Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Early Years Education
Established in 1994, Little Gems Pre-school is a privately owned early years setting dedicated to providing high-quality care and education for children aged 2 to 5 years. Our three locations in West End, Chandlers Ford, and Hedge End offer purpose-designed facilities with experienced, qualified staff who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. We prioritise flexible session options, parental involvement, and a nurturing environment that balances structured learning with creative exploration.Our Ofsted-rated 'Good' settings feature dedicated managers at each location, ensuring consistent standards across all services. With over three decades of experience, we maintain strong partnerships with families and focus on creating a safe, stimulating environment where children thrive. Our annual father-and-child events, open sessions for parental participation, and tailored learning journals reflect our commitment to holistic development and community engagement.
Services
Preschool Services
Early Years Education
Flexible Sessions
Funding Options
Parental Involvement
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- Established in 1994 with three Ofsted-registered locations
- Experienced qualified staff delivering EYFS curriculum
- Purpose-designed facilities with outdoor learning spaces
- Flexible session options and parental involvement programs
- Annual father-and-child engagement events
What people say
Lovely staff
Care about children
Amazing job
Wonderful nativity
Support throughout
Services
Preschool Services
Our preschool programs provide structured learning for children aged 2-5 years. Qualified staff deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum through balanced indoor and outdoor activities. Each session includes creative play, literacy development, and social skills training in purpose-designed facilities across three Southampton locations.
Flexible Sessions
We offer adaptable childcare arrangements with morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions. Term-time availability allows parents to choose schedules matching their needs while maintaining consistent educational progress for children through our Ofsted-registered provision.
Funding Options
Access government-funded childcare through 2, 3, and 4-year-old schemes including 30-hour entitlements. We accept childcare vouchers and work with families to maximise available financial support while maintaining high-quality educational provision across all our locations.
Parental Involvement
We actively encourage family participation through open sessions, progress reviews, and special events. Parents can engage in reading activities, help with projects, or attend our annual father-and-child day. Regular feedback opportunities ensure collaborative child development planning with our experienced staff.
Outdoor Learning
Each location features purpose-built outdoor spaces with sensory gardens, climbing areas, and creative play equipment. Our curriculum integrates nature-based learning through gardening projects, physical development activities, and exploratory play in secure environments designed to stimulate child development.
People
Gemma Akins
Owner
Founder and director since 1994, Gemma established Little Gems Pre-school with a vision for quality early years education. She oversees strategic direction while maintaining close involvement in daily operations across all three locations.
Laura Snellgrove
Manager
Miss Laura Snellgrove leads the Chandlers Ford setting, delivering the EYFS curriculum with 15+ years of early years experience. She ensures high educational standards through structured learning programs and staff development initiatives.
Renata Allen
Manager
Mrs Renata Allen manages the West End location, combining operational leadership with direct childcare provision. With qualifications in early childhood education, she focuses on creating nurturing environments that support individual child development needs.
Lorena Boyes
Manager
Mrs Lorena Boyes oversees the Hedge End setting, implementing innovative teaching methods within the EYFS framework. She specialises in sensory learning environments and works closely with parents to ensure consistent developmental progress.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care and education for children aged 2 to 5 years across all our locations.
Are you open during school holidays?
Our preschools operate term-time only, following standard school schedules with 9am-3pm daily sessions.
Do you accept government funding?
Yes, we accept 2, 3, and 4-year-old funding including 30-hour entitlements and childcare vouchers.
How do you involve parents?
We offer open sessions for parental participation, regular progress reviews, and annual father-and-child engagement events.
What facilities do you offer?
Each location features purpose-designed classrooms, outdoor play areas with sensory gardens, and dedicated learning spaces.
Are your staff qualified?
All settings are managed by qualified EYFS specialists with experienced teams delivering structured learning programs.
Reviews (1)
Geraldine Fletcher
Aug 23, 2018
Report
Love this preschool. My first son started here three and a half years ago, my second nearly two years and my third son starts next month. I looked a five preschool before this one and although its a drive from my house its worth it. Previous manager sold this establishment to me with her motherly love and kindness that was apparent and the great morale she had with staff, when she left I held my breath and I can honestly say I neednt have worried, the new manager who happens to also be the owner is amazing and genuinely puts the children first. You can see the outcome of her hard work
