Ofsted rating: Outstanding
YMCA Eastleigh Nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
Food hygiene rated 5
Top hygiene score for peace of mind at mealtimes.
Google rating: 4.9★
Rated by parents on Google for this location.
About Our Nursery
Eastleigh Nursery is a modern, purpose built setting where children have the space, support, and confidence to grow.
Inside, carefully designed rooms support active play, focused learning, and restful moments throughout the day. Sleep rooms and breakout spaces help us meet children’s individual needs in a calm and thoughtful way.
Our large garden gives children plenty of room to climb, explore, and enjoy being outdoors, while fresh meals and a strong school readiness focus help prepare them for the next stage.
With a café on site and close links to the local community, Eastleigh feels warm, welcoming, and well connected for families.
Nikki Fulford
Nursery Manager
Sam Elliot
SENCO
Jess Masterman
Nursery Administrator
Nursery families across Eastleigh
Our Eastleigh nursery sits in the heart of a growing community, welcoming families from across Southampton and the surrounding area with flexible childcare, funded places and wraparound support.
We also help children prepare for transitions to local schools including Stoneham Park Academy, Nightingale Primary School and Mansbridge Primary School, supporting confidence, independence and early learning development before school starts.
What families love most
A few of the everyday details that make YMCA feel easy, supportive, and full of adventure.
Balanced meals
Nutritious, child-friendly food with options for allergies and dietary requirements, supported by our 5-star hygiene rating.
Open longer
Flexible hours with breakfast club available. See our rates for the full breakdown and session options.
Outdoor play and learning
Outdoor learning is part of everyday life here, whatever the season, with regular access to fresh air, space, and nature.
School readiness
Our Little Steps, Giant Leaps approach builds confidence across emotional, social, physical, and early learning skills, ready for school.
Inclusive Classroom Profile
A practical framework that helps us keep improving inclusion, environment, and everyday support for every child.
Rooms for every stage
From first cuddles to confident school starters, each room is designed around the way children really grow with familiar adults, thoughtful spaces, and a steady rhythm to the day.
Babies 4 months–2 years
A calm first room where babies feel safe, soothed, and known. We follow your child’s cues, build secure bonds, and offer gentle sensory experiences throughout the day.
Ratio: 1:3
Erika Smith
Room Lead
Toddlers 2–3 years
Toddlers are finding their feet and their voice. We support independence in small, meaningful ways, with consistent routines, lots of language, and play that matches their energy.
Ratio: 1:5
Jess
Room Lead
Preschool 3–5 years
School readiness without the rush. We strengthen early skills, independence, and friendships through play led learning, small group moments, and purposeful daily routines.
Ratio: 1:8
Hayley Jones
Room Lead
Settling In
Starting nursery is a big step for children and parents. Our settling in is gentle and paced so everyone can feel confident from day one.
We start with a visit alongside you, then build up to short independent sessions. Visits 1 to 3 are used for Toddlers and Preschool, and Babies complete one extra settling session before their start date. If your child needs a little longer at any stage, we slow it down.
First visit with you
A gentle start with you staying. We meet the team, explore the room, and talk through routines, comfort items, and what helps your child feel safe.
Short independent session
A warm and reassuring session without parents. We keep things calm and follow your child’s cues, with familiar adults close by.
Longer session before start
A longer independent visit so your child can experience a bigger slice of the day, including key routines and transitions.
Extra settling session
An additional settling visit for babies before their start date. This gives more time for comfort, routines, and building secure bonds with familiar adults.
Life at Nursery
A calm rhythm of play, care routines, outdoor moments, food and rest.
Breakfast club
A calm start to the day for children who arrive early.
Free play and self registration
Children settle in, choose activities, and ease into the morning.
Nappy change and small group time
Care routines alongside small group moments with familiar adults.
Snack time
A refuel break before children head back into play and learning.
Structured, focus and child initiated activities
Learning through play, exploration and creativity, indoors and out.
Nappy change and large group time
Care routines plus group moments like stories, singing and sharing.
Lunch time
A social part of the day with balanced meals and gentle routines.
Sleep time
A quiet rest period with soothing routines and comfort.
Structured, focus and child initiated activities
Afternoon play and learning with plenty of outdoor moments.
Nappy change and small group time
Care routines and smaller group moments before tea.
