Big Discoveries Nursery

Portchester Community Centre, Westlands Grove, Fareham PO16 9AD
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9.9 43 Reviews
  • Big Discoveries Nursery, Fareham
Big Discoveries Nursery provides a fun and stimulating place to learn for 0-5-year-olds within the Portchester Community Centre.

Children develop a passion for learning within a caring environment within a well resourced indoor area and a large outdoor garden. The learning here is child-led; all resources are available at the children's level for them to choose how they want to fill their day.

There is free-flow into the large garden allowing for them to take their learning outdoors as much as they want. The environment and ethos are not just about preparing children for skills for school but skills for life.

The nursery is open 48 weeks a year and is open from 8am-5pm Monday to Friday.

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Care Provided by Big Discoveries Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Beejal Mistry and Kirsty Bavister
  • Person in charge
  • Kirsty Bavister and Beejal Mistry (Owner/Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 9
  • Total Places for Children
  • 36
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-17:00
    Tuesday 08:00-17:00
    Wednesday 08:00-17:00
    Thursday 08:00-17:00
    Friday 08:00-17:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays, Easter & Christmas
  • Parking

  • There is a large car park outside the Community Centre


Big Discoveries Nursery Reviews (43)

Total of 43, showing 21-40
9.9

Big Discoveries Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.887) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Big Discoveries Nursery has 43 reviews.

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Review from S C (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'd highly recommend Big Discoveries Nursery, both my children attended here. My boy settled quickly after a bad experience elsewhere and my daughter loved every minute she spent there. My daughter still tells me how the teachers are her best friends as they were so fun! My children were both ready
when it came to them starting school.

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Review from Jessie J (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing ladies, feel so at ease knowing my little girl is left in the care of such friendly kind staff, love seeing what she has been up to on the app. Always seem to be doing new and different activities, all the children always look busy and enjoying themselves and love the space in the garden.

Reply from Kirsty Bavister, Owner/Manager at Big Discoveries Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to review us. We are glad that you have been enjoying the updates via the online journal, it's been great seeing your daughter settle in and enjoy the activities we offer here.


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Review from Rebecca F (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves going to Big Discoveries. He has great fun with friends. The staff were quick to discover a budding friendship between my son and a child with a similar temperament. They have since become inseparable which has been wonderful to see. My son loves playing outside (great, spacious and safe
outside area) and enjoys planned fun activities learning new things. The nursery is safe and clean, the staff are fantastic and the most important thing is my son is happy.

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Review from Kate T (Mother of Child) published on 25 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My youngest boy is one of the 2020 school leavers this year and after 3 years he will be very sad to say goodbye. Both of my boys have been with Big Discoveries from the beginning and my eldest left to go to Infant school over 2 years ago but still wants to return and visit the staff at Big Discoveries!
They have enjoyed it so much and have came on in leaps and bounds with their development and learning due to the care and consideration of the staff. Big Discoveries have shown such care, consideration, flexibility and understanding over the past 3 years and I cannot recommend them enough. The free flow ethos is evident daily from engaging creative activities inside to the creative learning outside where the children can scooter/cycle, explore nature, play in the mud kitchen or play in a tent! The choice is always on offer!

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Review from Kate L (Mother of Child) published on 11 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot praise Big Discoveries enough. My two-year-old and four-year-old both attend and love it. All the ladies are incredible and are always so welcoming. Both my girls love them all. Every day is different and they do so many different fun activities. Lovely enclosed garden for the children to play.
My girls cannot wait to get there and play in the mornings. Whilst my girls have a lot of fun playing, they have also come on so much in their development. Wonderful nursery.

Reply from Kirsty Bavister, Owner/Manager at Big Discoveries Nursery

Thank you for your kind review. We have made some lovely early years memories with the girls learning whilst they play - crafting, painting, bug hunts and water play as a few of their favorites. We look forward to hearing all about big school from your eldest in September and continuing our fun and games with your youngest daughter.


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Review from Eleanor C (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I liked the nursery as soon as I set foot inside. Genuinely all great staff and lovely people. We liked the free flow of the place and lots of activities that encourage different types of learning and development and the outside space is very well utilised and kids allowed to go out when they want
which is a huge plus for us. It is a supportive and encouraging environment where my daughter gained self-confidence and has been allowed to be herself and grow. She always had a smile on her face and looked forward to going. I would highly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Kirsty Bavister, Owner/Manager at Big Discoveries Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review, we have really enjoyed having both your children here. With your eldest off to school, we will particularly miss her beautifully creative ideas, however, we are looking forward to making more happy memories with your youngest daughter, which we have a feeling will be mostly outdoors!


