YMCA Andover Nursery | Where Every Child Belongs, Learns and Thrives.

A safe, nurturing nursery in Andover where children grow in confidence, creativity and joy, supported by caring staff, freshly prepared meals, and daily updates through the ParentZone app.

Book a Visit View Our Prices

OPEN DAY | 1st November

On Saturday 1st November, we are excited to open our magical Nursery up to our community. From 9am–12pm, we’ll be hosting this session to give you and your little one an opportunity to explore our wonderful site and discover more about our preschool.

Book your place

About Our Nursery

Set within the heart of Andover, our nursery offers bright indoor spaces, a large garden and a warm, family-style atmosphere where every child feels at home.

Why Parents Choose YMCA Nurseries

Standout care, clear communication, and everyday moments that help children belong, learn and thrive.

ParentZone icon placeholder

ParentZone App

Daily photos and videos of your child, plus quick updates from their key worker.

Freshly Prepared Meals

Nutritious food cooked on site daily; menus available and all allergies catered for.

Upfront Pricing

Clear, transparent fees, no hidden extras.

Inclusive & SEN Friendly

Every child belongs. ICP helps us meet each child’s individual needs.

Outdoor Play & Adventure

Large, secure outdoor areas for exploration and play every day.

Part of YMCA Fairthorne Group

Local charity support so every child feels accepted and valued.

Learning by Stage

Every child grows and learns at their own pace. Our rooms are designed to nurture each stage of their journey, from those first smiles to their first day at school.

Baby Room at YMCA Nursery

Baby Room (4 months – 2 years)

A safe, nurturing home-from-home where we follow your baby’s routines and support big milestones like weaning and walking.

Toddler Room at YMCA Nursery

Toddler Room (2 – 3 years)

Play, movement, and imagination drive learning as toddlers build confidence, coordination, and independence every day.

Pre-School Room at YMCA Nursery

Pre-School Room (3 – 5 years)

Curious minds thrive through creative play, early literacy, and outdoor exploration, preparing your child for school and beyond.

Key person offering calm support to a child during play

Supporting Every Child (SEN & Inclusion)

At YMCA Andover, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to be SEN friendly, ensuring every child feels supported, seen and celebrated. Our Andover nursery is Ofsted Outstanding.

Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP)
Personalised support plans
Family partnership approach
1,360+ children supported across 7 Hampshire nurseries
880,000+ hours of care & education delivered
Ofsted Outstanding logo
Ofsted: Outstanding YMCA Andover Nursery

In 2023/24, YMCA Fairthorne Group embedded the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP) across seven Hampshire nurseries, strengthening high quality, inclusive practice in everyday play and care.

🏆 Youth Matters Awards 2025 – Shortlisted: Family & Youth Work Project of the Year

Settling In

We know starting nursery is a big step, for children and parents. That’s why our settling-in is flexible, gentle, and paced to your child.

First Visit

A one hour session. Parents and children meet their key worker together. We chat through routines, needs and comfort items so your child feels at home.

Second Visit

A 90 minute session without parents to build confidence, short, sweet and full of reassurance.

Third Visit

Another 90 minute independent session to ease the transition and get your child ready for their first full day.

Children enjoying freshly prepared lunch at nursery

Meals and Nutrition

Healthy bodies fuel happy minds.

Our food is cooked fresh on-site every day, with balanced, nutritious meals and snacks provided throughout the day. We cater for all allergies and dietary needs, and menus are available for parents to view anytime.

Freshly Prepared Daily
Balanced, Seasonal Menus
Allergy-Friendly
Food hygiene rating 5
Food hygiene rating: 5 Food Standards Agency
Vegetarian Vegan Halal Kosher Gluten-free Dairy-free Nut-free Allergies
View This Term’s Menu

Our Day at a Glance

From morning hellos to home time, children enjoy a calm routine of play, creativity, outdoors, rest and nutritious meals.

1
Arrival & Welcome

Settle in, greet friends, choose an activity.

2
Morning Snack

A healthy bite to fuel the morning.

3
Outdoor Play

Explore, run, climb and discover nature.

4
Creative Time

Painting, building & sensory fun.

5
Lunch

Freshly prepared meal together.

6
Rest / Quiet

Nap, stories, or calm activities.

7
Afternoon & Tea

Group time, play, snack & tea.

Nursery tour preview

Take a Nursery Tour

See our bright, inspiring rooms and outdoor play areas where little ones learn through play every day.

Our caring staff create a warm, nurturing environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and independence, giving parents complete peace of mind.

Pre-school Room
Pre-school room Pre-school Room
Toddler Room
Toddler room Toddler Room
Baby Room
Baby room Baby Room

Tip: Tap a room to see a photo, click the ❌ to close.

Hours, Flexibility & Funding

Our nurseries are typically open Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm, with flexible full-day, half-day and term-time-only options available. We offer both 15 and 30-hour funded childcare for eligible families.

