Hythe
Nursling
Basingstoke
Southampton
HytheFees
Choosing childcare is about much more than numbers. It's about finding the right place for your child, while feeling confident that the practical side is just as clear and straightforward. Whether you're exploring childcare for the first time or comparing your options, we've brought together everything you need to know about our fees, funding and what's included, so you can make the decision that's right for your family.
Every family is different, so if there's anything you're unsure about, we're always happy to talk things through. We believe understanding your options should feel simple, transparent and reassuring, with clear information, no hidden surprises and support whenever you need it.
Practitioner Reassuring Parent with Child Present
What to show
Practitioner talking with parent while child plays nearby
Warm, calm, and relaxed interaction
Bright, welcoming nursery environment
Smiles and gentle engagement
Our Approach
We've always believed it's the little things that make a difference.
For more than 25 years, we've continued to invest in our nurseries, creating environments where children feel happy, secure and excited to come each day. From the spaces they play in to the experiences they enjoy, we believe those everyday details help create the best possible start for every child.
We also believe understanding childcare costs should be straightforward. That's why we're committed to keeping our fees clear and transparent, with no hidden surprises and plenty of opportunity to ask questions along the way.
Government Funded Hours
We offer all eligible government-funded childcare entitlements for children aged 2, 3 and 4, in line with current legislation.
If you're eligible, we'll guide you through the process and help you make the most of your funded hours. Once you've applied and shared your funding details with us, we'll explain how your entitlement can be used within your chosen attendance pattern and answer any questions you may have.
Government funding covers your child's funded entitlement, while a separate contribution applies towards meals, snacks, consumables and other everyday essentials that support your child's time at nursery. We'll always explain these clearly in advance, so you know exactly what to expect with no hidden surprises.
Child Happily Engaged with Practitioner Nearby
What to show
1–2 children playing, learning, or exploring confidently
Practitioner observing or subtly guiding at child’s level
Bright, safe, welcoming nursery environment
Expressions of focus, curiosity, and contentment
What We Provide
From the moment your child arrives until it's time to go home, we want them to feel happy, settled and ready to enjoy their day. Our aim is to create an environment where children feel safe, supported and encouraged to explore, while making nursery life as straightforward as possible for families.
As part of your child's day, they'll benefit from:
Warm, caring relationships with familiar practitioners
A wide range of play-based learning and outdoor experiences
Freshly prepared meals and snacks*
Support for individual dietary needs and preferences
Nappies, wipes and everyday care essentials*
Safe, welcoming environments designed to help children learn, play and grow with confidence
Some elements of your child's day are supported through our nursery fees or funded entitlement, while meals, consumables and certain everyday essentials are covered through our Meals, Essentials & Extras contribution, explained below.
Children Engaged in Calm, Joyful Play
What to show
2–3 children happily playing or exploring in a safe, organised nursery environment
Practitioner nearby, guiding subtly or observing warmly
Children focused, smiling, and confident
Environment showing thoughtful provision (toys, learning areas, bright spaces)
Meals, Extras & Essentials
We want nursery life to feel as simple and straightforward as possible for families. While government funding covers your child's funded early education entitlement, some everyday items sit outside that funding and are supported through our Essentials & Extras contribution.
This contribution helps cover:
Freshly prepared meals and snacks throughout the day
Nappies, wipes and everyday care essentials
Additional experiences and resources that enrich children's time at nursery
We'll always explain these contributions clearly before your child starts, so you know exactly what's included and what the charges cover. If you have any questions, we're always happy to talk them through.
Children Enjoying a Meal or Snack
What to show
1–3 children eating or enjoying a snack together
Practitioner nearby, observing or gently supporting
Bright, clean, and welcoming environment
Children relaxed, confident, and happy
Fees by Age & Session
Every family is different, and childcare funding can sometimes feel confusing. We'll happily talk you through your options, explain how the fees apply to your child's attendance pattern, and answer any questions along the way.
Meals, consumables and Essentials & Extras contributions are shown separately and apply in addition to funded hours.
Meals, consumables and Essentials & Extras contributions are shown separately and apply in addition to funded hours.
Fee Reviews & Notice Periods
We know that planning childcare is an important commitment for families, which is why we aim to keep our fees as stable and predictable as possible. From time to time, however, we may need to review our fees to reflect changes in the cost of running our nurseries and maintaining the standard of care we want to provide.
Should any changes be necessary, we'll always communicate them clearly and provide at least one month's notice, giving you time to plan ahead.
Full details of our notice periods, attendance arrangements and any changes to booked sessions will be shared before your child starts, so you know what to expect from the outset.
Practitioner Reassuring Parent
What to show
Practitioner talking with a parent while child plays nearby
Warm, calm, and confident body language
Bright, welcoming nursery environment
Child engaged and comfortable
Support with Funding & Payments
We know that understanding childcare funding and payment options can sometimes feel confusing, especially if you're applying for the first time. While parents apply directly for government-funded childcare and other schemes, we're here to help you understand what's available and how it could apply to your family.
We can help explain:
Government-funded childcare hours
Tax-Free Childcare
Universal Credit childcare support
Other available payment options
During your visit, we'll explain the options available to you, answer any questions and help you understand how funding and payments work alongside your child's nursery place.
Talk to Us
Choosing childcare is a big decision, and while we hope this page has answered many of your questions, nothing replaces seeing a nursery for yourself.
A visit gives you the chance to explore the environment, meet the team and ask anything that's important to you. We'll explain how our fees, funding and attendance options apply to your family, so you leave with a clear understanding of both the practical side of childcare and what life at Little Shipmates is really like.
Whether you're just beginning your search or ready to take the next step, we'd love to welcome you for a visit. Our aim isn't to rush you into making a decision – it's to help you feel informed, comfortable and confident that you've found the right nursery for your child, wherever that may be.