This week has seen the finishing touches being put to the pre-school room of our new Nursery in Andover which opened towards the end of last year. This community branch is the start our our strategic vision to add 10 community branches over the next decade. We would like to encourage everyone to come along to any of our community branches – here is more about what Andover has to offer:

You’re always welcome at YMCA Andover!

YMCA Andover is the newest location to join the YMCA family, and we are proud to offer a purpose-built nursery and community facility in the heart of the new Augusta Park development in East Anton. We offer high quality childcare for children aged 0-5 years, alongside programmes and spaces for community activities

Our aim is to build happy and healthy communities. We have been open since October 2017 to provide childcare and community services, but on Tuesday 10th April, the Bishop of Winchester and Councillor Edgar from Hampshire County Council will be officially opening the building. This will be a community event and will also serve to officially unveil our community art project. We will also have a range of activities for the community to participate in and we’d love to see the local community there. Below is some more information about the services we currently offer:

Nursery care

We have over 19 years of experience and expertise in early years childcare to bring to our newest setting in Andover. Our purpose-built nursery is light and airy, and designed with children in mind has three dedicated rooms for each age range.  We are open Monday to Friday from 7.30am – 6.00pm, 51 weeks of the year.

Our friendly staff reflect our values – listening, caring, welcoming, exciting, inspiring and active, ensuring that all children have the best nursery experience possible. Our approach puts children at the centre of what we do and using play based learning we support and encourage their development. Our newly opened pre-school room features a fantastic mezzanine wooden castle to enable them to explore, play and learn. Our large outdoor space complete with slide, and water fountain allows children to climb, run, balance, jump and splash whilst problem solving, taking risks, sharing ideas and most importantly having safe, adventurous fun!

Community Support

You might not be aware that at YMCA Andover, we not only provide a range of services for children, but we also offer facilities for families and the local community. Andover’s purpose-built community facility is a place where local people are welcomed and belong. The community facilities have been built with local needs in mind and includes a community centre that is bookable for a host of occasions, such as children’s birthday parties. Additionally, we can offer a private meeting room facility. Larger community space is available for hire for meetings, exercise classes as well as our own groups/sessions. Free tea and coffee is available in our reception area during nursery opening hours (7.30am – 6pm) and everyone is welcome to pop in for a cuppa! Here’s a taster of some of the interesting activities on offer on February, why not give them a try?

·        Yoga & Pilates

·        Over 50’s coffee mornings

·        Parent & Child Coffee mornings

·        Zumba

·        YMCA Messy Play

We will be holding a Community Planting Day on Saturday 24th February between 10am – 12pm and we would love it if you’d like to come along and help us transform the garden for our nursery children! Families are welcome, but children must be supervised by a parent/guardian. Refreshments will be provided as well as all equipment, although please bring gardening gloves if you have them. Please speak to a member of staff if you’re interested.

To find out more about our services please visit our website www.ymca-fg.org or call 01264 310140.

We look forward to welcoming you!