YMCA Portsmouth

Nothing speaks louder than the words of our parents. These heartfelt review reflects what we strive for every day: helping children grow, learn, thrive, and reach their full potential in a caring and supportive environment.

Want to join our family? 💜 Enquire here - https://ymca-nurseries.org/whale-island-nursery/

Is your little one starting preschool soon... 😭

Here are some stories to help them comprehend and understand their next step 🫶📚

Our staff have also recommended some of their favourite books, because reading with your child as much as you can supports with early language skills and understanding.

Start your childcare career 💜

YMCA Whale Island Nursery is looking for a Childcare Apprentice to join their friendly and supportive team. You'll help children learn, explore and grow through hands-on experiences in nature while working towards your Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification.

Gain valuable experience, develop essential childcare skills, and enjoy fantastic benefits including a £500 joining bonus, 100% off childcare (terms apply), generous holiday allowance, wellbeing support, and much more.

If you're passionate about helping children thrive and want to begin a rewarding career in early years education, we'd love to hear from you!

📍 YMCA Whale Island Nursery

Apply here - https://uk.indeed.com/job/childcare-apprenticeship-1c111e2471731abf

Just over 2 weeks left to apply for free childcare this September. ⏰

The deadline to secure up to 30 hours of funded childcare from September is the 31st August. Don't miss out.

To find out about funded hours, visit, https://ymca-nurseries.org/funded-childcare/

Choosing your child's nursery is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

We know how important it is that you get it right. We're here to help you make the best decision, and ease any nerves.

Want to have a chat about anything? Get in touch with our fabulous admin who would love to answer your questions 💬

We're very proud to announce that we have been recognised as one of the UK's 126 Best Big Places to Work for 2026 by The Times and The Sunday Times 🎉

The quality of early years education is shaped by the people who deliver it every day. This award recognises the supportive and positive culture within YMCA Fairthorne Group and reflects the care, professionalism and enthusiasm our nursery teams bring to creating nurturing environments where children can feel happy, confident and ready to learn.

📎Read more about the award and what it means, and explore our careers to join a team who genuinely cares, here - https://ymca-nurseries.org/ymca-fairthorne-group-named-one-of-the-uks-best-big-places-to-work-for-2026/

This year, across YMCA Fairthorne Group, we're celebrating 213 graduates! 🎓

It's bittersweet saying goodbye to 12 of our pre-schoolers, but we know they're more than ready to take on big school.

Throughout their time with us, parents, practitioners, and children have worked together to make sure our little ones are school-ready - and what a journey it's been.

As we prepare to say goodbye, we want to wish all our preschoolers and their families the very best of luck. We hope to see you again at the YMCA soon! 💜

We love to practice writing our names ✏️

Practising fine and gross motor skills at nursery has helped us develop our writing - and the little ones writing is looking very grown-up!