☎ 079 930 4420
✉ info@little-gems.co.za
● 40 Willow Crescent, St Andrews, Germiston 2007
A Brighter Tomorrow, Together
☎ 079 930 4420
✉ info@little-gems.co.za
● 40 Willow Crescent, St Andrews, Germiston 2007
Little Gems is a specialist residential and respite care home in St Andrews, Germiston, supporting children and young adults with physical and learning disabilities. We bring compassionate daily care, education and therapy together so every individual can feel safe, valued and able to grow.
Little Gems was founded by Kerry Hackeson, a mother of a child with special needs and a practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in early intervention and behavioural support. Before establishing Little Gems in South Africa, Kerry spent 15 years in Dubai, where she built and managed a successful residential care facility.
That personal and professional experience still guides our work today: every child is unique, every family deserves honest support, and care should create real opportunities to learn, make choices, develop life skills and build confidence.
We take a holistic, multidisciplinary approach. Each resident begins with a detailed assessment that informs an individual education and behaviour plan. Educators, therapists, nurses and care staff work together so learning, health, communication and everyday independence are supported as one connected journey.
Our facilities include a sensory room, a soft-play area with a ball pool, and outdoor spaces with climbing equipment and gardens. Support may include occupational, physical, speech and behavioural therapy, together with sensory integration.
Our responsibility goes beyond daily care. We connect assessment, learning, therapy, practical facilities and family support so each person receives care that makes sense for their life.
A full assessment guides an individual education and behaviour plan, with progress supported by the people who know each resident best.
Sensory, soft-play and outdoor environments give residents safe places to explore, practise skills, regulate and enjoy everyday life.
Our Erudite Projects partnership helps families explore funding when fees are a barrier, while donations support essential services and equipment.
Little Gems is led by people who combine professional knowledge with warmth, consistency and a shared commitment to helping every resident feel safe, respected and able to grow.
Director
With a background in psychology and education, Nick oversees the centre and keeps daily practice aligned with legislative requirements and Little Gems’ care goals. He also drives innovation, staff training and consultation with sector leaders so the organisation continues to strengthen its support.
Manager
Cannelle manages the day-to-day running of Little Gems, coordinating clients, staffing and operations. Her role keeps the different parts of the care team working together smoothly and helps families receive clear, dependable support.
Nursing Manager
Innocent leads nursing care and supports the team with residents’ everyday health needs, medical requirements and emergencies. He also helps coordinate the sleep-in care team so continuity and safety remain central around the clock.
Nursing & Daily Care
Elizabeth helps lead nursing and daily care, including the sleep-in support team. Her practical experience and deeply caring approach help ensure that residents have nursing support on site and receive the attentive, motherly care Little Gems is known for.
These answers cover the questions families commonly ask when they are considering residential or respite support at Little Gems.
Little Gems supports children and young adults with physical and learning disabilities who benefit from a safe, structured and nurturing care environment. Families are encouraged to contact the team so individual needs can be discussed before placement.
Weekly, full-time residential and short-term respite care are available. The right option depends on the individual and family, and the team can explain current availability and the next steps.
Each resident receives a detailed assessment. This informs an individual education and behaviour plan, which is delivered collaboratively by care staff, educators, therapists and nursing professionals.
Support may include occupational, physical, speech and behavioural therapy, together with sensory integration. Recommendations are tailored to the individual assessment and agreed care goals.
The home includes a sensory room, soft-play area with a ball pool, and outdoor areas with climbing equipment and gardens. These spaces support movement, regulation, play, learning and everyday enjoyment.
Little Gems operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The care model includes nursing and sleep-in support so day-to-day health needs and emergencies can be managed.
Little Gems works with Erudite Projects to help eligible families explore funding where fees are a barrier. Contact the team to discuss the process and what information may be required.
Little Gems is at 40 Willow Crescent, St Andrews, Germiston, Gauteng. Call 079 930 4420 or use the Contact page to arrange a conversation or visit.
Every family’s situation is different. Speak to the Little Gems team about care options, availability and arranging a visit to our home in St Andrews, Germiston.
