First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke

The Scout Hut, Hanmore Road, Chineham, Basingstoke RG24 8PJ
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9.9 61 Reviews
  • First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke, Basingstoke
The nursery school is located in the residential area of Chineham, in the scout building on Hanmore Road.

Children from the age of two can enjoy a combination of structure and free-play to learn and develop as confident individuals.

The nursery school has one large room and a side room, for more quieter activities. There is also an interactive white board and access to an enclosed garden. Children are encouraged to free play from inside and out.
The team offer extra curricular activities such as weekly Forest School.

Keeping you in the know

First Friends Basingstoke has a 'closed' group Facebook page (Family of First Friends Basingstoke) where the team post updates on daily activities. There is also a 'General' Facebook page (First Friends Day Nurseries) where you can find out about what the nursery is doing on a more external level.

You will be given access to an online portal, where your child's daily updates and progress are posted.
You can speak to your child's key worker at drop-off and pick-ups every day.
You will be sent a bi-monthly newsletter and annual satisfaction survey.

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Care Provided by First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke

  • Type of Service
  • Nursery School – Privately Owned
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Sharon Martin (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 7
  • Total Places for Children
  • 40
  • Age Range
    • from 2 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:30-15:00
    Tuesday 08:30-15:00
    Wednesday 08:30-15:00
    Thursday 08:30-15:00
    Friday 08:30-15:00
  • When Closed
  • School Holidays

Funding & Fees Guide for First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke

  • AM: £21.50-£22.50 (9am-12noon)
    PM: £21.50-£22.50 (12noon-3pm)
    All day: £42-£44 (9am-3pm)

  • We also have a breakfast club from 8.30am-9am

First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke Reviews (61)

Total of 61, showing 1-20
9.9

First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.868) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke has 61 reviews.

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Review from Sanath R (Father of Child) published on 27 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke is a happy place for my child. He always looks forward to going to school even at weekends he is asking to go to school. My son always sings the songs they do in school and many many things he learns every day. We can see his improvement day by day. We are
very happy that my son is in safe hands and well looked after. Lots of love from our family to the team.

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Review from I Y (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so happy with all the staff. My daughter started more than one year ago in the little room. My daughter was 2 years old when she started and the first week was so difficult for her but with her key worker and other staff members, she soon everything was perfect! She loves to go to First Friends
Nursery School.

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Review from M O (Mother of Child) published on 13 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First friend nursery is a happy place for my children. They always look forward to each day at school. They are always happy when they get back home. Always have something to say about how their day went. The songs they sang, what they were taught and about how they played with their friends. My daughter
talks about how she made her auntie's hair, this makes me laugh always. My son talks about his aunty cuddling him whenever he feels sleepy and how she feeds him whenever he wants to eat. He talks about how his aunty help him change his nappies as well. They also talk about the snacks they give to them and how they love it and wants me to get it for them. I am very happy that my children are in safe hands and well looked after. Well done to the entire team. Much love from my family to the team.

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Review from B Q (Mother of Child) published on 20 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending First Friends for the past year. She thoroughly enjoys it and has made a lot of friends. She is very into crafts and drawing and the preschool has so many activities like this that she loves to do. She is learning every day how to control her emotions and the staff handle
her very well.

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Review from Amy J (Mother of Child) published on 20 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I love First Friends. From the day my child started there, I knew it was a safe, loving and fun environment for him to learn and develop. He is constantly monitored and encouraged to learn new skills and he is also kept under excellent care. They have a good ratio of staff to children so I know my child
is always kept safe and looked after.

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Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 3 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our boy started this September and was the youngest one. It was daunting for us parents leaving our only child with daycare but the nursery has been very reassuring and has updated us whenever our boy cries when dropping him off.
We are very happy with the nursery and our boy seems to be enjoying
it there Always comes out with a smile every time we collect him. Thank you for all your hard work.

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Review from I B (Mother of Child) published on 3 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly Staff, you can rest assure your child is always well protected and looked after by the way they are always on top of the details by informing you before and after pick up on important information about your child. They offer extra support for parents. Always giving great ideas for development
at home.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery highly recommends it. There is one lady who is incredible in Explorers, communication is amazing, couldn't be more grateful. All the staff are lovely and very honest and amazing with the children. Lots of activities for the children to do, lots of variety.

