First Friends Village Nursery

West Street, Barford St Martin, Salisbury SP3 4AH
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9.9 48 Reviews
First Friends Village Nursery is nestled in the picturesque rural village of Barford St Martin. Steeped in history, the nursery holds a special place in the community. It was once the village Infant School.

The award-winning nursery is a small, family run business providing flexible and quality childcare for children and babies from three-months to five-years, operating since January 2010.

The nursery is easy to find with ample parking onsite. Just 6 miles from Salisbury and a couple of miles from Dinton. The children live in surrounding villages and towns, such as Burcombe, Dinton, Salisbury and Wilton but they do have children travel as far as Tisbury and Shaftesbury.

First Friends Village Nursery has just undergone a major renovation in 2024. The biggest in their 10 year history. The renovation involved every room in the nursery, brand-new learning resources, and a calming, aesthetically pleasing environment designed to create a beautiful and peaceful space for children to learn and grow.

In addition to the indoor updates, the large beloved garden is also being revamped to offer an even better outdoor experience, keeping in line with their focus on nature and free play.

The nursery is split into four base rooms, which include;

- The Discoverers: the baby room (from 3 months old).
- The Explorers: the toddler room
- The Inventors: the pre-school room
There is also a separate sleep room, attached to the baby room.
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Care Provided by First Friends Village Nursery

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Melissa Alford (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 10
  • Total Places for Children
  • 71
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:00-19:00
    Tuesday 07:00-19:00
    Wednesday 07:00-19:00
    Thursday 07:00-19:00
    Friday 07:00-19:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays

Funding & Fees Guide for First Friends Village Nursery

  • Under 2's: AM: £43 PM: £41 All day: £75
    2-3s: AM £42 PM: £40 All day: £74
    3-5s: AM £41 PM: £39 All day: £73


    We offer an hourly rate of £8. Cooked meals, snacks and drinks are included in our prices.

  • We offer an hourly rate of £8. Cooked meals, snacks and drinks are included in our prices.
  • Parking

  • First Friends Village Nursery have an onsite car park for easy drop-off and pick-up.


First Friends Village Nursery Reviews (48)

Total of 48, showing 1-20
9.9

First Friends Village Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.878) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time First Friends Village Nursery has 48 reviews.

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Review from J W (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my daughters have attended First Friends Barford, and they both have loved and love it there. I have been able to drop them off knowing they're cared for and in safe hands and have picked them up with stories of excitement about their days. It's a wonderful setting with a wonderful staff. I will
miss it when the little one goes to school, and they've both flown the first friend's nest.

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Review from Nicola F (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Friends is such a lovely, welcoming nursery. My little one has been going for the past 6 months, and she is so settled already. All the staff are fantastic and know all the children, even if they aren't in their rooms. The remodel is fantastic, and I would 100% recommend this nursery to anyone.

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Review from V K (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Great nursery, very approachable staffs, clean, great food. I got a place right away as we recently moved to the area. But the manager and other staff were very friendly and readily available to discuss our circumstances. Thank you.

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Review from M R (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After a tricky start for our little one, I now look forward to picking her up and hearing all about her day! The staff have invested so much time and care into getting her settled and I'm so pleased that she's now loving life at nursery. She is even taking it upon herself to help the newer babies to
settle, she's clearly learnt from the best. As someone who works in Early Years it is clear to see that the staff are the perfect mix of personable and professional and they clearly take time to reflect on the children's progress in the areas that matter the most. I love the way they chat to me on pick up showing a genuine enthusiasm for the day they have had with the babies a testament to how good they are!

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Review from J P (Mother of Child) published on 23 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves going to nursery and looks forward to seeing all the members of staff. So many different activities are on offer and the children have a real input in their activities. He is learning so much in the nursery and the staff are kind and fun-loving!

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Review from V C (Mother of Child) published on 23 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery is extremely high quality - from the setting to the staff and everything in between. The building is new and clean, the rooms are well-maintained. The food is high quality and my child absolutely loves all the meals. The staff are friendly and really knowledgeable and they always keep up
to date with our child's progress via phone calls and the App. I couldn't recommend this nursery more!

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Review from Charlie K (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We've been at First Friends since September and so far my little one has loved it! He's learned so much and his personality has grown and developed too. It's great to see him so happy at the end of the day, and equally happy to go in on the mornings! The staff in the baby room have been so good with
him and I really feel like he gets a lot of attention and gets to do lots of activities.

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Review from Michaela W (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love first friends. Our little boy has come along leaps and bounds since starting in April 2024. They provide a safe and secure environment for children to learn with a variety of resources. No day is the same! There is always something new to learn. I can't wait to pick up my little boy and him
tell me all about the things he's done that day! They are brilliant at drop-off (my little one isn't great when I leave) but they help him calm and just know what to do! Which puts my mind at ease also! From a parent's perspective- they are so friendly and easy to talk to. If you have any issues you can approach and they will be dealt with, with empathy and professionalism! Also, they've just had a massive renovation with new resources always a bonus! Thank you to all the staff at First Friends Barford St Martin. You are all wonderful!

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Review from E M (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been at First Friends for over 2 years now and she loves it. The staff are always so caring and helpful and very supportive of her. She always comes home happy and well-fed. We would recommend this nursery wholeheartedly.

