YMCA Fairthorne Group is welcoming local families and MPs to the grand opening of its new baby room, Squirrels, on 11 May at Fairthorne Manor.
The day will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a stay-and-play session from 1.30pm-3.30pm, where families can explore the new space, meet the team, and enjoy activities.
The new baby room has been designed to provide a calm, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children can thrive from their earliest months. With a peaceful sleep space, engaging play areas, and access to a secure outdoor garden within the Manor’s 95-acre grounds, the setting reflects YMCA Fairthorne Group’s commitment to high-quality early years provision.
Phillipa Spicer, CEO of YMCA Fairthorne Group, said:
“This event is a fantastic opportunity to welcome our community into the new setting, celebrate our team’s hard work, and recognise the support from Hampshire County Council that made this expansion possible.
As demand for early years places continues to grow, it is vital we create environments that are not only high-quality, but truly inclusive for every child and family.”
Vikki Kennesion, Director of Early Years, added:
“We’ve created a baby room that supports every stage of early development, with inclusion at its heart.
The expansion comes as the need for inclusive early years support continues to rise. YMCA Fairthorne Group has embedded its Inclusive Classroom Profile across its settings, helping to ensure all children – regardless of need or background- feel supported, valued, and able to flourish.
Following the expansion, YMCA Fairthorne Manor Nursery will offer 160 childcare places in Botley for children aged 4 months to 5 years, alongside hundreds more across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The opening of Squirrels marks another step in YMCA Fairthorne Group’s commitment to ensuring all children, particularly those with additional needs, have access to high-quality, inclusive early years education and care.
