Heybridge
Bentalls Shopping Complex, Colchester Road, CM9 4NW
01621 488001
heybridge@stepstart.co.uk
Opening hours 7am — 6pm
Opened in 2021
Our Nursery
Explore Step Start Heybridge
Designed with Children in Mind
What Makes This Nursery Special
Natural Resources
At Step Start Heybridge, our environments are thoughtfully set up using natural materials and open-ended resources that support calm, purposeful play. Wooden toys, soft textures and neutral tones create a welcoming space where children feel comfortable to explore, create and use their imagination. These carefully chosen resources encourage sensory exploration, focus and independent learning.
Outside Area
Heybridge’s outdoor space offers children the freedom to move, explore and play every day. The garden supports a wide range of experiences, from physical play and role play to creative exploration. Children are encouraged to move confidently between indoor and outdoor environments, helping them build physical skills, social connections and a love for active learning.
Homely Environment
Heybridge has a warm, friendly atmosphere where children feel safe, settled and valued. Indoor spaces are arranged to feel familiar and inviting, supporting both quiet moments and energetic play. With caring, attentive staff and thoughtfully prepared environments, children are supported at every stage of their journey, from first steps through to school readiness.
Holly
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
Holly - Nursery Manager
I started in Early Years back in 2020 as an apprentice and quickly knew this was the path for me. After qualifying and working my way up to senior roles, I joined Step Start in January 2024 and now proudly lead as Head of Early Years Education at Heybridge. I love supporting children on their journey, helping them fill their ‘suitcase’ with all the skills, behaviours and achievements they’ll need for their next steps. I’m passionate about building on children’s curiosity using open-ended, creative play. I’m the kind of person who signs up for a 5k run before checking if I even own running shoes!
Lara - Deputy Manager
From starting as an apprentice at 18 to now leading adventures in our rooms every day, I’ve always had a heart for working with children. I bring energy, imagination, and a whole lot of fun - whether it’s acting out stories with our older children or diving into messy play with the little ones. What makes me stand out? My child-like enthusiasm! You’ll often find me fully involved in the fun, turning everyday moments into exciting learning opportunities. Seeing a child smile and thrive is the best part of my job, and when I’m not at Step Start, I’m out enjoying the countryside with my three horses.
What parents say about us
Our Reviews
Ellie M (Mother of Child)
Jade S (Mother of Child)
L B (Mother of Child)
Becci S (Mother of Child)
G K (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