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Review from Victoria S (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2023
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at the nursery from the baby room through to the preschool room. He absolutely loves it there and goes running in excited every morning and hides when I try to collect him in the evenings! The staff have been fantastic at adapting to his individual needs and recognising when he needs
things done slightly differently from other children.
Our daughter also goes to the nursery now and is in the baby room. The separate sleep room is amazing and the staff in the baby room are so calm and kind that she has adjusted so well to being away from me.
Both my children absolutely love the cooking and try new things they would never try at home! I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone.

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Review from A F (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been really happy here and loved preparing for his nativity show.
Really helped build his confidence.
He has loved all of the activities building up to Christmas, making decorations, reading stories, and making his costume.

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Review from Kate H (Mother of Child) published on 5 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter is going through some developmental stages which is causing her to be more sensitive and emotional than usual. The communication between the staff and me has been so good and they have been super helpful and supportive for both my daughter and me.

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Review from D F (Mother of Child) published on 13 November 2023
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The team have been amazing at helping my 2 children settle in. The staff are genuinely excited to tell you when they have achieved something and are warm and caring. I would definitely recommend First Friends at Barford St Martin.

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Review from S D (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has gone through from the baby room to preschool at First Friends, Barford, and he absolutely loves it. The staff are caring, approachable and clearly know the children in their care so well. I love to see how they adapt the play and learning on offer to match the children's interests,
and the next steps for us to work on are always spot on. I feel very lucky to have found such a wonderful nursery on our doorstep.

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Review from Pete S (Father of Child) published on 6 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have placed both our children in the Barford nursery and couldn't be happier with our choice. Our eldest has left now, but still regularly asks to come along and pick up her brother so she can see the team again!
Our youngest is really starting to thrive in the setting. He takes his time to adapt
to things and they have been really supportive of him during his time so far. It is really starting to show through and he is so much more confident and comfortable within the setting.
We aren't having any more children, but if we were, we'd happily send them there if needed!

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Review from Tom M (Father of Child) published on 27 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery with staff that are only too willing to help. Our daughter has been here for nearly two years and I can't think of a bad thing to say. We leave our daughter here three days a week and don't worry for even a moment even though she has very long days here. She clearly enjoys the nursery
and always eats very well.
It is managed exceptionally well and very organised.
We're really very happy to have our daughter here.

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Review from Russell H (Father of Child) published on 31 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at First Friends in January 2023 and I couldn’t be more pleased with everything. The team have been so welcoming and made us feel at ease from the first day. The staff feedback on his day and are always there for a chat. We moved our son from another setting so we were worried about the
transition but it went so smoothly. We are so pleased we made the move. Couldn’t recommend the setting highly enough.

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Review from L J (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A lovely nursery with amazing staff! I looked at many nurseries when I was deciding which one for my baby and just knew as soon as I walked in that First Friends was the one for us!
I love the separate sleep room and the space in the baby room. As a first time mum I was a little anxious but from the
start I felt reassured by the staff team, I know my baby is safe and very well looked after and know that I've made the right decision.

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Review from H K (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child was very unsettled due to Covid, confidence has come out so much more now. The improvements on Barford Saint Martin outlook sign is the colour of the fence just stands out lovely all around. This looks beautiful now, the staff are lovely, she always comes home and tells us how much she loves
it there and she loves the staff. My daughter is just all-around settled in playschool.

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Review from Harriet W (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wow, what a wonderful nursery - we highly recommend First Friends based on our experience. Our daughter has been incredibly happy since day one - she loves the team, who are warm and friendly, and happily bounds into Nursery at drop off every morning. I believe this is a testament to the love and care
from the team and the fun activities on offer. Lately, we have had spooky Halloween themed cards and crafts and an individually decorated pumpkin (still displayed at home!). We recently had a newborn and the nursery made us a lovely welcome baby card which was so thoughtful. Spending time outdoors is really important to me and the outdoor facilities are excellent with free flow access for toddlers and lots of time spent outside daily. The nursery also regularly take the children out on walks around the local area. Very happy with the ethos, environment and personal touch.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.878)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.878) out of 10 for First Friends Village Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.878 for First Friends Village Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (159 Excellents x 5) + (20 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 180 Ratings = 4.878

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for First Friends Village Nursery is based on 15 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 71 number of registered child places is 14.2, which has been reached with 15 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

Apprentice Award

Recipient: First Friends Village Nursery

Date: Thursday 22 Jun 2017 More details

Netmums childcare awards

Recipient: First Friends Village Nursery

Date: Wednesday 01 Oct 2014 More details

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Meet the Team (1)

Melissa

Melissa Alford

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2022

My name is Melissa and I am the Nursery Manager at our delightful nursery in Barford St Martin.

I am responsible for the overall management of the nursery; ensuring all children are safeguarded, and providing high standards of care and early learning experiences.

I have over 10 years of working in childcare, including two years working as a nursery manager at another nursery in Wiltshire, where I was a finalist for Manager of the Year in 2021.

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Early Years Childcare and Education, Paediatric First Aider & Safeguarding Mental Health First Aider, to name but a few.

Our nursery is always open for nursery tours. Come and have a look round and meet our team.

... Read more

Frequently Asked Questions about First Friends Village Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that First Friends Village Nursery accepts?

First Friends Village Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is First Friends Village Nursery Open?

First Friends Village Nursery is open: Monday 07:00-19:00, Tuesday 07:00-19:00, Wednesday 07:00-19:00, Thursday 07:00-19:00, Friday 07:00-19:00.

How many Children does First Friends Village Nursery have capacity for?

First Friends Village Nursery has capacity for a total of 71 Children.

How far is First Friends Village Nursery to the centre of Salisbury?

5.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact First Friends Village Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. First Friends Village Nursery has a Platinum Service – more info.