YMCA Newport Nursery
Address: St Mary's Hospital, Parkhurst Rd, Newport PO30 5TG
Staff greet children warmly as they arrive, helping them to feel safe and secure in their care.
– Ofsted
Food hygiene rating 5
Top score for peace of mind at mealtimes
4.9 on Google
Rated by parents at this nursery
About our nursery
A welcoming nursery where children explore, grow in confidence and get a strong start to early learning.
Based at St Mary’s Hospital, the nursery offers a calm and convenient location for families across the island and is especially well placed for hospital staff. We are proud to offer a 2% NHS discount on nursery fees for NHS staff members.
Children benefit from fresh meals, outdoor play, and a strong school readiness focus, while breakout spaces and quieter areas help us support individual needs in a nurturing way.
Newport feels warm, supportive, and well connected, giving families a setting where children can feel settled, secure, and ready for the next stage.
- 2% NHS discount
- At St Mary’s Hospital
- Fresh meals
- Outdoor play
- School ready
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.
Bumblebees 4 months–2 years
Our baby room is a gentle, nurturing space where little ones are comforted, cared for, and supported through familiar routines, close relationships, and age appropriate play.
Ratio: 1:3
Georgia
Room Lead
Ladybirds 2–3 years
In toddlers, children are encouraged to explore, communicate, and do more for themselves, with plenty of active play, clear routines, and support as their confidence grows.
Ratio: 1:5
Catilin
Room Lead
Grasshoppers 3–5 years
Preschool children are given the freedom to think, create, and take on new challenges, building independence, friendships, and the everyday skills that support a smooth move to school.
Ratio: 1:8
Rose
Room Lead
Settling In
FreeStarting 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.
What to expect
At Newport, every settling session is around one hour long. Parents stay for the first settling, and after that we judge things by ear together. Some children are ready to attend alone sooner, while others need a little more time with a parent nearby.
- Babies: 6 settling sessions
- Toddlers & Preschool: 4 settling sessions
- Session length: around 1 hour each
-
Visit 1
First settling with you
The first settling is with a parent or carer present, giving your child a calm introduction to the room, the team, and the daily environment.
1 hour -
After that
We judge the next steps together
We work with you to decide whether your child is ready to attend the next settling sessions independently or would benefit from a more gradual transition.
Around 1 hour each -
Our approach
Flexible, calm, and child led
Some children settle quickly and others take longer. We follow their pace, listen to parents, and make sure trust comes before speed.
No pressure to rush
Life at nursery
A calm rhythm of play, care routines, outdoor time, food and rest. Here's what a typical day looks like.
07:30
Breakfast club
A calm start to the day for children who arrive early.
08:00
Free play and self registration
Children settle in, choose activities and ease into the morning.
09:00
Nappy change and small group time
Care routines alongside small group moments with familiar adults.
09:30
Snack time
A quick refuel before heading back into play and learning.
10:00
Structured, focused and child-led activities
Learning through play, exploring and making, indoors and out.
11:00
Nappy change and large group time
Care routines, then stories, singing and sharing together.
11:30
Lunch time
A sociable part of the day with balanced, home-cooked meals.
12:00
Sleep time
A quiet rest with familiar routines and comforters from home.
14:00
Structured, focused and child-led activities
Afternoon play and learning, with plenty of time outside.
15:00
Nappy change and small group time
Care routines and smaller group moments before tea.
16:00
Tea time
A final refuel before the end of the day.
16:00 – 18:00
Free play and home time
Winding down with play, and a proper catch-up with you at pick-up.
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.
Warm key workers, clear communication, and children coming home happy and settled.
My son has attended since he was 17 months old and I can't fault them. He has additional needs, and they've gone over and above to understand his needs and accommodate for them. The outdoor space, especially the grasshoppers garden, is huge and such a great place to play. The staff are friendly and warm, and develop genuine relationships with the children. My son has been so happy there and I wish he didn't have to leave to start school in September!
Imba M
Google review
Although we are incredibly happy with the nursery and the staff are lovely. My grandson loves going to nursery. The thing that is most frustrating to nearly all parents I meet waiting is the time it takes to drop off and pick up. One child taken and brought out at a time is ridiculous. Each time I have picked my grandson up I have waited for on average 20 to 25 minutes. Parents get frustrated especially when a child is brought out then the staff stand and chat with the parent for several minutes before going for another. Can this please be looked into? Many thanks.
Grace A
Google review
The nursery are absolutely amazing with my little girl! Her confidence has grown massively since starting nursery in January. They are always updating me on how her days are going and if anything new happens. My little girl gets so excited to go in and will go in with open arms to them, some mornings completely forgetting to say bye to me. They are absolutely amazing.
Abbie F
Google review
I have both of my children at YMCA Nursery Newport and they have thrived there. They are more than happy to go into nursery, the children are so well cared for. All the staff are so welcoming and my children have built lovely relationships with all of them.
Stephanie C
Google review
Our little one thoroughly enjoys going to the nursery and the interaction she has with people there. Staff are friendly and very helpful. This is not a negative comment; the nursery needs longer hours. I know a few other people that would use the hours if they became available, considering it's close to the hospital and the amount of shift workers there are. I would suggest a poll and ask clients.
