Hythe
Nursling
Basingstoke
Southampton
Hythe
About Us
Little Shipmates Family of Day Nurseries is a friendly group of nurseries across Hampshire where children are cared for, encouraged and celebrated as individuals. We create safe, happy and inspiring spaces where young children can explore, build confidence and develop a love of learning. By working closely with families and nurturing strong relationships, we give every child the best possible start in life.
Little Shipmates began more than 25 years ago, when parents Helen and Clive, both experienced educators with deep roots in Hampshire schools, set out to create something special — building on their own experiences, a place where children would feel safe, inspired and truly at home. Drawing on those personal experiences and a belief that every child should have a joyful start in life, they re-mortgaged their home, took a business loan and opened the first Little Shipmates Day Nursery in Hythe with just 30 places
From that cosy beginning, the Little Shipmates Family has grown to over 350
places with the support of its local communities, continuous investment in extensions, inside and outside environments and adding a further four unique nurseries across Southampton, Hythe and Basingstoke. Each one, though unique, reflects the same values that Helen and Clive set out with — professionalism, enthusiasm, recognition, belonging and achievement — and aims to nurture children through meaningful relationships, playful learning and lots of encouragement.
Today, The Little Shipmates Group Ltd is known not just for quality childcare and
early education, but for the sense of family and connection that runs through every nursery. It’s a place where children can explore with confidence, parents feel listened to, and staff are valued as part of a shared journey — all rooted in the founders’ original belief that every young child deserves a joyful, safe and inspiring start in life.
As Little Shipmates celebrates 25yrs, we are proud to be welcoming the next generation as well as some of our ‘pioneering’ child as valued members of team!
Full steam ahead!!
Our Story
Little Shipmates began more than 25 years ago, when parents Helen and Clive, both experienced educators with deep roots in Hampshire schools, set out to create something special - building on their own experiences, a place where children would feel safe, inspired and truly at home. Drawing on those personal experiences and a belief that every child should have a joyful start in life, they re-mortgaged their home, took a business loan and opened the first Little Shipmates Day Nursery in Hythe with just 30 places
From that cosy beginning, the Little Shipmates Family has grown to over 350 places with the support of its local communities, continuous investment in extensions, inside and outside environments and adding a further four unique nurseries across Southampton, Hythe and Basingstoke. Each one, though unique, reflects the same values that Helen and Clive set out with - professionalism, enthusiasm, recognition, belonging and achievement - and aims to nurture children through meaningful relationships, playful learning and lots of encouragement.
Today, The Little Shipmates Group Ltd is known not just for quality childcare and early education, but for the sense of family and connection that runs through every nursery. It’s a place where children can explore with confidence, parents feel listened to, and staff are valued as part of a shared journey - all rooted in the founders’ original belief that every young child deserves a joyful, safe and inspiring start in life.
As Little Shipmates celebrates 25yrs, we are proud to be welcoming the next generation as well as some of our ‘pioneering’ child as valued members of team!
Full steam ahead!!
At Little Shipmates Day Nursery, our mission of giving every young child a joyful, safe and inspiring start in life is at the heart of everything we do.
We believe the early years are a crucial time in a child’s development, shaping their confidence, curiosity and love for learning for years to come. That’s why we are passionate about creating a nurturing environment where children feel secure, valued and excited to explore the world around them. By building strong relationships with families and providing high-quality care, meaningful play experiences and positive role models, we aim to give every child the best possible foundation for a happy, successful future.
‘Giving every young child a joyful, safe & inspiring start in life’
Our values reflect the care, responsibility and passion behind our mission. They guide how we show up each day as we work towards giving every young child a joyful, safe and inspiring start in life.
Our Values
Enthusiasm is at the heart of our nurseries.
For us, enthusiasm means bringing energy, imagination and optimism into every day — creating exciting, engaging spaces where children thrive and curiosity is encouraged. It’s about taking pride in what we do, celebrating small moments of excellence, and approaching each day with a genuine passion for helping young children learn, grow and feel confident.
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For us, enthusiasm means bringing energy, imagination and optimism into every day - creating exciting, engaging spaces where children thrive and curiosity is encouraged. It’s about taking pride in what we do, celebrating small moments of excellence, and approaching each day with a genuine passion for helping young children learn, grow and feel confident.
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Belonging means every child, family and team member feels welcomed, valued and part of our Little Shipmates community. We create a warm, inclusive environment where everyone is known and celebrated for who they are. When children feel they belong, they grow in confidence, build strong relationships and feel safe to explore, learn and thrive together.
Belonging is at the heart of our community.
Belonging means every child, family and team member feels welcomed, valued and part of our Little Shipmates community. We create a warm, inclusive environment where everyone is known and celebrated for who they are. When children feel they belong, they grow in confidence, build strong relationships and feel safe to explore, learn and thrive together.
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At Little Shipmates, professionalism is shown through trust, accountability and respect for one another. It means being dependable, communicating clearly and working as a team to provide the highest standard of care. We value individuals who act with integrity, take pride in their role and understand the importance of consistency for children and families.
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We believe people do their best work when they feel valued and supported. At Little Shipmates, recognition means celebrating effort, responsibility and teamwork, and acknowledging the everyday contributions that make a real difference. By recognising each other’s achievements, we build confidence, strengthen relationships and create a positive, rewarding place to work.
Professionalism shapes how we work together.
At Little Shipmates, professionalism is shown through trust, accountability and respect for one another. It means being dependable, communicating clearly and working as a team to provide the highest standard of care. We value individuals who act with integrity, take pride in their role and understand the importance of consistency for children and families.
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At Little Shipmates, achievement is about supporting progress, building confidence and recognising success — both big and small. We encourage growth through clear direction, teamwork and ongoing development, helping our team feel inspired, supported and proud of the difference they make every day.
Recognition matters to us.
We believe people do their best work when they feel valued and supported. At Little Shipmates, recognition means celebrating effort, responsibility and teamwork, and acknowledging the everyday contributions that make a real difference. By recognising each other’s achievements, we build confidence, strengthen relationships and create a positive, rewarding place to work.
Achievement is something we celebrate and nurture.
At Little Shipmates, achievement is about supporting progress, building confidence and recognising success — both big and small. We encourage growth through clear direction, teamwork and ongoing development, helping our team feel inspired, supported and proud of the difference they make every day.