Little Whale

YMCA Little Whale Nursery is set in the ground of HMS Excellent on Whale Island, Portsmouth, Hampshire.

This Portsmouth Nursery provides high quality nursery childcare for families of Naval Personnel, providing a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities which enable children to learn through exploration and play. Little Whale Nursery has a high number of qualified staff who provide a safe and secure environment where children can take risks, which further support each child's development.

The Childcare staff at Little Whale Nursery, Portsmouth, provide enhanced support for the families of Naval children by providing a variety of ‘keep in contact' activities, when one or both parents are away on deployment. These activities ensure the absent parent and the child keep in regular contact.

Play Based Learning

A play based curriculum is enhanced by high standards of staff, equipment and resources, with daily activities based on the new Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. This is divided into four areas of learning;

A unique child
Positive relationships
Enabling development
Learning and development

These cover all of the learning areas;

Communication, language and literacy
Personal, social and emotional development
Mathematical development
Knowledge and understanding of the World
Physical development
Creative development

All of our indoor and outdoor activities are aimed at developing children's self esteem, confidence and social skills through the use of the above strategies.

Outside Play at the Nursery

Playing with snakes Children are encouraged to play and learn in the external environment to develop their independence at every opportunity. Their needs and interests are nurtured in supportive ways whilst experienced practitioners challenge their learning potential.

Healthy Eating at Nursery

During the nursery day we provide a hot lunch and healthy mid-morning and afternoon snacks. All meals and snack times are fun and sociable and can meet your child's individual dietary requirements.

Peace of Mind

As with all our nurseries, Little Whale Day Nursery is OFSTED registered and has a dedicated, well-trained staff team.

All staff undergo an enhanced CRB disclosure before commencing work.

Free Pre-School Sessions

Each child in the UK is entitled to 15 hours of free pre-school sessions per week effective from the term after their 3rd birthday. Please contact us if you require further information regarding this.

Session Times & Prices

The nursery is registered for 58 children from 4 months - 5 years and offers a wide provision of care including full days, half days and sessional care.

Opening times are Monday – Friday from 7.30am – 6pm for 51 weeks of the year. The Nursery is closed between Christmas and New Year.