Hythe
Nursling
Basingstoke
Southampton
Hythe

Little Shipmates @ the Crescent

At Little Shipmates @ The Crescent in Hythe, we provide a warm, nurturing and inspiring environment designed to help your child thrive - socially, emotionally and educationally. Our setting is part of the Little Shipmates Family of nurseries, known locally for bringing quality childcare and early learning to families across Hampshire.

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Little Shipmates @ The Crescent, Hythe, Southampton, SO45 6ET

02380 840971

Discover a world of play, learning and exploration with Little Shipmates @ The Crescent

Wednesday

Monday

Friday

8am - 6pm

8am - 6pm

8am - 6pm

8am - 6pm

8am - 6pm

Tuesday

Thursday

At Little Shipmates Pre-School, every day is an opportunity for children to explore, imagine and grow. Our purpose-built rooms are filled with light, colour and carefully chosen resources, while our garden invites outdoor play and hands-on learning in a safe, inspiring space.

Children enjoy hands-on activities that spark imagination and curiosity, from creative arts and sensory play to outdoor challenges and nature-based learning. These experiences are designed to help children develop problem-solving skills, independence and a love of learning, while supporting social and emotional growth.

The nursery’s experienced staff build strong, trusting relationships with each child, guiding and encouraging them in ways that feel natural and reassuring. Families are welcomed as partners in their child’s learning journey, with regular updates and open communication helping children feel secure and celebrated every day.

At Little Shipmates Pre-School, children thrive in a nurturing and stimulating environment where play, exploration and meaningful connections prepare them confidently for their next stage of learning.


Meet Our Managers

Carla, Nursery Manager at Little Shipmates @ The Crescent, Hythe

Monday 8am - 6pm

 

Tuesday 8am - 6pm

Little Shipmates @ The Crescent, Hythe, Southampton, SO45 6ET

Wednesday 8am - 6pm

Thursday 8am - 6pm

Friday 8am - 6pm

Key Highlights at Little Shipmates @ the Crescent:

Fresh, healthy menu

Named key worker

Forest School Activities

Parent and child working together on a crafts activity during nursery parent day, seated at a table
Parent and child working together on a crafts activity during nursery parent day, seated at a table
Simple illustration of a playground slide with a tower, trees, clouds, and a ladder.
Illustration of a baby crib with hanging toys.

Parent Engagement

Outdoor Space

Sleep Room

Illustration of a camping scene with a tent, a campfire, and a tall pine tree under a sunny sky with clouds.
Bottle of water and a bowl of salad with a tomato and a carrot in front.
Illustration of two people, an adult and a child, with a pink heart above them, against a purple background.

A Place to Belong

Here at Shipmates, our curriculum consists of three aspirations designed to nurture confident, curious and resilient children who are well prepared for their future.

We place a strong emphasis on independence, supporting children at every stage to develop essential life skills such as self-care, making choices and taking responsibility for their routines, both at nursery and at home.

Alongside this, we foster a genuine enthusiasm to learn by creating inspiring environments, following children’s interests and building strong partnerships with families to make learning meaningful and relevant.

We are equally committed to supporting children’s emotional wellbeing, helping them to recognise, understand and regulate their feelings, develop empathy for others and build resilience when faced with challenges.

Through the guidance of dedicated key persons, children are encouraged to try, persevere and grow in a safe, supportive and exciting environment.

A toddler smiling & having fun during a messy play activity.

Ages & Funding

We welcome children from 3 months up to school age, providing care that grows with your child. We accept a range of early years funding, including two-, three- and 30-hour funding support, to help make childcare affordable.

Whether your child is beginning their first nursery experience or preparing for school, we tailor our programme to support confident, curious learners.

Ask the Nursery for a copy of our helpful Funding FAQ’s.

A toddler and a nursery practitioner are working together to prepare dough on a green cutting board.

Parent Partnership

At Shipmates, we truly value our parent partnerships. We believe that strong relationships and open communication are key to a positive nursery experience for both children and parents.

We actively encourage parental involvement and love welcoming families into the nursery through a variety of events throughout the year, such as Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations, Teddy Bear Picnics and more. These events give parents the opportunity to spend time in the rooms with their children, exploring activities and sharing special moments together.

Alongside this, we offer parent evening opportunities during the year to discuss your child’s development, celebrate achievements and plan next steps. From personalised feedback and daily communication to our online learning journals, we keep you closely connected to your child’s day and progress.

Our thorough newsletter keeps you up to date with exciting events and information going on within the Nursery. By sharing information clearly and consistently, we help create a smooth, reassuring routine that fits around family life and supports a calm, confident start for everyone.

Parent and child drawing together during a nursery parent day creative activity at a table
  • They all clearly care about and are attentive to my child! Especially Charlotte, Chloe and Ellie. They get excited when they tell me that my child has said a new word!

    Parent - Summer 2026

  • "We are really happy with how it is going so far with our child. Lucy and the whole team were really reassuring at the start when our child was unsettled and now he loves it! It is such as relief for us knowing how well he has settled in"

    Parent - Summer 2026

  • "I feel this is the perfect nursery for my child, consistency and reliability of the in house staff"

    Parent - Summer 2026

Connect with Us

Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with activities, photos and community moments:

For broader news, insights, and updates from across our wider organisation, be sure to visit our company blog on our website, where we share helpful articles, announcements, and stories that reflect our values and approach to early years education. Together, these channels are a great way to stay informed and feel connected.


Have a question or want to chat? We’re here to help