Chelmsford
Station House, Railway Street CM1 1QS
01245 939006
chelmsford@stepstart.co.uk
Opening hours 7am — 6pm
Opened in 2024
Our Nursery
Explore Step Start Chelmsford
Designed with Children in Mind
What Makes This Nursery Special
Natural Resources
Every space has been thoughtfully designed using natural materials and calming colours to create a sense of warmth and balance. The use of wood, soft fabrics and neutral tones helps children feel settled and secure, while encouraging creativity, imagination and independent exploration through play
Outside Area
Our outdoor space is an extension of the learning that happens indoors. Designed for year-round use, it offers a balance of calm sensory experiences and active play. Children are supported to explore the natural world, build physical confidence and develop friendships, all while enjoying fresh air and outdoor play in every season.
Homely Environment
The nursery has been carefully created to feel welcoming, familiar and safe. Each room has its own character, with thoughtfully chosen resources and gentle touches that help children feel comfortable and confident. It is a place where children can relax, feel at home and grow in confidence as they learn and play each day.
Sandi
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
Sandi - Nursery Manager
I’ve worked in childcare for 23 years, starting out as a volunteer and working my way through every role to become a manager - something I’ve proudly done for the past nine years. I’ve always had a passion for Early Years and have raised three children of my own, so I understand just how important these early experiences are. Step Start is such a supportive place to work, and our nursery is filled with beautiful resources and an incredible outdoor space. I love building strong bonds with families and watching the children grow in confidence from Starting Steps to Big Steps. And a fun fact about me? I’ve done a parachute jump from 13,000 feet - I love adventure and trying something new!
Holly - Deputy Manager
I have a BA (Hons) in Early Years, which is equivalent to a Level 6 qualification, and over 10 years’ experience across all areas and roles within a nursery setting. What I love most about Step Start is the strong team spirit, everyone supports one another, and the children thrive in such a positive environment (especially when they’re out in the garden!). I’m passionate about encouraging independence and being each child’s personal cheerleader, because with the right support, they really can achieve so much. Fun fact: I’m actually a real cheerleader, and have competed internationally in places like America, Hawaii and the Bahamas!
What parents say about us
Our Reviews
Ali M (Mother of Child)
Larah & James (Parents of Child)
Samantha W (Mother of Child)
E G (Mother of Child)
Hannah T (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