“Children are safe and their well-being is promoted exceptionally well. They show high levels of confidence, self-esteem and an eagerness to learn.” (Ofsted 2014)

Starting at our setting - The first days

We want your child to feel happy and safe with us. To make sure that this is the case, our staff will work with you to decide how to help your child settle into our nursery. Tailor made provisions will satisfy your child's needs in accordance with our own settling in policy.

Learning

We provide a happy, play-based learning environment to help your child gain independence and develop their social skills by communicating and sharing with others. Our planning and record-keeping refers to the “revised” Early Years Foundation Stage. By close observation and continual assessment, we are able to help your child reach their full potential and prepare for the routines of a school day.

Care

Our nursery is an owner/manager provision - Kaye has previously worked as a Registered Childminder, and has over 20 years experience. Parents like the comfort and care of a home based environment, which nurseries cannot always provide - however, we hope that we have got the balance right. By maintaining small numbers of children, we endeavour to always have that 'personal touch' and the highest of standards. Hand-picking staff will ensure the best quality care and education for your child.

Staff

All our staff are either qualified, or undertaking a recognised childcare qualification. Some are qualified teachers and others have undertaken an ongoing programme of professional development through the Early Years Development Childcare Partnership (EYDCP). All our staff have enhanced Disclosure and Barring checks in place and hold relevant first aid qualifications and child protection certificates.

Our nursery has a 'key person' system. This means that each member of staff has a group of children for whom she/he is particularly responsible. Your child's key person will be the person who works with you to make sure that what we provide is right for your child's particular needs and interests.

Clothing

StepStones provides uniform for you to purchase once your child has been offered a place. Uniform may be worn with skirts, trousers or any other suitable clothing. Please ensure that children have 'soft' plimsolls (not trainers) or suitable indoor footwear. We prefer children to change their shoes on arrival as this helps maintain a high level of cleanliness and is safer when they play.

We provide protective clothing for the children when they are taking part in messy play. They are also encouraged to go outside for fresh air, even on cold days and must therefore have suitable outdoor clothing.

Nutrition

The nusery employs a cook who provides high quality, "homecooked" appetising meals and snacks. The nursery makes meals and snacks a social time at which children eat together with adults and learn basic table manners. We plan the menus for snacks and meals so that they provide the children with a varied, well-balanced and nutritious diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Milk and water are also available and children are encouraged to drink regularly. (see menu link for further information)

We are able to cater for special diets and parents should inform us of any allergies or special dietary requirements, religious or otherwise. We offer vegetarian alternatives to every meal.

Special Needs

As part of our nursery's policy we ensure that the provision meets the needs of each individual child. We take account of any special needs that a child may have. We work to the requirements of the 2014 Children and Families Act and The SEN and Disability Regulations 2014. For further information contact us directly.

Download our Safeguarding Policy here

Fees

Fees are payable monthly in advance and must be paid if children are absent. Prompt payment of fees is essential for your child to maintain his/her place at the nursery.

There is a late payment charge of £10.00 for each reminder.

We are able to offer a limited number of funded places. We also accept Nursery Vouchers from various agencies.

Fees are subject to increase and a months notice will be given prior to any fee increases. A full months deposit is payable upon acceptance of a place and this will be held until your child leaves the nursery. We will also require one months notice in writing should you wish to terminate your contract with StepStones Day Nursery Limited. Failure to provide this will result in a forfeit of your deposit.

For more information on fees click here