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First Steps Community Playgroup

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2025)
·C/O Stoke Hill First School, Stoke Hill, Exeter, EX4 7DQ · Devon
Number of places
33 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2025
Local authority
Devon

About this day nursery

First Steps Community Playgroup, situated in Exeter, has been a pillar of early childhood education for over four decades. Established initially in St James' Church Hall, the playgroup expanded its facilities and service hours in 1999, eventually settling into its current location in 2002.

Since 2007, they have further enhanced their offerings to include breakfast and lunch provisions. In 2023, the playgroup successfully fundraised for a new building on their existing site.

As a charitable organisation overseen by a parent committee, it actively engages in fundraising initiatives throughout the year to enrich its resources and equipment for the children. The playgroup welcomes children from across Exeter, as it operates without catchment area restrictions, and received a 'GOOD' rating from OFSTED in June 2025.

What it's like

From the moment children enter the playgroup, staff greet them warmly and share relevant information with parents. Strong bonds help children feel safe, happy, and settled. The curriculum is well-designed, incorporating children's interests and preparing them for school, with rich learning experiences both inside and outdoors.

Community PlaygroupCharitable OrganisationBreakfast and Lunch Facilities

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.

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Key facts

Opening hours

9am to 3pm, weekdays during term time only. Wraparound care from 7.30am to 9am and from 3pm to 6pm. A holiday club runs from 8am to 5pm.

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for First Steps Community Playgroup

Last inspected 25 June 2025 · Martin O'Mahony

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

From the moment children enter the playgroup, staff greet them warmly and share relevant information with parents. Strong bonds help children feel safe, happy, and settled. The curriculum is well-designed, incorporating children's interests and preparing them for school, with rich learning experiences both inside and outdoors.

Inspector highlights

  • The manager has an ambitious vision for the curriculum and is reviewing the outside provision to further create opportunities for a broad and balanced curriculum.
  • Staff know the children well and ensure disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities have full access to the curriculum.
  • Communication and language are at the heart of the curriculum.
  • Staff build positive partnerships with parents and communicate with them regularly.
  • Staff support children to be physically active throughout the day, and children enjoy exploring the school playground on bikes.

Areas to develop

  • 1improve the precision of staff questioning to identify misconceptions and provide clear explanations that strengthen children's learning.
Inspection #10399048 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff identify what children already know and can do, and ensure disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities have full access to the curriculum.

Outdoor space

The curriculum provides rich learning experiences, inside and outdoors, that promote sustained engagement and skill development. The manager is reviewing the outside provision to further create opportunities for a broad and balanced curriculum. Children enjoy exploring the school playground on bikes, developing balance, coordination and an awareness of road safety.

Inspection history

Date: January 2007

  • August 2025Good
  • June 2025Good
  • December 2019Good
  • November 2019Good
  • January 2016Good
  • December 2015Good
  • November 2010Good
  • October 2010Good
  • January 2007Good

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more