Mountnessing
281 Roman Road, CM15 0UH
01277 572001
mountnessing@stepstart.co.uk
Opening hours 7am — 6pm
Opened in 2017
Our Nursery
Explore Step Start Mountnessing
Designed with Children in Mind
What Makes This Nursery Special
Natural Resources
At Mountnessing, nature is at the heart of our learning. We love how our use of natural materials helps create a calming and open-ended space for children to imagine, build, and explore. Whether it’s wooden blocks, sensory baskets, or outdoor discoveries, everything encourages hands-on learning in a grounded, peaceful setting.
Outside Area
Mountnessing’s outdoor space allows the children to have the freedom to explore, run, and discover at their own pace. It’s a space that builds confidence and curiosity every day.
Homely Environment
At Mountnessing the space has been designed to encourage curiosity and independence, whether it’s adventures in the garden, sensory play or quiet moments with books indoors, children are always supported to follow their interests and grow in confidence.
Sarah
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
Meet the Management Team
Sarah - Nursery Manager
I’ve been part of Step Start for several years and love leading a team that shares the same commitment to care, education, and exploration. Every day is a chance to make a difference, whether it’s supporting our little ones as they grow in confidence or working closely with our team to bring the very best out of each child. I'm passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment where both children and families feel supported from day one. And a fun fact about me? I have a serious phobia of bridges!
Madison - Deputy Manager
I’m Level 3 qualified and have been working in childcare for 8 years. It’s a career I’m truly passionate about - there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing children thrive through the support and care we provide every single day. Step Start is such a special place, where every team member is dedicated to creating a warm, friendly environment that helps children feel safe, happy, and ready to learn. I love adapting activities to meet each child’s individual needs, helping them access learning in their own unique way. And outside of nursery life, I’ve been dancing for 16 years!
What parents say about us
Our Reviews
Chloe L (Mother of Child)
Emma M (Mother of Child)
Helen H (Mother of Child)
Kirsty J (Mother of Child)
Emma D (Mother 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