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Review from J T (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

First friends Basingstoke has been great with my little girl. Only thing I would say is the new nursery manager isn't very great at responding to emails. My little girls speech has coke in leaps and bounds since coming to friends first

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Review from R C (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a lovely home away from home style nursery. Staff are always helpful and kind and show genuine care for the children with them.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the nursery to others. My child is happy here.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended First Friends Nursery in Basingstoke for just over a year. I have nothing bad to say about it at all. She is doing amazingly and has come so far since starting. My eldest also attended and did great there too.
The staff are very friendly and couldn’t be any more helpful. It’s
a brilliant nursery.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have attended First Friends Basingstoke, one is there currently. We absolutely love the nursery and its dedicated staff, it’s such a warm nurturing environment. You get a real sense that the staff love their job and go the extra mile for the children.
So glad I chose First Friends!

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Review from Adam B (Father of Child) published on 1 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been attending First Friends Chineham nursery for over a year and she absolutely loves it.
What makes this nursery so special is the staff. They really care and bond with the children, engaging with them on all levels.

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Review from Juliet I (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2023
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery consistently upholds high standards by fostering an environment where children thrive in independent activities while prioritizing their safety. The dedication of the staff is commendable, as they not only provide assistance but also offer valuable support. The impact of this nurturing environment
is evident in my daughter's enthusiasm and continuous praise for the guidance and care she receives. The nursery's commitment to creating a supportive and engaging atmosphere reflects its effectiveness in nurturing children's development and fostering a positive and memorable experience for both children and their families.

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Review from A D (Mother of Child) published on 13 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very pleased with the nursery. The staff are all very polite, understanding and helpful whenever we have a question. My child loves going there and he loves spending time with the teachers. The activities during the day are very interesting and the children seem to be having lots of fun. We love the
daily pictures on the social media page and can't wait to see them each day.

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Review from Emma B (Mother of Child) published on 18 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Even though my child has only been going to this preschool since September, they are very happy there and come out smiling every time I pick them up. All staff I have spoken to have been very friendly, easy to talk to and caring over my child. My child comes out with things they have learnt already,
and it makes me so happy they are taking it all in and learning at the same time. I’m so pleased we have picked this preschool for them and pleased they will spend their time here before they start school.

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Review from N L (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been throughly enjoying his time at preschool and has a lovely bond with his teachers. All of the staff are so kind, supportive and have helped my son settle into the preschool setting so well. My son has a cows milk allergy and the staff have made sure to give him plenty of options at snack
time and when doing baking activities meaning he still gets to enjoy baking which he loves to do.

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Review from S R (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son attends first friends, and absolutely loves it! The staff are all lovely and make you feel very at ease and comfortable leaving your children. The ladies in the younger room have made our little boys' experience so special, and he's constantly telling us how much he loves them!
Thank you all
at first friends!

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Review from Jade Y (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely lovely staff, always friendly and helpful. My daughter always comes home exhausted after having a day filled with fun and curiosity. She has made so many friends and never wants to leave.

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Review from D B (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son attends First Friends Nursery School and he is always so excited for nursery days, my older son also attended this nursery and absolutely loved going to nursery also, the teachers are lovely and really welcoming. Overall very good experience

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.868)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.868) out of 10 for First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke 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 20 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 20 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 4.868 for First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke is calculated as follows: ( (208 Excellents x 5) + (23 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 235 Ratings = 4.868

  • 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 Nursery School - Basingstoke is based on 20 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 40 number of registered child places is 8, which has been reached with 20 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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Meet the Team (1)

Sharon

Sharon Martin

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2024

Hello, I am Sharon, the nursery manager.


I'm a seasoned childcare professional with over 20 years of experience, including 15 years in managerial roles. I've worked in nurseries of various sizes, from cosy setups with 30 children to bustling environments accommodating up to 110 little ones.


With a foundation degree in my early years a level 5 qualification in Leadership & Management and certifications as a level 3 Forest School leader and a level 4 in Safeguarding, I ensure children's safety and holistic development at all times.


Passionate about child-led play, I believe in nurturing children's natural curiosity. My journey into childcare was inspired by my own six children.


Despite being profoundly deaf, I can communicate effectively through lip-reading, ensuring inclusive and supportive interactions.


Frequently Asked Questions about First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke

What is the Age Range of Children that First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke accepts?

First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke Open?

First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke is open: Monday 08:30-15:00, Tuesday 08:30-15:00, Wednesday 08:30-15:00, Thursday 08:30-15:00, Friday 08:30-15:00.

How many Children does First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke have capacity for?

First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke has capacity for a total of 40 Children.

How far is First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke to the centre of Basingstoke?

2.5 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 Nursery School - Basingstoke to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. First Friends Nursery School - Basingstoke has an Enhanced Service – more info.