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Review from Chloe H (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Big Discoveries have been amazing and made life very easy for me being a working mum. Both of my children have enjoyed their time with them and have always come out with a huge smile on their face, after a day of playing, painting, baking or whatever takes their fancy. I would like to thank
all the staff for looking after my most treasured little beings and making their early years so much fun.

Reply from Kirsty Bavister, Owner/Manager at Big Discoveries Nursery

Thank you for your kind review, it has been a pleasure looking after both your children and to be part of their early years - how quickly the time has flown! We wish your family all the best for the future.


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Review from Gemma H (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would highly recommend this nursery. The staff are so lovely and helpful; they really do everything they can to support the children. They do so many activities, so there's never a dull moment; my little boy loves going!

Reply from Kirsty Bavister, Owner/Manager at Big Discoveries Nursery

Thank you for the recommendation, we have really missed your son during the lockdown. We are enjoying having him back for lots more fun with his favourite cars and animals and all the artwork for his grandparents!


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Review from Natalie C (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of our daughters have attended Big Discoveries. Our oldest is now at school, and the girls at Big Discoveries, did an amazing job getting her ready for big school. Our youngest has attended since age one, and she settled in so quickly. We have never had any concerns and know that the children are
happy enjoying themselves and learning new skills. Big Discoveries were so flexible compared to many nurseries, which has been great to choose hours to fit with my work. I would definitely recommend it.

Reply from Kirsty Bavister and Beejal Mistry, Owners/Managers at Big Discoveries Nursery

We have loved playing firemen, princesses and pirates with your daughters. We have definitely got messy with mud and paint. Thank you for sharing your precious little ones with us. We will miss you all.


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Review from Donna C (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This amazing nursery helped me out at the start of covid19 and welcomed my daughter into their family environment. She adapted so well and loves it there. I love their philosophy. The staff are really helpful and friendly, but more importantly, my daughter loves them and loves going to Big Discoveries.
Thanks to the manager and her amazing staff.

Reply from Beejal Mistry, Owner/Manager at Big Discoveries Nursery

We love having your daughter with us, she tells me every day that she sneaked in without me noticing. Will miss her when she goes to school but am sure she will love it.


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Review from Dawn B (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic relaxed nursery! Lovely staff, very welcoming to the children and also to the parents. Free flow use of the garden, which we love! Very helpful and accommodating.
My son has loved being here and has great fun enjoying the variety of activities.

Reply from Kirsty Bavister, Owner/Manager at Big Discoveries Nursery

Thank you for your review, we all love playing with your son. He has an amazing imagination.


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Review from Charlotte S (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a fantastic nursery. I can not speak highly enough of this place. My son has grown so much as a person, thanks to all the ladies at Big Discoveries. They way they have handled things since the virus outbreak is fantastic. My son will miss them all very much.

Reply from Beejal Mistry, Owner/Manager at Big Discoveries Nursery

We wish your son all the best wishes for school. Recently he has been my paperwork helper and would come and ask me if I wanted anything photocopied. I am going to miss the post-it notes on my desk with his messages.


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Review from Claire G (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at Big Discoveries just after her 2nd birthday. The staff at the nursery are so friendly and caring. They are extremely adaptable for each child's needs. The nursery itself is well equipped and has a lovely private garden. It is always very clean. They do a variety of activities
to encourage learning through play. My daughter really enjoyed going. I would highly recommend it.

Reply from Beejal Mistry, Owner/Manager at Big Discoveries Nursery

So who is going to do craft with us? At least we won't run out of sellotape. We will miss you all and wish her all the best at school.


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Review from Jade G (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Big Discoveries Nursery is the place to send your child(ren)! My daughter has been going here for roughly a year and absolutely loves it here. Every day they are doing something new and exciting, which she can’t wait to tell the whole family about. The staff are incredibly kind, caring and thoughtful
and make the setting feel like a safe and secure place for both myself and my daughter. Since starting here, my daughter has blossomed and is learning new things and developing wonderfully. There really is no better place to send your child(ren), and with mine going here, I know she will be fully prepared and ready for school when the time comes. 10/10 would recommend to anyone.

