--- title: "First Steps, Chester-le-Street — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted" description: "First Steps, a nursery in Chester-le-Street — Ofsted-rated Outstanding. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews 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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The nursery is based at 129 Medway." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funding options does First Steps accept?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts tax-free childcare." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What do parents value about First Steps?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Parents value the caring staff, the strong family feel, and the close working relationship with families. A brief parent quote also describes the nursery as “fantastic.”" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does First Steps support children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff know each child’s interests and needs in depth. They identify gaps in learning quickly and put support in place without delay, helping children with special educational needs and disabilities make rapid progress from their starting points." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![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. [North East](/search?region=North+East) 4. First Steps # First Steps in Chester-le-Street Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Outstanding (Jan 2023) · 5.0 (1 parent reviews) · 129 Medway, Great Lumley, Chester-le-Street, DH3 4HU · Durham Number of places 44 places Age range 0–5 yrs Last inspected Jan 2023 Local authority Durham About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery First Steps Nursery in Bury provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children, focusing on delivering high-quality care and education. The nursery is committed to inspiring learning through both child-initiated and structured activities, ensuring children are challenged and encouraged to explore. With excellent indoor and outdoor facilities, including extensive enclosed gardens for each age group, children have ample opportunities for play and learning, even participating in gardening activities. The nursery emphasises a holistic approach, aiming to maximise every learning opportunity to support rapid development in a secure and comfortable setting. They work closely with parents, viewing them as partners in their child's educational journey, and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework to ensure comprehensive development. The dedicated staff, chosen for their experience and commitment, foster a homely atmosphere where children can truly 'Learn Through Play', continuously developing their professional skills to provide the best possible care. Our ethos First Steps Nursery is committed to inspiring learning through both child-initiated and structured activities, following the EYFS Framework, and adopting a 'Learn Through Play' approach. They emphasise a holistic method to maximise learning opportunities in a secure and comfortable setting, working in partnership with parents. What it's like Children are wonderfully enthusiastic, confident and happy at the nursery. They constantly practise their independence and develop many impressive skills, preparing them extremely well for their future learning. Staff are marvellous role models and build a comprehensive and well-designed curriculum so that children face challenges that help them to achieve their very best. High-quality care and education Homely and nurturing environment Strong parental partnerships Extensive indoor & outdoor facilities Experienced and dedicated staff ## Pricing & funding Funding accepted Tax-Free Childcare Pricing on request This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability. ## Key facts Opening hours 7.30am - 6.00pm Term time / All Year All Year Established 2010 ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of First Steps Inspection date Jan 2023 Inspection no. 10263903 Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50209782)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY415762) 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 Contact Nursery [ Visit website ](https://firststepsnursery.co.uk) 129 Medway, Great Lumley, Chester-le-Street, DH3 4HU [© 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#/-1.54554/54.83803/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Chester-le-Street - [Day nurseries in Chester-le-Street](/search?q=Chester-le-Street) - [Day nurseries in North East](/search?q=North+East) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=first-steps-dh3-4hu-ey415762) Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for First Steps Last inspected 31 January 2023 Safeguarding effective Overall effectiveness Outstanding Quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding What it's like to attend Children are wonderfully enthusiastic, confident and happy at the nursery. They constantly practise their independence and develop many impressive skills, preparing them extremely well for their future learning. Staff are marvellous role models and build a comprehensive and well-designed curriculum so that children face challenges that help them to achieve their very best. Inspector highlights - The nursery is extremely welcoming and inclusive. - Children lead their own play and staff take every opportunity to extend children's knowledge. - Staff prioritise the strong development of children's communication and language skills. - Parents value highly the impressive family atmosphere at the nursery and the immensely caring and supportive staff. - Children of all ages enjoy fresh air and vigorous exercise every day. Inspection #10263903 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50209782) Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision All children make rapid progress from their starting points in learning, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff know each child's interests and needs in depth. They identify any gaps in children's learning and address these swiftly. Outdoor space Children of all ages enjoy fresh air and vigorous exercise every day. They confidently balance and climb in the outdoor area, taking safe risks. Babies progress to walking on reins through the local area, building up their strength to walk longer distances. Children willingly walk long distances to take part in adventures. For instance, they explore a castle and build dens at forest school. Children's physical development is very well promoted. ## Parent Reviews of First Steps 5.0 (1) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLvj5vKEY5xPmJ5tqXPunahRco3_x0bDMcyKkHVqc-qcEc5=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba2) Kirsty W 8 months ago Lovely nursery and lovely staff members, Was made to feel welcome and children are very happy. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xNMFpEbERVbEJ1WlUxZmFUbFNkRkZ5Y25kQlZFRRAB!2m1!1s0x487e7cf20d22ed73:0xfadd49ac9ca5c30c) Reviews from Google for First Steps. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=18076685485046350604&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2023 Date: March 2011 - January 2023 Outstanding - May 2017 Good - May 2015 Good - December 2011 Good - March 2011 Good ## Frequently asked about First Steps ### What part of the country is First Steps in? ### Which funding options does First Steps accept? ### What do parents value about First Steps? ### How does First Steps support children with SEND? ## Nearby day nurseries in Chester-le-Street Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to First Steps. - [ Ofsted: Good 1.3 mi ### Tiny Tinkers Nursery Houghton le Spring · DH4 6DS 5.0(7 reviews) ](/nursery/tiny-tinkers-nursery-dh4-6ds-2713030) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 1.6 mi ### Mains House Nursery Chester-le-Street · DH3 3HL 5.0(5 reviews) ](/nursery/mains-house-nursery-dh3-3hl-ey551880) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.8 mi ### Bright Star Nursery Chester le Street · DH3 3SR 4.0(12 reviews) ](/nursery/bright-star-nursery-dh3-3sr-ey441200) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.8 mi ### Dubmire Daycare Houghton le Spring · DH4 6HL ](/nursery/dubmire-daycare-dh4-6hl-ey542957) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.9 mi ### Chilton Meadows Nursery Houghton-le-Spring · DH4 6LX ](/nursery/chilton-meadows-nursery-dh4-6lx-ey217668) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.0 mi ### Adventure Valley Day Nursery Durham · DH1 5SG 4.0(12 reviews) ](/nursery/adventure-valley-day-nursery-dh1-5sg-2548520) [See all nurseries in Chester-le-Street →](/search?q=Chester-le-Street) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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