Hythe
Nursling
Basingstoke
Southampton
Hythe
Little Shipmates Day Nursery
Little Shipmates Day Nursery
At Little Shipmates Day Nursery, childhood is a journey of curiosity, confidence and discovery. In our warm, purpose-built setting in Hythe, children are cared for by a dedicated team who truly know them, value them and help them flourish. Through playful learning, rich experiences and a nurturing, home-from-home environment, we give every child the best possible start - and every family the reassurance that their little one is in safe, loving hands.
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Tuesday
Friday
Become part of the Little Shipmates Day Nursery family in Hythe
Little Shipmates Day Nursery is a nurturing, welcoming environment where children feel a true sense of belonging from the moment they arrive.
Our spacious setting features large gardens and all-weather outdoor play areas, giving children the freedom to explore, discover and thrive in every season. Inside, our modern facilities are designed with children’s comfort in mind, creating a calm and inspiring place to learn and grow. Our dedicated team builds strong, trusting relationships with both children and parents, working in partnership to support each child’s development and confidence as they prepare for their next exciting step to school.
Meet Our Manager
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I joined Little Shipmates Day Nursery in 2014, beginning my journey as a bank staff member. Over the years, I have been fortunate to progress through a variety of roles, including Nursery Practitioner, Senior Practitioner, Room Leader, Deputy Manager, and now Nursery Manager. I am incredibly proud to be part of a dedicated team who are passionate about giving children the very best start in life.
Throughout my time at the setting, I have always strived to ensure that every child in my care thrives across all areas of their development. I am deeply committed to creating a nurturing, caring, and inclusive environment where all children and families feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated. My aim is to ensure that every child feels safe, valued, and confident as they begin their learning journey.
Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
1 Malwood Road West, Hythe, Southampton, SO45 5DB
023 8084 1166
Monday
Thursday
8am - 6pm
8am - 6pm
8am - 6pm
8am - 6pm
8am - 6pm
Key Highlights at Little Shipmates:
Named key worker
On-site Parking
Day Trips
Fresh, healthy menu
Outdoor Space
Sleep Room
Creating a smooth transition between home, nursery and school
Little Shipmates Day Nursery is a warm and welcoming space, brimming with a tangible sense of family and belonging. The building boasts large gardens and all-weather play areas for the children to explore, as well as every modern amenity including air conditioning, new toilets, flexible accommodation and extended office space. Our wonderful staff members always strive to develop a relationship with the parents as well as the children, and take a pragmatic approach to helping our little ones grow and learn in an enriching environment before they continue their journey on to school.
Practitioner Guiding a Child (Transition Moment)
What to show
Practitioner gently guiding a child (e.g., walking hand-in-hand, showing them around a room, or helping them explore)
Child looking confident or curious
Calm, bright, welcoming environment in the background
Little Adventures, Big Memories
Life at Little Shipmates is full of little moments that make big memories. Our excursions give children the chance to experience the world around them - from seeing animals up close at the farm to visiting the fire station, exploring the library or simply laughing and running free at the park.
When we stay closer to home, we make sure the magic still comes to us. We regularly welcome visitors like ZooLab with their wonderful animals, energetic dance sessions with diddi dance, and football fun with Little Kickers. Visits from dentists, the police and the army help children learn about the people who help keep us safe, all in a friendly and familiar setting. These experiences help children grow in confidence, curiosity and happiness - which is exactly how we believe childhood should feel.
Children Exploring Outdoors / On an Excursion
What to show
Children walking in a park, at a farm, interacting with the visiting activity
Wide smiles, curiosity in their faces
Practitioner nearby, supportive but not intrusive
Natural, bright light and open space
Food and nutrition at The Little Shipmates Family
We are proud to employ a qualified on-site chef, who specialises in providing healthy and well-balanced food for all our children. All meals at The Little Shipmates Day Nursery are specially chosen for their nutritional value and taste, encouraging children to experience a varied diet with all the qualities to keep them healthy, happy and strong. We can also cater for all special dietary requirements; just speak to a member of our team to arrange this for your child.
Child Enjoying a Meal with Practitioner Nearby
What to show
Child smiling or focused on eating
Practitioner subtly present, guiding or supporting, maybe interacting warmly
Table with real, colorful food (fresh and child-friendly, not styled like a restaurant)
Natural lighting, bright, calm environment
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.