedule. Fairthorne Group has nurseries in Botley, Woolston, Portsmouth, Eastleigh, Newport, New Milton, and Andover. All our nurseries offer wrap around care.

 

  • Meet the Staff

Upon their entry into nursery, your child will be given a key person, make sure you get to know them, and that they understand your child.

 

  • Consider SEN facilities

If necessary, check out what SEN offerings the nursery offers. YMCA Fairthorne Group nurseries ensure the best quality care for all children, with or without additional needs.

 

With this guidance, you should feel more prepared for how to best approach picking a nursery for your child. If you’re interested in a YMCA Nursery, get in touch today with your local setting, or fill out this form on our homepage.