Braintree
John Ray House, CM7 9RW
01376 402001
braintree@stepstart.co.uk
Opening hours 7am — 6pm
Opened in 2020
Our Nursery
Explore Step Start Braintree
Designed with Children in Mind
What Makes This Nursery Special
Natural Resources
At Step Start Braintree, our rooms are thoughtfully set up with open-ended, natural resources that invite children to explore, create and imagine. Carefully chosen materials encourage problem-solving, collaboration and independent thinking, allowing children to build their own ideas and learning experiences through play.
Outside Area
Our Braintree garden is full of opportunities for movement, exploration and discovery. Children are encouraged to be active, adventurous and curious as they ride bikes, tend to plants and create their own games with friends. Outdoor play is an important part of our day, helping children build physical confidence while staying connected to the natural world.
Homely Environment
Step Start Braintree has a warm, inviting feel where children feel comfortable, secure and ready to learn. Each space is carefully set up to balance structure and freedom, supporting everything from sensory exploration to early literacy. Every day is filled with small moments of learning, laughter and growing independence.
Emily
Nursery Manager
What they learn
Our Learning Approach
Areas of Learning
Through warm, responsive relationships, we support children’s personal, social and emotional development, helping them feel secure and confident. We encourage communication and language through meaningful interactions, while physical development is supported through active indoor and outdoor play that builds coordination, independence and confidence.
Specific Areas of Learning
We support early literacy and maths through play, stories, songs and everyday experiences that build understanding naturally. Children explore the world around them and express themselves creatively through hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, imagination and problem-solving.
Learning Through Play
Learning at Step Start is led through play that is purposeful, engaging and enjoyable. Carefully planned environments and thoughtful interactions allow children to follow their interests, build independence and develop confidence, while having fun and feeling motivated to learn.
Understanding Child Development
Birth to 5 Matters supports our understanding of how children develop at different stages. It helps us recognise each child as an individual and appreciate that development looks different for every child.
Observing and Planning
We use Birth to 5 Matters to observe, assess and plan experiences that reflect children’s interests, needs and next steps. This ensures learning is meaningful, responsive and shaped around each child.
Child-Centred Progression
By recognising that development is not linear, we support children in a flexible, child-centred way. This approach promotes emotional security, curiosity and a love of learning, allowing children to progress confidently at their own pace.
Childhood Comes First
We believe children only get one childhood, and it should be filled with joy, curiosity and meaningful moments. At Step Start, we value play, relationships and emotional wellbeing as much as academic learning.
Safe, Nurturing Spaces
We create calm, welcoming environments where children feel safe to be themselves. When children feel secure and supported, they are more confident to explore, take risks and develop a strong sense of who they are.
Following the Child
By slowing down and following children’s interests, we allow learning to happen naturally. We celebrate every milestone, big or small, ensuring each child’s childhood is respected, protected and truly celebrated.
Your Child’s
Journey At Step Start
0-2 Years
Secure Relationships
We prioritise strong attachments and responsive care, ensuring every child feels safe, valued and understood. Consistent routines and familiar faces help build trust and emotional security.
Exploration
Our thoughtfully designed environments encourage sensory exploration at each child’s own pace. Babies are supported to explore through play, movement, music and hands-on experiences.
Interactions
Through everyday interactions, we support early communication, physical development and emotional wellbeing, laying the foundations for confident, curious learners.
2-3 Years
Confidence
Children are encouraged to make choices, try new experiences and develop independence within a supportive and nurturing environment.
Communication
We place a strong focus on communication, helping children express their thoughts, emotions and needs while building early friendships and social understanding.
Exploration
Our environments are carefully set up to promote curiosity, problem-solving and imaginative play, supporting learning through meaningful, child-led experiences.
3-5 Years
School Readiness
We support children to develop the skills needed for a confident transition to school, including independence, resilience and a love of learning.
Learning Through Play
Children engage in purposeful activities that build early literacy, numeracy and critical thinking, all delivered through play-based, engaging experiences to have a real focus on fun!
Self-Belief
We nurture self-esteem and independence, encouraging children to think, question and explore, ensuring they leave Step Start ready for their next chapter.
Childhood, as it Happens
Everyday Moments at Step Start
What they eat
Nourishing Little Appetites
At Step Start, we believe mealtimes are about more than food. They are moments to slow down, build independence and develop positive relationships with eating from the very beginning.
We work in partnership with The Little Deli, a trusted local provider known for freshly prepared, wholesome meals made using quality ingredients. Their menus are thoughtfully designed for nursery aged children, supporting healthy growth while introducing a wide variety of flavours and textures in an age appropriate way.
Meals are carefully planned to meet children’s nutritional needs and can be adapted to accommodate allergies, dietary requirements and individual preferences. This ensures every child feels included, safe and confident at mealtimes.
Because nourishing children isn’t just about what’s on the plate, but how they experience it
Meet the Management Team
Emily - Nursery Manager
I have around 10 years of experience in childcare and started out doing lunch cover while completing my university degree. I’m now a qualified Level 5 practitioner and have proudly worked my way up at Step Start. When I first joined, my little boy Harvey was just six months old - we’ve grown through the nursery together, and now he’s off to school, happy and thriving, just as I’ve stepped into my manager role. I absolutely love working with babies and witnessing all those precious firsts alongside families. I’m very much a “get stuck in” kind of teacher - I laugh, play, and get messy right along with the children! And a fun fact? I’ve been on a safari in Africa, which might explain my love for giraffes… they’re my favourite!
Lilly - Deputy Manager
I’ve worked in Early Years for several years and always knew this was the path for me. It all started when I used to help my mum at her primary school and volunteered as a young leader for Cubs and Beavers. I went on to gain my Level 3 qualification, completed placements across all age groups, and later earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Education. I’ve since worked as a Room Leader and continued building my experience and skills along the way. I love being part of Step Start - the team is amazing, and the children and families make each day special. I’m a big advocate for messy and sensory play, it makes learning fun and meaningful! Oh, and I’m a child at heart, you’ll always find me at the 2p machines in the arcade!
What parents say about us
Our Reviews
Lawrence and Grigorita (Parents of Child)
Cristina R (Mother of Child)
Lauren D (Mother of Child)
Michelle H (Mother of Child)
Nathan J (Father of Child)
Come and Experience Step Start
The best way to understand Step Start is to see it for yourself. Step inside our calm, welcoming environments, meet our team and discover how we support children to grow with confidence, curiosity and joy from their very first days. We’d love to welcome you and show you what makes Step Start special.
Arrange A VisitDetails about admissions and our fee schedule are available in our Admissions Policy
View Admissions Policy