Our Vision at
Step Start

Our vision at Step Start is to provide a playground of opportunity allowing every unique child to learn and explore one step after the other. We care about providing the best start for all children, creating an exciting and educational environment that focuses on the individual progression of each child.

Step Start is a nursery group founded in 2017. The directors are Mr Robert Finnerty and Mrs Danielle Finnerty. Danielle was a primary school teacher with a passion to provide a better educational start for children. Robert understood what was missing from day nursery education and care and together Step Start was created.

— 01.

Care

We care for every child as an individual, taking the time to understand their needs and interests to provide opportunities to develop into the best they can be.

— 02.

Education

We have high expectations of the level of education we provide as the first years of a little one’s life are the most important in order to prepare them for future life.

— 03.

Exploration

Our natural environment encourages every child to follow their interests by seeking their own resources and supporting explorational play.

Parent PARTNERSHIP

  • Advice from trained professionals who you trust, being able to discuss problems you may be facing at home and working in a team to overcome issues.

  • Team members with an open mind who are able to think outside the box for support.

  • Practitioners who have experience caring for children with a range of different needs and interests

  • Tracking your child’s development in order to identify gaps and planning to address and close the gaps

  • Knowledge of behaviour management to support positive behaviour techniques and school readiness

Why send your child to nursery?

We are your child’s second family,
providing you with a network of support.

Sending your child to nursery is important for many reasons. It gives your child the opportunity to develop their social skills, build their confidence, share with others, become more independent, and get used to a routine ready for school. These are only some of the reasons, but the list is endless!

Education is incorporated into everything that we do, because we believe that it is important for children to prepare for the future and build their knowledge.

AGE GROUPS

Babies

Age Group: 6 weeks - 2 years

In the baby rooms, we focus on building early connections and experiences. Practitioners encourage every baby to develop at their own pace, tuning into their needs and building strong caregiver bonds, forming a sense of security.
It is important that babies are spoken to a lot in order to develop their communication skills for their future development along with building their confidence in exploring new things.

Toddlers

Age Group: 2 years — 3 years

In the toddler room, the focus is to continue to build on every child's vocabulary. Practitioners will use lots of questioning to encourage talk. The children will also begin to build on some independence skills through getting dressed, feeding themselves, and going to the toilet along with tidying up after themselves during room routines.

Pre-school

Age Group: 3 years — 5 years

In the pre-school room, the focus is on preparing your child for school. The children are able to continuously explore and develop their skills alongside beginning to write meaningful marks such as letters from their name, learn the beginnings of simple maths skills and early phonics. They will continue to develop their relationships with others. The children will learn a routine and have regular circle times to prepare them for a school day.

You Our Stuff

Our staff

What makes our
staff different?

We are always training, researching and developing our own skills to always provide simply the best care, education and support. At Step Start, our staff members are regularly quizzed, and set challenges to ensure that they are confident in every aspect of their job.

FULLY INCLUSIVE DAY CARE

  • Preparation for the next room

    We have a dedicated team to support all children when joining nursery, transitioning between rooms and moving onto school.

  • Supporting home learning

    Parents are provided with a to-and-fro home learning book which includes personalised next steps and activity ideas to progress their child’s learning.

  • Settle Visits

    When your child starts at nursery, we provide free settle visits to ensure that they settle happily into the nursery environment.

  • Noticeboard

    We have a noticeboard in the main lobby to provide you with updates about nursery news, curriculum, activities, menus, employee of the month and more.

  • Parent Seminars

    We regularly organise information evenings for all families to attend. The topic will change each time and will be based on current parent needs and interests.

  • Christmas and Graduation parties

    We enjoy celebrating special events with our families! We love a huge party!

  • One to One meetings

    Management will always provide a listening ear. You are always welcome to discuss anything with us.

  • Parents Evening

    We hold a parents evening twice per year. This gives you the opportunity to speak individually with your child’s key person about their learning and development.

  • Assessments

    We complete quarterly assessments to provide you with regular updates on your child’s progression.

We update you with all of your child’s daily happenings such as food consumed, nappy changes and sleep times throughout the day. There will also be observations published along with much more!

Your
Famly App

Our setting uses an app called Famly to provide regular nursery communication. It is a great platform to keep parents informed about anything, allowing the option for messaging staff and management if reassurance is needed.

We update you with all of your child’s daily happenings such as food consumed, nappy changes and sleep times throughout the day. There will also be observations published along with much more!

TESTIMONIALS

What our
parents say

The staff are lovely and amazing with the children. I have seen with my own eyes how the children react to the staff and it really is wonderful. That’s who you want looking after your children. Knowing that my little boy has the best time there makes me so happy. Thank you Step Start for being a one of a kind nursery!

Mummy

Parent of Child

I feel completely comfortable leaving my son knowing he will be well cared for and kept busy! Communication is at a high standard at Step Start due to the 'Family' app they use which is updated throughout the day. Staff are extremely friendly and welcoming and nothing is ever too much trouble. Highly recommend Step Start - excellent nursery.

Zoe Ashton

Parent of Child

My daughter joined Step Start at 11 months old! I cannot recommend this nursery enough, home-like environment, staff so friendly. My daughter absolutely loves nursery and that is down to the amazing staff. The app is fantastic and allows you to keep up to date with your child’s daily activities.

Mrs Cox

Parent of Child