Business Details
Little Drummers Pre-school Pre-School Southampton
Established as a sessional pre-school within the Drummond Community Centre, we provide early years education and care for children from age 2. Our approach centres on learning through play in a secure environment designed to foster emotional, intellectual, and physical development. Guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, we cultivate curiosity through exploration and experimentation. Our team of qualified professionals works collaboratively with families to create tailored learning journeys using technology-based documentation.Recognising our role as a charity, we maintain transparent governance through a parent-led committee and actively engage in fundraising to enhance educational resources. We prioritise settling children into preschool life while offering flexible session options to accommodate diverse family needs.
Services
Pre-School Education
Early Years Learning
Play-Based Curriculum
Flexible Sessions
Government Funded Places
Highlights and features
- We offer flexible session options from 9am-3pm daily to meet family needs
- Our team includes qualified professionals with expertise in early education
- We implement the Early Years Foundation Stage framework for structured learning
- Government funded places available for children aged 2-4 years old
- Monthly newsletters track educational developments and key learning milestones
What people say
Very friendly atmosphere
Children play together
Caring staff
Weekly updates
Happy children
Services
Pre-School Education
Our play-based curriculum nurtures children aged 2+ through exploration and experimentation. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to develop communication, physical skills, and emotional intelligence. Our qualified staff create tailored learning journeys documented through Tapestry, an electronic tracking system.
Flexible Sessions
Choose from morning (9am-12pm), afternoon (12:30-3pm), or full-day (9am-3pm) options. Lunch club provides midday social opportunities. Our team advises families on optimal session structures to balance learning needs against personal circumstances.
Government Funded Places
We accept 2-year-old funding, 30-hour entitlement, and Early Years Education grants. This public funding covers basic educational costs. Additional voluntary contributions support enhanced resources that enrich children's learning experiences beyond statutory requirements.
Parental Engagement
Monthly newsletters and termly events keep families informed about educational developments. Regular observations shared through Tapestry maintain transparency about children's progress. Parents may join our management committee to actively shape preschool improvements.
Charity Operations
Operating as charity number 1020274 ensures all funds directly benefit children's education. Parent-led fundraising events supplement statutory funding to maintain high-quality resources. Our governance model balances regulatory compliance with community input through elected committee members.
People
Kirsty Simpson
Manager, DSL
Experienced pre-school manager with qualified teacher status, overseeing daily operations and child safeguarding procedures.
Sarah Merritt
Key Person
Dedicated key worker focusing on individual child development plans and maintaining consistent caregiver relationships.
Kirsty Chandler
Deputy Manager, DDSL
Supports manager in special educational needs provision while maintaining high-quality teaching standards.
Angela York
Key Person
Experienced educator providing tailored care for assigned children as part of our structured key worker system.
Barbara Bound
Third in Charge
Senior staff member managing health and safety protocols while assisting in daily preschool operations.
Questions
What age children do you accept?
We accept children from 2 years old at our Ofsted-registered pre-school facility.
Are session times fixed?
Sessions run Monday-Friday 9am-3pm with flexible AM/PM options available to suit family needs.
How are children's activities structured?
Learning journeys follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum through play-based exploration and experimentation.
Do you accept government childcare funding?
Yes, we accommodate 2-year-old funding, 30-hour entitlement, and EYE grants for eligible families.
How do you track children's progress?
Tapestry electronic system provides ongoing observations, photographs, and developmental records accessible to parents.
Is food provided during sessions?
Children bring packed lunches; morning and afternoon refreshments included in session fees.
Reviews (4)
Tashaa Parkes
Jun 14, 2020
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After having to take my son out of his previous preschool, I was worried he'd struggle in a new one, but the ladies at little drummers are amazing with him, and he's never been more excited than when he goes to school, Jessica is wonderful and my son absolutely adores her, he struggles with speech but they've helped him come so far in such a short period of time, it's outstanding! Definitely the best preschool around 👍
Jot Chana
Nov 21, 2019
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Little drummer pre-school the best choice to starting your littles confidence, joy ,active and make ready for next level school help with active ,motivate and strong feeling staff
Sarah Henson
Aug 21, 2019
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An absolutely fantastic preschool! I cant recommend Little Drummers highly enough. The staff are a wonderful team of ladies who care for all the children to an exceptionally high standard, creating a happy and nurturing environment.
Fay Louise Rands
Jul 16, 2019
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I am a nursery nurse and when looking for a pre school for my daughter I looked at about 10 settings and then I found little drummers. What can I say! My daughter has been going for 2 years and leaves this week for school. I’m heartbroken we have to leave these lovely ladies behind they have made my little girl into a confident child! Amazing group of ladies hands down the best around x
