Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school

Old School House, 7 London Road, Purbrook, Waterlooville PO7 5LQ
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9.8 91 Reviews
  • Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school, Waterlooville
Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school in Hampshire offers a warm, welcoming, and vibrant environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. Recently refurbished, the nursery boasts beautifully designed interiors that create a modern yet homely atmosphere. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with high-quality resources tailored to the needs of each age group, encouraging children to engage in imaginative play and develop a love for learning.

One of the standout features of Purbrook Day Nursery is its specialised baby unit, designed to provide the youngest children with a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. This dedicated space is carefully arranged to support the developmental milestones of babies, offering a cosy, secure setting where they can explore and develop at their own pace. The baby unit is staffed by experienced and caring practitioners who are specially trained in infant care, ensuring that each baby receives the individual attention and care they need to thrive.

As children grow and transition through the nursery, they move into rooms designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers, each providing an age-appropriate environment that supports their developmental journey. The nursery’s learning spaces are crafted to inspire curiosity and creativity, with a curriculum that integrates play-based learning and prepares children for the next steps in their education.

In addition to the superb indoor facilities, Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school offers a wonderful outdoor area where children can enjoy fresh air and physical activity. The outdoor space is equipped with a variety of play equipment and natural resources, providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Outdoor learning is a key part of the nursery’s approach, encouraging children to connect with nature and develop their physical skills in a safe and stimulating environment.

Care Provided by Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Helen O'Hara (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 10
  • Total Places for Children
  • 50
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays
  • Parking
  • Off street parking available at the front of nursery building, on the London road. Parking also available in church car park accessed from roundabout.


Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school Reviews (91)

Total of 91, showing 81-91
9.8

Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.848) out of 10, based on 33 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school has 91 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Having been in lockdown for a big part of her life, my three-year-old was not used to strangers at all. New situations made her very anxious and this rubbed off on me. When she started at Rocking Horse it was really tough for us both but the manager and her team have eased us in gently and she NEARLY
leaves without tears... nearly. Thank you all for making us feel welcome.

Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school

Thank you for sharing your experience of the nursery. It's been a tough year and anxiety in little (and big) people is unsurprising. We have such a warm team of people at the nursery and I am delighted they have been able to help you through this challenging time. Thank you for choosing us to care for your daughter.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has just left the nursery to go to school and absolutely loved her time at Rocking Horse, she made such lovely friends and the staff are always so welcoming and caring. My son still attends and can be clingy at drop off but the staff always deal with this really well and encourage him to
go in and start an activity. The two outside areas are great as there is such a variety of things for them to do as well as lots of equipment inside too. Overall a really great nursery/pre-school.

Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school

Thank you for your review. I hope your daughter is doing well at school. Our team specialises in helping children and parents with the anxiety associated with nursery drop off - it's true what they say "as soon as you are out through the gate, he is happily settled with his friends". Again, thanks for the review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff at Rocking Horse are super friendly and always communicate well.
My little one always has a great time and I love knowing she's getting nutritional food.
She loves all the activities they do too.

Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school

Dear Kerri,
Super pleased to hear how happy you and your daughter are with Rocking Horse Nursery - thanks for choosing us and sharing your experience.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Deciding on a preschool for my 3 year old was a job I wasn’t looking forward to doing.
My husband and I walked into Rocking Horse and instantly knew it was the one. The manager was so warm, friendly and welcoming. And our daughter immediately felt happy. The whole team are amazing at what they do.
The resources, the food, the activities. Everything at Rocking Horse is first class. Our daughter goes off every day with a smile on her face, what more could a mum ask for? I would recommend this preschool again and again. THE best around for miles.
Well done to the team, you’ve got it just right!

Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school

Hi Danielle,
Wow-what a wonderful review for our manager and her amazing team of practitioners. I am super pleased to know your daughter enjoys the nursery; it's our job to give you peace of mind. Thank you for entrusting us to care for your lovely daughter.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son is 15 months old and I am so happy with the progress he's made at the Rocking Horse Nursery. He is excited to go in every morning and I know he is receiving the best possible care. All the staff are friendly and welcoming and his key workers have got to know him so well. After visiting a number
of nurseries, it was after meeting the staff at Rocking Horse that I knew this was the right place for him.
The building has character and they've filled it with 'fun'. The staff put a lot of emphasis on outdoor play which I think is fantastic! The car park to the rear makes the nursery really accessible.

Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school

Thank you for allowing us to care for your son. It's great to know you chose Rocking Horse over other nurseries. Caring for children is in our DNA, our team of wonderful practitioners really do dedicate so much to their work. Thank you for sharing your experience.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has just turned 3 and has been attending since he was 10 months old. The nursery is very friendly, well run and he has made lots of friends there. He loves the home-cooked food that is offered. It is home from home and I have peace of mind he is in safe hands and enjoying himself. Thank you for
taking such great care of him.

Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school

Dear Debbie,
I was so pleased to read your comments and am super happy your son enjoys his time at the nursery, and our tasty home-cooked food (our lovely cook will be delighted to know this).
Thank you for sharing.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Sadly my son has now left this month to go to school and I was heartbroken. Rocking Horse have been outstanding over the last 2 and a half years and I’m only sorry it wasn’t our first choice on my return to work. Without a doubt, this isn’t just a nursery, it has been part of our family. My son has
grown and developed through their amazing care and I can not recommend Rocking Horse enough. Having needed additional speech and language assistance, they have worked alongside the specialists and have their own in-house specialist too. He has come on leaps and bounds. Even when we were struggling with the first dentist visit, they adapted their classes to incorporate the learning of dental care, etc. And the next visit to the dentist was a dream. They are flexible and when needed jumped in to help where we needed support.
Drop off is a breeze with a hidden gem of the car park at the rear. Two amazing gardens for the children to play in, amazing activities and more importantly, an incredible team.

Reply from David Hancock, CEO at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school

Thank you so much for taking the time to write about your experience at our wonderful nursery. I am delighted to know we played such a large part of your son's early years - the team will be really chuffed to hear of your comments. I work with some real superstars, but never cease to be surprised at how my colleagues adapt to the needs of each child, so learning about how they eased any anxiety around the dreaded dentist is wonderful to know.
May I wish your son luck for his next steps in education and thank you again for your feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has spent many happy years here at Rocking Horse. I really couldn’t ask for more in terms of care, attention, safety, fun, learning and development. The preparation for big school is great, and I’m so impressed with all the social skills, interactions and independence they develop at this setting
- it really is top-notch. The manager leads a great team here and it has a lovely family feel, especially with all the social and fundraising events too. We will miss Rocking Horse so much when it’s time to leave and we’ll always be grateful for our time here - special memories!
The return to Nursery after the Covid closure has been very well organised, reassuring and sensible. My child just couldn’t wait to return and going back was a happy day for us all and a seamless event. The drop off and collection is smooth, quick and safe.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended this nursery for 2 years, he is now leaving in August to go to year Reception.


I cannot say enough about how loving, caring, supportive and talented the team are, my little boy loves his time there always talks about the staff and children. They nurture the children to get the

best out of them the kids love the 2 outside gardens building dens watching the tadpoles grow to frogs and much more.


I helped out in the muddy puddle walk earlier this year and what a delight that was, it was so nice to see all the children going round the walks finding ladybugs all sorts of different flowers and generally enjoying nature.


I will always recommend the nursery even though my little one does not go there now. If you are looking for a nursery that will 100% care for your little ones please sign up to them.


Reply from Helen O'Hara at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school

Thank you so much - he's a joy to have!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my daughters have attended Rocking Horse Nursery and the whole experience has been fantastic for all of this.
From starting, they have felt part of the family, the staff are friendly and very caring. I am so happy that I have found such a lovely place for my children to go while I am at work.

Reply from Beejal Mistry, Deputy Manager at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school

Thank you for your kind words. We love having your daughter here!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our eldest son attended this nursery for approximately 18 months before he left for school. Our youngest son now attends and has done for 15 months since the age of 1. He loves his time spent there, especially when outside in each of their 2 garden areas. He benefits from the range of activities
offered to him, the opportunity to be physically active but also to partake in more relaxing, but still stimulating, activities. The environment promotes variety, creativity, and imagination from the children.


The staff are approachable, kind and caring and have developed knowledge of our son's individual needs over the time he has been attending.


I have recommended this nursery to friends and will continue to do so.


Reply from Beejal Mistry, Deputy Manager at Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school

Thank you, Leeanne, for your kind words. We love to have your son here at our nursery, he never ceases to amaze us with all the new words and skills he has learnt!


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.848)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.848) out of 10 for Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 33 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 32 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 4.848 for Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school is calculated as follows: ( (364 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (7 Poors x 2) + (4 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 396 Ratings = 4.848

  • 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 Purbrook Day Nursery & Pre-school is based on 32 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 50 number of registered child places is 10, which has been reached with 32 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.

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