Tea time
A final refuel before the home time wind down.
Free play and handover
End of day play and warm handovers with families.
What parents say
Families tell us the difference is in the everyday details. Warm key worker relationships, clear communication, and children coming home happy and settled.
Wonderful nursery with lovely people. We've had a great experience from registering to now. My son attends two days a week and the staff are very attentive... I feel great leaving my son with them. 100% recommend!
Abbie
Google review
My son settled in really quickly at the nursery last month. The staff are friendly and informative. He loves going in the morning and seems very happy there. It’s a lovely setting with lots of outdoor equipment which my toddler is loving.
Jody
Google review
My daughter goes to this nursery since February 2025. Her growth in social skills and skills in general is amazing. All the staff are lovely and really caring with her. I can see how much effort they put in in her education.
Amie
Google review
Our daughter loves going to nursery. Every morning she asks “is it nursery day?” And gets very excited when she’s told yes! It’s lovely to see how well she is doing with the support from her teachers.
Geordie
Google review
YMCA is an incredibly special place! The experience they have give our son since he started there has been amazing. Our little boy is so happy at YMCA and that is a credit to the staff working there. Nothing has been too much bother.
Katie J
Google review
Our son has loved going to nursery from the first day he attended. The staff genuinely care about the children and make connections with them that allow for the children to grow and develop... Every time he attends, he comes out with a smile on his face.
Matt W
Google review
My daughter loves it at nursery. She always goes in with a smile on her face. The staff are brilliant, they really care about the children and seeing them develop. If I have a concern they will always listen and try and work together to reach a solution.
Rachel B
Google review
Our little girl absolutely loves going here. She begs to go in on her days off and when we do drop her off, she runs in with a big smile on her face and doesn’t look back... The staff are always very polite and friendly. Highly recommend.
Hannah S
Google review
Sensory • Creative • Seasonal
Messy play with meaning
Messy play is a big part of nursery life and is often planned around the weekly book we are sharing with the children, the Makaton signs they are learning, and the wider activities taking place that week. This helps children connect what they are seeing, hearing and exploring each day in a fun, hands on way. We also enjoy creating seasonal messy play experiences throughout the year.
How it all links together
We choose a weekly story to read with the children each day, then use that as inspiration for messy play, creative activities and the signs they are learning. It gives children lots of chances to revisit the same ideas in different ways and brings their learning to life through play.
Communication & Partnership with Parents
We believe parents are our partners in every child’s journey. Through the ParentZone app, you’ll receive regular updates, photos and videos, and you can message your child’s key worker anytime.
Meet the Eastleigh Nursery Team
Pick a room and we’ll introduce you to the lovely people who make it feel like home.
Is your Eastleigh nursery convenient for Southampton commuters?
Yes. Many families choose our Eastleigh nursery because of its convenient location for parents travelling between Eastleigh, Southampton and surrounding areas. The nursery is popular with families balancing commuting, work and childcare routines.
What age can my child start at your Eastleigh nursery?
Children can join our Eastleigh nursery from 4 months old through to preschool age, with age appropriate spaces designed around each stage of development.
Which areas do families travel from to attend your nursery?
Families regularly join us from North Stoneham Park, Chandler’s Ford, Hiltingbury, Chilworth, Allington and Townhill Park, as well as wider Eastleigh and Southampton communities.
Can nursery help create structure and routine for my child?
Yes. Consistent routines help children feel secure, confident and settled. Our nursery days are designed to provide a familiar balance of play, learning, mealtimes, outdoor experiences and rest throughout the day.
You can explore our daily nursery routines and timelines.
What makes your Eastleigh nursery suitable for busy families?
Many parents choose our Eastleigh nursery because of its accessible location, supportive team and flexible childcare approach. We understand the realities of balancing family life, commuting and work commitments.
My child is shy or anxious. How would you support them?
Every child settles differently and our team takes time to understand each child’s personality, comfort levels and individual needs. We work closely with parents to create a calm and supportive settling in experience.
You can learn more about our settling sessions and settling in approach.
Nursery Fees Estimate
Quick, first-glance monthly estimates based on YMCA Eastleigh fees. Monthly payments are calculated as weekly × 51 ÷ 12. View YMCA Eastleigh Nursery rate sheet here