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Little Shipmates Pre-School

Ofsted: Good
(Nov 2024)
·
4.7(3 parent reviews) ·Waterside Primary School, Southampton, SO45 6ET · Hampshire
Number of places
72 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Nov 2024
Local authority
Hampshire

About this day nursery

Little Shipmates Pre-School is part of the Little Shipmates Family of Day Nurseries, a group of childcare providers located across Hampshire. Founded over 25 years ago by experienced educators Helen and Clive, the family-run establishment began with a single nursery in Hythe, growing to over 350 places across five unique settings in Southampton, Hythe, and Basingstoke.

The nursery is committed to providing a safe, happy, and inspiring environment where children can develop a love for learning, build confidence, and feel at home. Their philosophy emphasises professionalism, enthusiasm, recognition, belonging, and achievement, achieved through meaningful relationships, playful learning, and continuous encouragement.

The Little Shipmates Group is known for its high-quality childcare and early education, fostering a strong sense of family and connection among children, parents, and staff. They believe in giving every child a joyful and promising start in life, maintaining transparency in their operations and ensuring parents are well-informed and confident in their childcare choices.

Our ethos

The nursery is committed to providing a safe, happy, and inspiring environment where children can develop a love for learning, build confidence, and feel at home. Their philosophy emphasises professionalism, enthusiasm, recognition, belonging, and achievement, achieved through meaningful relationships, playful learning, and continuous encouragement. They believe in giving every child a joyful and promising start in life.

What it's like

Children are welcomed into the setting by friendly and nurturing staff. They enjoy engaging activities, such as mixing paints outdoors and using litter pickers in the garden to develop their fine motor skills. Children understand behaviour expectations and are supported by staff using sign language and pictures to aid communication and promote independence, such as finding their own cups.

Family-run nursery group25+ years experiencePlay-based learningTransparent pricingGovernment funding accepted

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

Key facts

Opening hours

8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round except for Christmas and bank holidays

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2017

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Shipmates Pre-School

Last inspected 15 November 2024 · Lucy Short

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children are welcomed into the setting by friendly and nurturing staff. They enjoy engaging activities, such as mixing paints outdoors and using litter pickers in the garden to develop their fine motor skills. Children understand behaviour expectations and are supported by staff using sign language and pictures to aid communication and promote independence, such as finding their own cups.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are physically active across the setting and have access to safe and engaging outside areas.
  • Staff work closely with parents when their child moves on to their next stage of learning, sharing transition packs.
  • Staff are skilled at promoting an environment where children are curious to learn and enjoy trying new experiences.
  • Children are supported by staff to recognise how they are feeling and manage their emotions, with calm spaces provided.
  • Children in the pre-school regularly visit the local care home to spend time with residents, fostering a sense of belonging and teaching kindness.

Areas to develop

  • 1build on staff's understanding of the importance of providing opportunities to extend children's communication and language.
Inspection #10368552 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children are supported by staff to recognise how they are feeling and manage their emotions. Staff speak in a kind and gentle manner to children and provide calm spaces such as a sensory room to support children if they are feeling overwhelmed or need some additional support.

Outdoor space

Children are physically active across the setting and have access to outside areas that are safe and engaging. They choose to play inside or outdoors, and staff carefully plan experiences for outdoor learning, such as using litter pickers to pick up leaves in the garden.

Parent Reviews of Little Shipmates Pre-School

4.7
(3)
Emily Hayward
3 months ago

I have had a really positive experience since my little boy has started at Little Shipmates in Janaury. The staff have gone above and beyond to reasure us as parents that all measures are in place to support his additional requirements whilst he is in their care. The red cabin staff have been assisting him with his development and independence during play and meal times, as well as providing comfort when it is needed. As a first time parent everything is very new from understanding funding applications to general attendance questions, the finance and management team have been more than happy to help. I would highly reccomended any parent to consider Little Shipmates as a placement for their child and arrange a visit.

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Colin Hockley
4 months ago

Lovely nursery with friendly staff.

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Lucy Swainston
2 years ago

Great setting, lovely facilities and staff

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Little Shipmates Pre-School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: March 2019

  • November 2024Good
  • March 2019Good

Frequently asked about Little Shipmates Pre-School

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