Reply from Kirsty Bavister, Owner/Manager at Big Discoveries Nursery

We are so happy your daughter is now back with us after the COVID lockdown. We have lots of fun activities organised for the Summer.


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Review from Sophie M (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Two of my children went to Big Discoveries and have been very happy there. My daughter is now at school and was so ready for school through the brilliant preparation she had there, including phonics songs, which she loved and carried on at school. My son is about to leave to go to school, and I couldn't
have asked for a better nursery. The staff and management are extremely caring, activities are fun and engaging, and they really put themselves out to do special things for the children. Also very flexible with timings so you're not tied to a full day like a lot of nurseries if that's not what you need.

Reply from Kirsty Bavister and Beejal Mistry, Owners/Managers at Big Discoveries Nursery

We have loved to have both your son and daughter with us here at Big Discoveries. We have loved being dinosaurs, princesses and so much more. We are going to miss you, as well as the children and we send best wishes to your daughter for school. We are sure she will do well.


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Review from Emily M (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend this lovely nursery and the girls that work within it highly enough. I have both a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old who go there and absolutely love it. They go from strength to strength with so many skills since being a part of this lovely nursery and preschool. They run in and rarely
want to come home, which shows they are loved and well looked after there. You will not regret making the decision to send your precious little ones here.

Reply from Kirsty Bavister and Beejal Mistry, Owners/Managers at Big Discoveries Nursery

There will be a big void when your son goes to school, but at least we will still have his sister! Over the last few weeks, we have enjoyed playing with babies, I am sure there will be many more hours of playing with the babies.


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Review from Nicky C (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Big Discoveries is an excellent nursery. Both our children absolutely thoroughly enjoy going there. They were new to the nursery in April this year due to the COVID pandemic and they could not have been more welcoming and loving towards our children. As a parent, having to find a new nursery during
such a challenging time, it was so reassuring to have their support every day. Our children had such a wonderful experience during, what could have been, quite an uncertain and scary time for such young children. The staff listen carefully to your concerns/questions and work very hard to give your child the very best experience possible. I love the free flow learning and my children have flourished under this approach. It is a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere with significant learning taking place, without the children having to sit down and learn in a formal way. Both of my children come home having learnt or tried something new every day, skipping in and out every day.

Reply from Beejal Mistry, Owner/Manager at Big Discoveries Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review. With the uncertainties that came with the COVID lockdown, your children were a source of so much fun and happiness and continue to be! It has been a pleasure to have your children here with us.


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Review from Rachael B (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started his nursery journey at Big Discoveries Nursery shortly after they opened and today was his last day before going up to school. I can not recommend them highly enough, the staff are all amazing and the management does an amazing job, working shifts they have always tried to cater to what
we have needed. My son is well and truly ready for school and I put this down to the hard work and dedication of the staff. He is able to recognise all letters of the alphabet and sound them out plus add and subtract numbers (skills most learn when they start school), I feel he already has a head start in learning.
Thank you for looking after my little man and helping him grow. We have already recommended to friends and will be really sad not to be coming in to see everyone anymore.
Once again thank you for being the best preschool we have ever used.

Reply from Kirsty Bavister at Big Discoveries Nursery

Thank you for your kind words. We will miss you all!


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Review from Chantelle N (Mother of Child) published on 14 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great, friendly nursery. Staff great with the kids. Make them feel welcome. They adapt them selves to each child. They teach very well. A very clean nursery and have a open policy for visit so never staged. One manager is great, very friendly.

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Review from Louise N (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at Big Discoveries for the past 5 months. She has caught up after having a speech delay and is now on target. The team invests in each child, and works hard to give them all one to one attention and help with confidence. I am told daily all of my daughter's details including food,
snacks and drink. There is a huge variety of activities going on. My daughter and I love her days. Thank you so much team for all you have done. Every staff member is fab.

Reply from Beejal Mistry, Manager at Big Discoveries Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind comments. We love having your daughter here with us. We get to have parties all the time!


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.887)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.887) out of 10 for Big Discoveries 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 4.887 for Big Discoveries Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (158 Excellents x 5) + (18 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 177 Ratings = 4.887

  • 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 Big Discoveries 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 36 number of registered child places is 7.2, 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.

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