Hythe
Nursling
Basingstoke
Southampton
Hythe
Careers
We believe every young child deserves a joyful, safe and inspiring start in life. That belief is at the heart of everything we do at Little Shipmates — and it’s what brings our team together every day. If you share our passion for nurturing young minds and want to make a real difference in a supportive, caring environment, we’d love to welcome you aboard.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Our kitchen staff are responsible for preparing and supporting the delivery of healthy, nutritious meals and snacks for young children, maintaining a safe and hygienic kitchen, and ensuring all dietary and allergy requirements are met as part of a caring nursery team.
Chef | Assistant Chef
Our Team
-
Our kitchen staff are responsible for preparing and supporting the delivery of healthy, nutritious meals and snacks for young children, maintaining a safe and hygienic kitchen, and ensuring all dietary and allergy requirements are met as part of a caring nursery team.
Kitchen
-
Our team-Level 2 and 3 Practitioners, Lunch Cover, SENDCo, and 1-to-1 support staff-creates a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space where every child is supported to explore, learn, and thrive. Guided by care, curiosity, and attention to the little things that matter most, we help children grow into confident, joyful individuals.
Nursery Room
-
Our leadership and administration team - Manager, Deputy Manager, and Admin/Finance Manager - work together to ensure the nursery runs smoothly, safely, and with children at the heart of every decision. From guiding and supporting staff to managing operations, finances, and compliance, they create a well-organised, nurturing environment where teams can thrive and children receive the very best start.
Nursery Office
Room Leader | Practitioner (Level 2/Level 3) | Lunch Cover | SENDCo | 1-1
Our team-Level 2 and 3 Practitioners, Lunch Cover, SENDCo, and 1-to-1 support staff-creates a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space where every child is supported to explore, learn, and thrive. Guided by care, curiosity, and attention to the little things that matter most, we help children grow into confident, joyful individuals.
-
As a Cleaner at our nursery, you play a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming, and hygienic environment for children to learn and grow. Your care and attention to detail help ensure every space is bright, clean, and ready for little explorers to thrive.
-
At our nursery, we don’t just welcome Apprentices - we invest in them. Join a team where your learning, development, and ambitions matter. You’ll gain hands-on experience, learn from experienced practitioners, and help create a safe, joyful, and inspiring environment where every child can thrive. This is more than a role - it’s the start of a career, the chance to grow, and the opportunity to make a real difference every day.
Apprenticeships
Manager | Deputy Manager | Admin & Finance Manager
Our leadership and administration team - Manager, Deputy Manager, and Admin/Finance Manager - work together to ensure the nursery runs smoothly, safely, and with children at the heart of every decision. From guiding and supporting staff to managing operations, finances, and compliance, they create a well-organised, nurturing environment where teams can thrive and children receive the very best start.
Cleaner
As a Cleaner at our nursery, you play a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming, and hygienic environment for children to learn and grow. Your care and attention to detail help ensure every space is bright, clean, and ready for little explorers to thrive.
Level 2 | Level 3
At our nursery, we don’t just welcome Apprentices - we invest in them. Join a team where your learning, development, and ambitions matter. You’ll gain hands-on experience, learn from experienced practitioners, and help create a safe, joyful, and inspiring environment where every child can thrive. This is more than a role - it’s the start of a career, the chance to grow, and the opportunity to make a real difference every day.
Our Current Vacancies
Every role at The Little Shipmates Family is more than a job-it’s a chance to make a real impact, learn, and grow. For more information on our current vacancies or to apply, click on the role and take the first step towards an inspiring career