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 41-60
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 Tracy R (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl was born with Down Syndrome and I was worried about putting her into nursery. First Friends and the nursery manager were great at helping not just my daughter but me to adjust. It was a home from home. I now have my son attending and I've never had anything bad to say about their care
and teaching. A brilliant nursery.

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Review from Nicola H (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started one morning a week at First Friends at the end of April 2018 and loved it from day one. He took no time at all to settle in. The staff are always very friendly and approachable and seem to enjoy working there. The manager is fantastic, she always makes time to speak to the parents and
ask if their are any concerns or she will update you on your child’s progress. My son had a slight bump in one session and the manager took the time later that evening to email me asking if he was ok and it’s the little things like that that make this nursery stand out. A very happy mummy and son here!

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Review from Kathryn S (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Couldn't be happier. My son took a while to settle in but all the staff have helped and welcomed my son into Preschool.
He's been there since September 2018 and has come such a long way in such a short space of time.
Absolutely no complaints and can't wait for my daughter to start.
Keep up the great
work.

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Review from Rachel H (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It is a lovely nursery and the staff are really polite and excellent with the children and the kids love them. I will be taking my little girl there when she old enough.

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Review from Angela P (Mother of Child) published on 14 December 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves her time at Nursery. All the staff are so friendly and amazing with the children. The manager and one other member of staff especially are fantastic with her and are a great support.

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Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy loves coming to nursery and playing with his friends. He has settled in really well and I feel comfortable leaving him in their care.

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Review from Simone S (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very happy with First Friends preschool. The staff create an environment where the children can do lots of varied exercises and play. They are always happy to talk to you about your child and I feel that it is very well run and organised.

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Review from H O (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Organised, safe and secure environment for children to happily explore their learning, in an independent and structured fashion. Friendly staff that guide both parents and children clearly and confidently. Very good communication with parents.

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Review from Kulbir M (Father of Child) published on 14 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son love going there, the staff is really good and helpful. We are overall satisfied with management.

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Review from Marina J (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started this month in order to get prepared for starting school in September 2019. He loves it, he has been before dropping off and collecting other children for a while with my childminder so knows the staff and more importantly they know him. There is always lots for them to do and loads of
variety. The staff are all caring and helpful, He will be going more often in January 2019, I can't think of any faults at all.

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Review from Chloe K (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely fantastic nursery. Have been so very kind and loving to my very anxious son. Within a few weeks of starting he is like a transformed child. The manager of the nursery came up with many, many ideas to try and help settle my son in which have all worked and genuinely care about him and me.
Brilliant nursery and would recommend to everyone. Especially those with worried children like mine.

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Review from Tim L (Father of Child) published on 6 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My lad went there 7 years ago, now my daughter is there. Still an excellent place for the kids, the staff care for them and about them.

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Review from Suzanne W (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have been to this nursery and I thoroughly recommend it. Such a friendly place and I have absolute trust in the manager and her team. My little girl loves going there and my son was so well prepared for school.
They are a small nursery compared to others nearby and that is what makes
it so appealing-all the children are given plenty of attention and they do so many fun activities.
I would definitely recommend First Friends!

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Review from Siobhan L (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been part of the nursery since 2015 both of my children has attended and enjoyed going. The preschool have helped and supported both myself and my children in many ways with their speech, development, confidence and education. They have prepared them well for school and had great communication
between parent and preschool. I love dropping my son off knowing he is happy and going to have a good day and look forward to hearing about his day. I highly recommend and will be sad to leave next year.

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Review from Lucy B (Mother of Child) published on 20 June 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful nursery, excellent staff. A huge variety of activities and lovely surroundings. Would recommend them to anyone looking for a nursery.

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Review from Vicki M (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Both of my daughters have attended Abacus and my youngest still attends until she starts school in September. I have found Abacus to be a warm, welcoming facility with caring staff and a wide range of activities to keep children of all interests engaged. Opportunities are available for additional
learning with French and Polish language and Stretch and Grow weekly which I know are enjoyed. The staff are fantastic and always open to chat through any queries or issues offering support and guidance if required with regular reviews with the children's key workers.

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Review from C B (Nanny Carer of Child) published on 2 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

A very small, friendly group. They care for the children, giving them opportunities to develop new skills, grow in confidence and prepare for school.


They do keep you waiting outside at times but they do like all children to arrive and leave at the same time if possible.


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Review from Caroline F (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very happy with the Abacus Nursery in Chineham and our son enjoys going there. It has a family feel, a home from home, a traditional playgroup vibe. The staff are caring and friendly and seem to genuinely enjoy being with the children. There are lots of opportunities to take part in various activities
and events for the children, but also for parents and families too. It feels very inclusive and nurturing and our son has grown in independence and curiosity since starting there. He certainly looks forward to his nursery days.

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Review from Vicki F (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending the nursery for nearly a year now, he is really happy at Abacus Nursery School. The staff are lovely and very child focused, it's do lovely to see what he has been up to on his online journal.
My son enjoys the wide variety of activities on offer to him both in and outdoors.
He is becoming a sociable, confident individual and that's thanks to Abacus Nursery School.

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Review from Alexa B (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Abacus is a very friendly, professional nursery school that offers the highest level of care for the children that attend. My children have and still enjoy every moment that they have attended Abacus and will miss it greatly. I have always found the staff to be friendly and approachable and always have
every child's best interest at heart. Thank you Abacus for the care you have given my oldest girl.

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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.


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