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First Steps Day Nursery in Ashford

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2022)
·
5.0(4 parent reviews) ·Ashford Hospital, London Road, Ashford, TW15 3AA · Surrey
Number of places
74 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2022
Local authority
Surrey

About this day nursery

First Steps Day Nursery, established in 2001, is a childcare setting on non-domestic premises located within the grounds of Ashford Hospital. Open all year round from 7:30 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, the nursery provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for children aged 1 to 4 years.

Rated "Good" by Ofsted on its latest inspection on 10th June 2022, children are described as confident, happy, and emotionally secure, forming strong bonds with the caring staff. They are enthusiastic, curious, and imaginative learners, demonstrating a positive attitude.

The nursery champions an inclusive approach for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders and staff at First Steps Day Nursery closely monitor development and provide specific activities to support children with SEND, working in strong partnerships with professionals such as social workers, health visitors, and speech and language experts to ensure every child makes good progress.

The curriculum, particularly focused on personal, social, and emotional development, is well-sequenced to support children's growth. Daily outdoor play is a key feature, offering children a wide range of resources and fresh air, encouraging activities like playing skittles and using the slide.

What it's like

Children are confident, happy and emotionally secure in this friendly setting, receiving a warm welcome from caring staff. They are enthusiastic, curious, and imaginative learners who demonstrate a positive attitude to learning. Children develop strong bonds with staff, and expectations are high for all, including those with SEND.

Confident, happy childrenEnthusiastic learnersStrong parent partnershipsInclusive SEND provisionDaily outdoor playWell-sequenced curriculum

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds

Key facts

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for First Steps Day Nursery

Last inspected 10 June 2022

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 are confident, happy and emotionally secure in this friendly setting, receiving a warm welcome from caring staff. They are enthusiastic, curious, and imaginative learners who demonstrate a positive attitude to learning. Children develop strong bonds with staff, and expectations are high for all, including those with SEND.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are confident, happy and emotionally secure.
  • Children are enthusiastic, curious and imaginative learners.
  • Staff communicate with non-verbal children using visual prompts, supporting their engagement with the curriculum.
  • Leaders and staff have designed a well-sequenced curriculum with a particular focus on children's personal, social and emotional development.
  • Partnerships with parents are strong, with excellent communication and tailored care plans.

Areas to develop

  • 1continue to develop staff's knowledge of the intention behind educational programmes so that activities have a clearer focus
  • 2enhance teaching skills further to challenge older children and develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Inspection #10228198 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment on the excellent communication with their key person.

They say that staff are 'caring' and 'attentive' and that they can approach any member of staff for advice and guidance.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from an inclusive and nurturing learning environment. Leaders and staff support children with SEND very well by monitoring development closely and providing specific activities. Staff have developed good partnerships with other professionals, such as social workers, health visitors, and speech and language professionals, to close any gaps in learning for children who require additional support, enabling them to make good progress.

Outdoor space

Children have daily opportunities to be outside in the fresh air and play with a wide range of resources. For instance, toddlers are encouraged to take turns as they play a game of skittles and use the slide outside.

Parent Reviews of First Steps Day Nursery

5.0
(4)
Gem P
7 years ago

Such a lovely place, my Daughter has flourished while being here. The staff are warm and friendly. They're like part of our family now

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Amalia Garduli
3 years ago

I don’t have enough words to describe how much I appreciate and how thankful I m for all the support and dedication was offered to my son . Thank you very much to all .

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for First Steps Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: September 2008

  • June 2022Good
  • October 2016Good
  • May 2013Good
  • September 2008Good

Frequently asked about First Steps Day Nursery

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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