YMCA Fairthorne Group is welcoming local families and MPs to the grand opening of its new baby room, Squirrels, on 11 May at Fairthorne Manor.
The day will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a stay-and-play session from 1.30pm-3.30pm, where families can explore the new space, meet the team, and enjoy activities.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a stay-and-play session from 1.30pm-3.30pm
Want to come along?
We are happy to welcome walk-ins on the day, but to support us in managing numbers, we kindly request that you submit this form to let us know you are interested in coming.
Let us know you’re coming
The new baby room has been designed to provide a calm, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children can thrive from their earliest months. With a peaceful sleep space, engaging play areas, and access to a secure outdoor garden within the Manor’s 95-acre grounds, the setting reflects YMCA Fairthorne Group’s commitment to high-quality early years provision.
“This event is a fantastic opportunity to welcome our community into the new setting, celebrate our team’s hard work, and recognise the support from Hampshire County Council that made this expansion possible.
As demand for early years places continues to grow, it is vital we create environments that are not only high-quality, but truly inclusive for every child and family.” Phillipa Spicer, CEO of YMCA Fairthorne Group
“We’ve created a baby room that supports every stage of early development, with inclusion at its heart. Vikki Kennesion, Director of Early Years
The expansion comes as the need for inclusive early years support continues to rise. YMCA Fairthorne Group has embedded its Inclusive Classroom Profile across its settings, helping to ensure all children – regardless of need or background- feel supported, valued, and able to flourish.
Following the expansion, YMCA Fairthorne Manor Nursery will offer 160 childcare places in Botley for children aged 4 months to 5 years, alongside hundreds more across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The opening of Squirrels marks another step in YMCA Fairthorne Group’s commitment to ensuring all children, particularly those with additional needs, have access to high-quality, inclusive early years education and care.
Where would you like to go next?
Explore our nursery locations or discover the values that guide everything we do.
View our nursery locations
Find your nearest setting and arrange a visit that works for your family.
View locations →Understand our story and values
Learn about our child-led approach and the principles that shape our care.
Explore our ethos →
