Updates, Stories & Guides

Storytelling and reading are a huge part of nursery life at YMCA Fairthorne Group. Across all our nurseries, we enjoy weekly stories and book-based activities that encourage a love of reading, develop communication and language skills, and help children build the confidence they need for their next steps into school. Our weekly books is used […]

YMCA Fairthorne Group has welcomed members of the community to explore it’s brand new baby room at Fairthorne Manor Nursery in Botley ahead of its official opening this summer. The new room will create 24 additional childcare places for local families. The new room, named Squirrels, increases the nursery’s capacity to 160 places for children

At our nurseries, school readiness is woven into everything we do. We believe that preparing children for school is about much more than learning letters and numbers – it is about developing confidence, independence, communication skills, and a love of learning. We believe that every small step a child takes contributes to the big leaps

Independence at mealtimes is a huge part of making sure your child is school-ready. At all YMCA Nurseries, we make sure lunch and snack times are set up in the same format that children can expect at school.  Fresh and healthy meals are prepared every day at YMCA Nurseries, and our mealtimes are designed to

New baby room ‘Squirrels’ opening as Nursery Manager Leanne Murrey leads, strengthening inclusive Early Years provision for local families. YMCA Fairthorne Group is marking an exciting new chapter at Fairthorne Manor Nursery with the launch of its new baby room, Squirrels, alongside the appointment of new Nursery Manager, Leanne Murrey. With an opening event on

Supporting local families with high-quality Early Years provision through a new partnership in Hounsome Fields, Basingstoke. YMCA Fairthorne Group is delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new nursery, created in partnership with Hounsome Fields Primary School. This exciting development will provide high-quality Early Years provision for local families, supporting children from babies through to

When your child has additional needs, choosing the right nursery can feel like an enormous decision. Families often carry worries about health, safety, communication and whether their child will truly be understood. We spoke with one YMCA Newport parent about their family’s experience and what inclusive support has meant to them. Photography by and property

Potty training can feel like a big step for children and parents alike. Some children take to it quickly. Others need more time, reassurance and patience. At YMCA Fairthorne Group, we understand that every child is different and there is no single right way to approach it. Recent headlines have highlighted the scale of the

In short… yes. Completely. For many parents, the thought of leaving their child at nursery brings a mix of emotions. Pride, nerves, excitement… and often guilt. Whether you’re returning to work, needing childcare, or simply taking a bit of time back for yourself, it can feel like you’re stepping away from something important. Feeling guilty

Every child should feel seen, valued, and included when they walk through our doors. At YMCA Nurseries, celebrating diversity is not something we treat as a one-off theme or a special occasion. It is part of everyday nursery life. It shapes the language we use, the way we communicate, the experiences we create, and the