--- title: "Little Shipmates Pre-School — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "Little Shipmates Pre-School, a nursery in Southampton — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-shipmates-pre-school-so45-6et-ey543492#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-shipmates-pre-school-so45-6et-ey543492#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-shipmates-pre-school-so45-6et-ey543492#nursery", "name": "Little Shipmates Pre-School", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-shipmates-pre-school-so45-6et-ey543492", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "Waterside Primary School", "addressLocality": "Southampton", "postalCode": "SO45 6ET" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-shipmates-pre-school-so45-6et-ey543492#webpage" }, "sameAs": [ "https://littleshipmates.com/our-nurseries/little-shipmates-the-crescent/" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 50.863576, "longitude": -1.396744 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Southampton" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 0, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 4.7, "reviewCount": 3, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Emily Hayward" }, "reviewBody": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nAs 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.\n\nI would highly reccomended any parent to consider Little Shipmates as a placement for their child and arrange a visit.", "datePublished": "2026-02-12T11:40:37.727451943Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 4, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Colin Hockley" }, "reviewBody": "Lovely nursery with friendly staff.", "datePublished": "2025-12-30T09:01:39.916609479Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lucy Swainston" }, "reviewBody": "Great setting, lovely facilities and staff", "datePublished": "2023-10-25T11:10:58.707342Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-shipmates-pre-school-so45-6et-ey543492#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "South East", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=South%20East" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Little Shipmates Pre-School", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-shipmates-pre-school-so45-6et-ey543492" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/little-shipmates-pre-school-so45-6et-ey543492#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Little Shipmates Pre-School suitable for under-twos?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Little Shipmates Pre-School accepts children from 0 to 4 years. That age range includes babies and toddlers under two, alongside older pre-school children." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funding entitlements are accepted at Little Shipmates Pre-School?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting accepts 15 hours for disadvantaged two-year-olds, 15 hours universal for three- and four-year-olds, 30 hours for working parents of three- and four-year-olds, and Tax-Free Childcare." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What stands out about Little Shipmates Pre-School?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children benefit from outdoor activity, careful support for settling feelings, and staff who plan experiences that spark curiosity. Transition to the next stage of learning is handled closely with parents, and regular visits to a local care home help children build kindness and a sense of belonging." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the capacity at Little Shipmates Pre-School?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Little Shipmates Pre-School has 106 children on roll." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Little Shipmates Pre-School support children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff help children name their feelings and manage emotions, using a kind and gentle approach. Calm spaces, including a sensory room, are used when children feel overwhelmed or need extra support." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [South East](/search?region=South+East) 4. Little Shipmates Pre-School # Little Shipmates Pre-School Compare Contact Nursery 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 - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## 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 group 25+ years experience Play-based learning Transparent pricing Government funding accepted ## Pricing & funding Funding accepted 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 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. ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Little Shipmates Pre-School Inspection date Nov 2024 Inspection no. 10368552 Lead inspector Lucy Short [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50265176)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY543492) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Phone not yet listed [ Visit website ](https://littleshipmates.com/our-nurseries/little-shipmates-the-crescent/) Waterside Primary School, Southampton, SO45 6ET [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/-1.39674/50.86358/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Southampton - [Day nurseries in Southampton](/search?q=Southampton) - [Day nurseries in South East](/search?q=South+East) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=little-shipmates-pre-school-so45-6et-ey543492) ## 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 - 1 build on staff's understanding of the importance of providing opportunities to extend children's communication and language. Inspection #10368552 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50265176) 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) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKo_1IZ7u1tWAORVYfjZkLhpVZMwlM1ej6YGshUuUHqx9hmXg=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) 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. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xKbGRuaHlRV1p3WlZsSWFWWkNkblZVZHpZM1dtYxAB!2m1!1s0x487477302108eba1:0xbbbad916ccc3236e) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVdQWd_McLk8_F5IHTBYat1KKcYEBLuhFZtgYpyrH4QnVqMVUnv=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba4) Colin Hockley 4 months ago Lovely nursery with friendly staff. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2taT1ltWTFTM1o1UVZGcVQzRjJSVFpuUnpscloxRRAB!2m1!1s0x487477302108eba1:0xbbbad916ccc3236e) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjXldoHA_nObYm8IYUKe-ADT9vhaibOZYR1e8-Qubpc-bu_Zdg05ew=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba3) Lucy Swainston 2 years ago Great setting, lovely facilities and staff [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ1d2UzTzN3RRAB!2m1!1s0x487477302108eba1:0xbbbad916ccc3236e) Reviews from Google for Little Shipmates Pre-School. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=13527363122708554606&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Date: March 2019 - November 2024 Good - March 2019 Good ## Frequently asked about Little Shipmates Pre-School ### Is Little Shipmates Pre-School suitable for under-twos? ### Which funding entitlements are accepted at Little Shipmates Pre-School? ### What stands out about Little Shipmates Pre-School? ### What is the capacity at Little Shipmates Pre-School? ### How does Little Shipmates Pre-School support children with SEND? ## Nearby day nurseries in Southampton Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Little Shipmates Pre-School. - [ Awaiting first inspection 0.2 mi ### Hive Day Nursery and Preschool Southampton · SO45 6EA ](/nursery/hive-day-nursery-and-preschool-so45-6ea-2871765) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.5 mi ### Little Shipmates Day Nursery Southampton · SO45 5DB ](/nursery/little-shipmates-day-nursery-so45-5db-ey500189) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.3 mi ### Applemore Early Years Centre Southampton · SO45 5TN ](/nursery/applemore-early-years-centre-so45-5tn-2597175) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.1 mi ### Stepping Stones Preschool Southampton · SO45 2QG ](/nursery/stepping-stones-preschool-so45-2qg-ey297420) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.2 mi ### YMCA Woolston Day Nursery Southampton · SO19 9EF 4.2(19 reviews) ](/nursery/ymca-woolston-day-nursery-so19-9ef-ey479896) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.3 mi ### Netley Abbey Pre-school Southampton · SO31 5EL ](/nursery/netley-abbey-pre-school-so31-5el-ey379201) [See all nurseries in Southampton →](/search?q=Southampton) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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