--- title: "East the Water Stepping Stones Pre School in Bideford" description: "East the Water Stepping Stones Pre School, a nursery in Bideford — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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They assess learning, identify next steps and adapt support so children can join group activities, including using a fidget toy to help concentration and practical potty-training strategies at home." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is East the Water Stepping Stones Pre School a day nursery or preschool?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is listed as childcare on non-domestic premises and operates as a preschool offering full day care." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [South West](/search?region=South+West) 4. East the Water Stepping Stones Pre School # East the Water Stepping Stones Pre School Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (May 2023) · Avon Road, BIDEFORD, EX39 4BL · Devon Number of places 44 places Age range 1–5 yrs Last inspected May 2023 Local authority Devon About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery East The Water Stepping Stones Preschool provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged three months to five years. The preschool is dedicated to fostering a warm, home-like atmosphere where children feel secure and cherished, enabling them to confidently take their first steps towards independence. With three distinct rooms tailored to different age groups, the setting offers age-appropriate learning opportunities that support all areas of a child's development. A friendly and dedicated team of staff is committed to guiding children through their growth and learning journey, laying crucial early foundations for their future. The preschool operates 50 weeks a year, closing only for a two-week Christmas period, and is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm, including bank holidays. They offer flexible hours and the option to stretch government funding throughout the year to accommodate family needs. Parents are encouraged to contact the preschool to arrange a visit or for any further enquiries. What it's like Children settle quickly into the pre-school and enjoy choosing from a wide range of resources. The warm relationships between staff and children help children feel secure, and parents value the communication about their children's learning. Nurturing environment Age-appropriate learning Flexible hours Supports early development ## Pricing & funding Pricing on request This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability. [Request pricing →](https://www.steppingstonesbideford.co.uk/sessions-fees) ## Key facts Opening hours Monday to Friday 8am till 6pm Age range 3 months to 5 years Term time / All Year Term Time Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for East the Water Stepping Stones Pre School Last inspected 25 May 2023 Safeguarding effective Overall effectiveness Good Quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good What it's like to attend Children settle quickly into the pre-school and enjoy choosing from a wide range of resources. The warm relationships between staff and children help children feel secure, and parents value the communication about their children's learning. Inspector highlights - Staff work very well together as a team and effectively discuss children's progress to plan effectively. - The manager provides professional development training for staff to keep their knowledge updated. - Staff work with parents and other professionals to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. - Children understand routines, including tidying up and sun safety, and enjoy healthy fruit snacks. - Staff praise children for persevering in mathematical activities and encourage their understanding of plant growth. Areas to develop - 1 use effective strategies consistently to support all children's communication skills even further - 2 provide more opportunities for children to develop their independence. Inspection #10280241 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50221716) ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of East the Water Stepping Stones Pre School Inspection date May 2023 Inspection no. 10280241 Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50221716)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY443628) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number [ Visit website ](https://www.steppingstonesbideford.co.uk) Avon Road, BIDEFORD, EX39 4BL [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/-4.19584/51.01387/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near BIDEFORD - [Day nurseries in BIDEFORD](/search?q=BIDEFORD) - [Day nurseries in South West](/search?q=South+West) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=east-the-water-stepping-stones-pre-school-ex39-4bl-ey443628) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection > Parents comment on how welcoming the staff are. > Parents value the way that staff communicate with them about their children's learning. Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Staff work together with parents and other professionals to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They assess children's learning and have a clear understanding of what children need to learn next. They support parents with children's learning at home, for example using strategies to help children begin to use a potty. Staff ensure all children can learn in a group by providing some children with a 'fidget toy' to support their concentration. Outdoor space Children are able to choose to play freely inside and outside. Younger children play in their own outdoor space, learning to balance as they explore spinning toys. Older children are curious about using magnifying glasses outside to search for insects and play games on a large pirate ship in the garden, practising climbing, sliding, and imaginative games. Inspection history Date: October 2012 - May 2023 Good - September 2017 Good - September 2013 Good - October 2012 Inadequate ## Frequently asked about East the Water Stepping Stones Pre School ### What do parents appreciate about East the Water Stepping Stones Pre School? ### What are the main strengths of East the Water Stepping Stones Pre School? ### How does East the Water Stepping Stones Pre School support children with SEND? ### Is East the Water Stepping Stones Pre School a day nursery or preschool? ## Nearby day nurseries in BIDEFORD Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to East the Water Stepping Stones Pre School. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.9 mi ### The Little Learners Childcare Bideford · EX39 3JZ ](/nursery/the-little-learners-childcare-ex39-3jz-2656084) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.0 mi ### Tarka Tots Nursery Bideford · EX39 2QS ](/nursery/tarka-tots-nursery-ex39-2qs-ey309995) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 1.2 mi ### Muddy Boots Bideford · EX39 2RQ ](/nursery/muddy-boots-ex39-2rq-ey555372) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.5 mi ### Make Waves Nursery Bideford · EX39 3SG 4.5(54 reviews) ](/nursery/make-waves-nursery-ex39-3sg-2768200) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.9 mi ### Lovacott Nursery Newton Tracey · EX31 3QH ](/nursery/lovacott-nursery-ex31-3qh-ey457707) - [ Ofsted: Good 4.9 mi ### Little Butterflies Day Nursery Barnstaple · EX31 3DD ](/nursery/little-butterflies-day-nursery-ltd-ex31-3dd-2660858) [See all nurseries in BIDEFORD →](/search?q=BIDEFORD) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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