Opening Hours

Mon–Fri, 8:00am–6:00pm (check local page for exact times).

Sessions & Flexibility

Full days, half days and term-time-only options to suit your family.

Funded Hours

15 & 30 hours available for eligible families.

See Our Fees Check Funding Eligibility
Parent viewing nursery updates and photos on a phone

Communication & Partnership with Parents

We believe parents are our partners in every child’s journey. Through the ParentZone app, you’ll receive regular updates, photos and videos — and you can message your child’s key worker anytime.

Daily Photos & VideosPeek into their day with moments that matter.
Two-Way MessagingQuickly contact your key worker and share notes.
Real-Time NotificationsBe alerted to meals, naps, and special updates.
Learning SnapshotsSee progress highlights linked to goals.
Open ParentZone Book a Visit

Meet the team

Hannah S

Nursery Manager

Hannah S

Nursery Manager

Qualifications
  • Level 4 Higher Education Early years
  • DSL
  • Paediatric First Aid
  • Early Years ELSA
  • Inclusion Classroom Profile Auditor
"I enjoy seeing the development of children and preparing them for their next adventure. And supporting children with additional needs."

Tami

Admin

Tami

Admin

Qualifications:
  • NVQ Level 3 Early years
"The nursery and community centre provides support for many families from different areas of Andover. I like to ensure all families have the best start to their nursery journeys and are always at the end of the phone to offer any support or advice. I enjoy working with people from the local community, whether it’s parents joining for messy play, or someone who has come to get a cup of coffee from our community cabin."

Helen

SENCo

Helen

SENCo

Qualifications:
  • BA Hons in Early Childhood studies
  • DSL
  • Paediatric First Aid
  • NASEN Level 3
  • Inclusion Classroom Profile Auditor
"I enjoy watching children start nursery and supporting them to develop their skills and supporting them transitioning to school."

Jasmine

Baby Room Lead

Jasmine

Baby Room Lead

Qualifications:
  • Foundation degree in Early Years education
  • DSL
  • Paediatric First Aid
"My favourite thing about working in childcare is watching children reach their milestones, learn new things and become confident children. I enjoy creating new experiences and memories for babies."

YMCA Andover Nursery

Excellent staff, they all do incredible work at the nursery. They have helped my son transition and manage him perfectly from babies to the toddler group. I have seen him grow and develop amazingly and forever thankful to the staff.
Father of child, 2023

YMCA Andover Nursery

Our first child (daughter) went to the nursery when it first opened and she had such a wonderful time there. She had built strong, secure relationships with some of the staff there and she still absolutely loves it there, despite leaving a few years ago now. So when we had another baby, there was no question about where we would send him because they are all so lovely and caring at the YMCA. The experience we have had there is welcoming and caring. Our boy, who is now in the baby room, loves it there and the teachers are amazing.

Mother of child, 2023

YMCA Andover Nursery

Really well-deserved ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted Report! Always knew this nursery was the one! My daughter goes in Happy and comes out Happy! My son is also due to start when I return back to work after maternity leave! I have no problems or concerns, and I cannot wait to watch both my children thrive in a place they love!

Mother of child, 2023

YMCA Andover Nursery

My daughter started preschool at YMCA after moving in the area, I can say she had the most difficult time settling in mainly due to separation from family&home. With the care, support and attention of the staff Guler is now upset to come home! All staff members are extremely attentive and patient, thank you to all of you for your efforts, making Guler feel safe and most importantly enjoy herself so much that she looks forward to school! We will never forget Alice’s efforts to keep Guler happy and entertained.
Parent of child, 2023

YMCA Andover Nursery

A wonderful place for a child’s healthy development! The staff are fantastic & our daughter loves it there. She absolutely loves it & so do we! Thank you to all
Mother of child, 2023

YMCA Andover Nursery

Amazing nursery both my children go and I can see how much they are learning.
Mother of child, 2022
Tel: 01264 310140

Perfect Location

YMCA Nursery Andover, Dairy Road, East Anton, Andover, SP11 6YG.

Enquire today

Call: 01264 310140
Contact: [email protected]

    By submitting this form you are agreeing for Fairthorne Group to contact you in line with our Privacy & Cookie Policy

    FAQs

    We support wrap around care, as we are open Monday to Friday from 7:30am – 6pm, all year round.
    Please view our sessions and fees here.
    Children with an entitlement to 2 and 3 year old funding are welcomed – visit the Hampshire County Council website to check your eligibility. Your child is entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week from the term after their 3rd birthday. If you are in work, you could be entitled to an additional 15 hours of free childcare. To find out if you are eligible for the additional 15 hours, please visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
    YMCA Nursery Andover is availble to Children from 4 months to 5 years.
    Find out more about our Childcare Policies and Procedures here
    Childcare Terms and Conditions are available here.
    Childcare Prospectus is available from your Nursery, please contact them for more information.