Andrew H
Google review
I currently have 2 children at the nursery, one of which has additional health requirements and I can honestly say they have been both supportive and understanding, whilst also providing excellent care. Both my children are absolutely thriving and I truly believe this is down to the fantastic environment they provide. I feel like they look after them like they were their own and never have any doubts leaving them there.
Rebecca R
Google review
My little boy has been going to YMCA since he was 9 months old and is now nearly 3. We cannot fault the setting at all, they have been amazing and have made sure my little boy thrives. They do a lot of outdoor play and go on walks to the forest and duck pond. He is now in the ladybird room and all the girls are fantastic, there is great communication and my boy adores them! Highly recommend this nursery!
Debbie P
Google review
My son attends the YMCA and has done since he was 1 year old, he’s nearly 3 and still struggles at drop off, needing lots of reassurance and kindness to settle. His key workers in both bumblebees and ladybirds have been instrumental in developing his confidence and to see him thrive and hear him talk about his key workers so positively has been joyful. I get regular updates through the app they use so I know that even if he’s been tearful at drop off, 5 minutes later he’s happily playing and laughing.
Sara R
Google review
My son started nursery at six months old, he is now two and a half and has thus been in both the Bumblebees and Ladybirds groups. He loves coming to nursery, which is certainly credit to the really fun, caring and well trained staff and all the exciting activities the kids get up to every day. Everyone is very helpful and the team leaders, office staff and nursery manager are always approachable. Highly recommended!!!
Malin D
Google review
Mine is now in grasshoppers; she has made some great friends and looks forward to going each day. They have excellent outdoor space and go on little outings to the duck pond and around the grounds, which is one of the reasons I also really like it. The value for money is also great, and you are advised at the cheapest option for your needs and can include lunches or not. Discount for NHS staff too!
Aisha C
Google review
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.
Questions about our
Newport nursery
Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch and our team will be happy to help.
Enquire nowDo you offer funded childcare in Newport?
Yes. We offer funded childcare places for eligible families, including 15 and 30 hour funding options for babies, toddlers and preschool children.
For more information about funding options, eligibility and stretched funding, visit our funded childcare page.
What age can my child start at your Newport nursery?
Children can join our Newport nursery from 4 months old through to preschool age, with age appropriate spaces and routines designed to support each stage of early development.
Which areas does your Newport nursery serve?
Families join us from across Newport and the surrounding Isle of Wight communities, including:
- Hunnyhill 0.8 mi
- Pan 2.0 mi
- Barton 2.4 mi
- Carisbrooke 2.6 mi
- Northwood 2.6 mi
- Rookley 4.6 mi
- Gatcombe 5.1 mi
- Chillerton 5.8 mi
Which schools do children move on to from your Newport nursery?
Many of our children go on to local schools including Hunnyhill Primary School and Medina House School. We support each child's confidence, independence and early learning so they're ready for the move when school starts.
Is your Newport nursery a good fit for working parents?
Yes. Newport sits at the heart of the Isle of Wight, which makes our nursery a convenient choice for families working in and around the town or travelling across the island. We understand the realities of balancing work, travel and family life, and our team is here to support that.
How do you help children settle into nursery?
Starting nursery is a big milestone for both children and parents. Our team works closely with families to create a gradual and supportive settling in process that helps every child feel safe, secure and confident.
You can learn more about our settling sessions and settling in approach.
What does a typical day at your Newport nursery look like?
Children enjoy a balance of free play, creative activities, outdoor experiences, mealtimes, group learning and quiet time throughout the day.
You can explore our daily nursery routines and timelines.
How do you help children prepare for school?
Our nursery supports school readiness through communication, confidence building, independence, emotional development and play based learning, so children feel ready for the next step.
Is outdoor play included every day?
Yes. Outdoor learning and active play are an important part of childhood development, and children have regular opportunities to explore outdoors throughout the year.
You can learn more about our approach to outdoor learning and adventure play.
Do you provide meals and snacks?
Yes. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided throughout the day to support children’s wellbeing, energy and healthy development.
You can learn more about our nursery food and mealtime approach.
What curriculum do you follow?
Our nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, supporting children’s development through play, exploration, creativity and meaningful experiences tailored to their stage of learning.
You can learn more about our nursery curriculum.
Do you support children with SEND or additional needs?
Yes. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels supported, valued and able to thrive. Our team works closely with parents, carers and outside professionals to provide the right support for each child.
You can learn more about our SEND support or read a real parent experience from a YMCA nursery family.
Can I visit the nursery before registering?
Absolutely. We encourage families to visit, explore the environment, meet the team and ask any questions before registering their child. Send us an enquiry to arrange a visit.
Why choose a YMCA nursery in Newport?
Our Newport nursery combines nurturing childcare, experienced early years professionals, strong parent partnerships and play based learning, backed by the YMCA’s long history of supporting families and communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Moments from our nursery
See what our children have been up to at YMCA Newport Nursery.
Nursery Fees Estimate
Quick, first-glance monthly estimates based on YMCA Newport fees. Monthly payments are calculated as weekly × 51 ÷ 12. View YMCA Newport Nursery rate sheet here