YMCA Fairthorne Manor Nursery
Address: Fairthorne Manor, YMCA, Southampton SO30 2GH
Staff talk kindly to children and value their individual characters. This helps children to feel valued and to have a sense of belonging.
– Ofsted
Food hygiene rated 5
Top hygiene score for peace of mind at mealtimes.
Google rating: 4.5★
Rated by parents on Google for this location.
About Our Nursery
Fairthorne Nursery is a place where children have space to move, to explore, and to grow at their own pace.
Set within a 90 acre natural site, our nursery is surrounded by woodland, fields, rivers, streams, and open space. Being outdoors is not an occasional activity here, it is part of everyday learning, in every season. Children are encouraged to explore freely, follow their curiosity, and learn through real experiences in nature.
When families walk into Fairthorne, they often notice how fun, open, and expansive it feels. There is room for adventure and room for calm, with a rhythm to the day that allows children to settle into their own way of being.
Leanne Murrey
Nursery Manager
Rebekha Thacker
SENCO & Deputy Manager
Lauren Webb
Nursery Administrator
Michaela Hillan
Nursery Administrator
Local for families near Fairthorne Manor
Our Fairthorne Manor nursery welcomes families from across the local area, offering flexible childcare, funded places and support with school readiness.
We also help children prepare for transitions to local schools including Curdridge Primary School, C or F Primary School and Cornerstone Primary School, supporting confidence, independence and early learning development before school starts.
What families love most
A few of the everyday details that make Fairthorne 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
Set within a 90-acre site, outdoor learning is part of everyday life here, whatever the season.
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.
Squirrels
4 - 18 monthsA gentle first room where babies feel safe, soothed, and known. We follow your child’s cues, build secure bonds, and offer calm sensory experiences throughout the day.
Squirrels room ratio: 3:1
Lucy
Room Lead
Rabbits
18 months – 2.5 yearsToddlers in this room 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.
Rabbits room ratio: 3:1
Sarah
Room Lead
Badgers
2.5 – 3.5 yearsThis is a big growth stage. We help children manage big feelings, build confidence with peers, and explore through hands on play, stories, music, and plenty of movement.
Badgers room ratio: 4:1
Jasmin
Room Lead
Foxes
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.
Foxes room ratio: 8:1
Chloe
Room Lead
Settling In
Starting nursery is a big step for children and parents. Our settling in is flexible, gentle, and paced to your child so everyone can feel confident from day one.
We build familiar faces, calm routines, and a predictable rhythm. If your child needs a little longer at any stage, we slow it down. If they are ready to fly, we move with them.
First visit with you
A one hour session where you and your child meet their key worker together. We talk through routines, comfort items, and what helps your child feel safe.
Short and independent
A 90 minute session without parents. We keep it warm and reassuring, helping your child build confidence with their key worker close by.
Ready for the first full day
Another 90 minute independent session to strengthen the transition. By now most children feel more familiar with faces, spaces, and the flow of the day.
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.
My 18month old son attends nursery in Rabbits. He has thrived and become such a positive little boy interacting with other children, along with lots of lap time while reading books. Our favourite is when they go for little walks to see the ducks...
Gemma S
Google review
Our daughter started going at just under 6 months and she’s absolutely loved it since day one! The team are all super friendly, so kind, warm and clearly care for our daughter which is the best. We love all the update photos and videos...
Mitch L
Google review
Our little boy started at Fairthorne Manor Nursery at 10 months old and has continued through until he starts school this September. He has thrived at the nursery with fantastic support from the staff! ... they have really brought him out of his shell to be confident and ready for school!
Faye O
Google review
The nursery team here are the best in the industry! My little one loves attending and regularly speaks about the all the nursery workers when at home. They do such an amazing job. Thank you.
Victoria P
Google review
Such a great nursery with amazing and dedicated staff... it really is a great place for children and is easy to see the great care all the staff have for the children... The children are taken out for walks in the forest all the time which is amazing...
Mark L
Google review
My son has been here since he was 11 months old, he has absolutely thrived due to the care he receives from the outstanding staff. He has additional needs which have been met at every stage... He gets so excited when we arrive at nursery...
Kim W
Google review
Honestly, the best staff and preschool, really kind and friendly... my little one who has just gone to school really grew in spirit and learning there; he was also speech delayed, and they helped him develop this and greatly improve.
Hayley P
Google review
Amazing. We have had two children go to Fairthorne, the youngest from Rabbits Room to Foxes. It’s just an incredible place for a child to develop and be a child... the best thing is the ethos and caring nature of all the staff.
Fergus T
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.
Stay close to your child's day
Photos, updates and messages from your child's key worker — all in one place, without chasing for news.
Meet the Fairthorne Manor Nursery Team
Pick a room and we’ll introduce you to the lovely people who make it feel like home.
Is Fairthorne Manor Nursery good for children who love being outdoors?
Yes. Fairthorne Manor Nursery is a wonderful choice for children who enjoy space, nature and outdoor play. Children have regular opportunities to explore the grounds, enjoy fresh air and build confidence through active, hands on experiences.
What makes Fairthorne Manor Nursery different?
Fairthorne Manor Nursery benefits from the wider Fairthorne Manor setting, giving children access to a unique environment with outdoor space, nature, adventure and a strong sense of community.
Which areas do families travel from to attend Fairthorne Manor Nursery?
Families regularly join us from Botley, Hedge End, Whiteley, Burridge, Curdridge and surrounding Southampton communities.
Does Fairthorne Manor Nursery help children build confidence?
Yes. Children are supported to build confidence through play, relationships, outdoor exploration, independence and positive encouragement from our early years team.
Do children at Fairthorne Manor Nursery take part in outdoor learning?
Yes. Outdoor learning is an important part of nursery life at Fairthorne Manor. Children are encouraged to explore, move, investigate and build confidence through meaningful outdoor experiences.
You can learn more about our outdoor learning and adventure play.
How do you support children who are nervous about starting nursery?
Every child settles differently. Our team works closely with families to create a gentle settling in experience that helps children feel safe, known and secure.
You can learn more about our settling sessions and settling in approach.
Nursery Fees Estimate
Quick, first-glance monthly estimates based on Fairthorne Manor fees. Monthly payments are calculated as weekly × 51 ÷ 12. View Fairthorne Manor rate sheet here
