Business Details
16 Years
experience
Trusted Early Years Education in Southampton
Ladybirds Pre-school Within Ludlow Infant Academy has been nurturing young minds since 2010, offering high-quality early years education across two purpose-built settings in Woolston and Bitterne. Our experienced team, including qualified specialists in special educational needs and safeguarding, delivers a curriculum focused on play-based learning, both indoors and in expansive outdoor spaces designed to stimulate physical and cognitive development. We hold prestigious awards for healthy eating, mental health, and inclusivity, ensuring every child receives tailored support aligned with their unique needs.With flexible session options accommodating funded and non-funded places, we prioritise parental engagement through regular updates via Tapestry and maintain transparent communication to build trust and collaboration. Our commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in our Trauma and Attachment Aware Educational Setting initiative, reinforcing our dedication to creating a secure, enriching environment for children aged 2-5 years.
Services
Preschool Sessions
SEN Support
Lunch Club
Uniform Provision
Outdoor Learning
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer 14 years of expertise in early years education with specialist SEN support.
- Our outdoor learning environments feature custom-designed play areas for physical development.
- We maintain a 1:8 staff-to-child ratio ensuring personalised attention.
- Our Healthy Early Years Silver Award recognises exceptional nutrition standards.
- We provide transparent fee structures with flexible payment plans available.
Associations and certifications
- Healthy Early Years Award
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Award
- Ally Kitemark
- Trauma and Attachment Aware Educational Setting
What people say
Caring staff
Amazing experience
Wonderful environment
Developed well
Supportive team
Services
Preschool Sessions
Structured learning programs for children aged 2-5 years, combining free-flow play with planned activities. Sessions run during school terms with flexible morning, afternoon, and full-day options. Qualified staff deliver curriculum-aligned experiences focusing on communication, physical development, and creative expression.
SEN Support
Tailored assistance for children with special educational needs, led by qualified SENCOs. Individualised plans developed in collaboration with parents and external professionals. Environment adapted to accommodate diverse learning requirements, ensuring equal access to all activities and resources.
Lunch Club
Supervised lunchtime care with emphasis on healthy eating habits and social skills. Children bring packed lunches following strict nut-free and nutrition guidelines. Staff model good table manners while monitoring dietary requirements. Sessions include structured activities promoting hygiene and cooperative play.
Uniform Provision
Official branded uniforms available through designated supplier, ensuring practicality and safety during play activities. Five percent of purchases contribute to preschool resources. Uniforms help foster group identity while meeting health and safety requirements for outdoor and messy play.
Outdoor Learning
Expansive secure gardens designed for physical development and nature exploration. Separate zones for younger and older children featuring climbing frames, sensory areas, and growing spaces. Outdoor activities integrated with indoor learning to support holistic development across all key areas.
People
Zoe Marler-Hausen
Executive Manager
Early years specialist with Level 5 Foundation Degree, designated safeguarding officer and SENCO. Leads strategic development across both preschool settings while maintaining hands-on involvement in daily operations.
Jade Parker
Setting Manager
Level 5 qualified manager with SEN accreditation and safeguarding expertise. Oversees daily operations at Porchester setting, specialising in communication and literacy development for preschool children.
Kim Londors
Deputy Manager
Early years professional with Level 6 degree and EYPS qualification. Provides leadership in curriculum delivery and staff development across both locations, focusing on innovative teaching methodologies.
Vicky Sykes
Deputy Manager
Level 3 qualified practitioner specialising in ICT and internet safety. Manages operational aspects at Parkside setting while leading physical development and expressive arts activities.
Emily Payne
Administrator
Finance and operations specialist with Diploma in Business and Finance. Coordinates admissions, fee management, and parent communications while maintaining compliance with administrative policies.
Questions
What funding options are available for childcare costs?
We accept 2-year, 3-year, and 30-hour funded places alongside private payments. Parents can access government childcare choices schemes including tax credits and universal credit.
How do you support children with special educational needs?
Our qualified SENCOs create individualised support plans with parental input. We have dedicated quiet spaces, sensory resources, and staff trained in inclusive teaching strategies.
What are your lunch club requirements?
Children bring nut-free packed lunches in named containers. We provide water and plates but cannot refrigerate or heat food items for safety reasons.
How can parents stay informed about their child's progress?
We use Tapestry online journals for daily updates and maintain open communication through regular parent forums and feedback sessions.
What outdoor facilities do you offer?
Both settings feature secure gardens with age-segregated zones, climbing equipment, sensory areas, and growing spaces designed for physical and exploratory learning.
Do you provide uniforms?
Official branded uniforms are available through our online supplier, promoting safety during activities while fostering group identity among children.
