First Friends began with a passion for early years education and a belief that children deserve exceptional care in an environment where they can truly thrive.
Our Managing Director, Louise Hayes, began her career in childcare in 2003 as an apprentice. Over the years, she became a qualified nursery practitioner, managed nurseries and developed a wealth of experience within the early years sector.
But Louise always had a bigger dream.
Early in her career, she knew that one day she wanted to open a nursery of her own.
With years of experience behind her, a degree in Early Years and Education and a clear vision for the kind of childcare she wanted to provide, Louise opened her first nursery.
From there, First Friends began to grow.
What started with one nursery has grown into a family of nurseries across Hampshire supporting children and their families through some of the most important years of their lives.
But while we have grown, the heart of First Friends has remained the same.
We are still proudly family-run.
Louise continues to lead First Friends alongside her uncle Paul, who has been part of the journey from the very beginning, offering his business knowledge, experience and support.
Together with our leadership team and dedicated educators, they continue to shape First Friends around the values it was built on.
