Opening hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM for 50 weeks of the year
First Steps Nursery, established in 1992 in Salisbury, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment where children from 3 months to 5 years can explore, imagine, and learn. With a philosophy centred on fostering independence and self-esteem, the nursery encourages children to make their own decisions within a safe and supportive setting.
The dedicated team of qualified practitioners facilitates learning through play, rather than dictating activities, allowing children to move freely between rooms and outdoor spaces and engage with natural resources. Emphasising a "home from home" atmosphere, the nursery is situated in characterful premises designed to be light and inviting.
This approach results in happy, inquisitive children who are well-prepared for their transition to school. Beyond daily activities, First Steps Nursery integrates local walks, themed events, and external enrichment programmes to provide diverse experiences for the children, promoting active learning and community engagement.
Our ethos
First Steps Nursery's philosophy is centred on fostering independence and self-esteem, encouraging children to make their own decisions in a safe and supportive setting. Their approach is play-based, with practitioners facilitating learning rather than dictating activities, and emphasises a "home from home" atmosphere. They aim to create happy, inquisitive children prepared for school.
What it's like
Children learn to be confident and independent at this nursery. Key-person systems are well established, and children settle quickly as they form strong attachments with staff. The provider ensures a joyful and positive environment that encourages children to engage in play.
Funding accepted
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Request pricing →Opening hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM for 50 weeks of the year
Session types
8:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Age range
3 months to 5 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Last inspected 3 June 2025 · Jonathan Payne
What it's like to attend
Children learn to be confident and independent at this nursery. Key-person systems are well established, and children settle quickly as they form strong attachments with staff. The provider ensures a joyful and positive environment that encourages children to engage in play.
Inspector highlights
Areas to develop
Inclusion & environment
The provider has developed a curriculum that is ambitious for the needs of all children, particularly those with additional needs. Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection, including how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
First Steps is a brilliant nursery. My son has been attending for almost a year and he loves it. He has been learning so much since he started and he only goes twice a week. He is always so excited the morning before he is due in. Me and my husband are so happy with his progress. Just recently Little Kickers have been visiting and he is so excited to tell me about the goals he has scored. He also loves the food and usually has seconds! I could not recommend them anymore highly. I will also be sending my daughter there :)
Read on GoogleFirst Steps is an excellent nursery. When looking for somewhere for my Son I visited many nurseries and this one definitely stood out. The staff are lovely and the nursery has a very warm and welcoming feeling. My baby boy has settled in really well and I am very pleased with the care and attention he receives.
Read on GoogleReally great nursery. Kind and supportive environment for kids to be their best. I love the fact that they have a cook in situ so the food is fresh and nutritious. Rooms are big and the outdoor space at the front is very well used when the days are nice, they also take the kids for walks outside when possible. They also supported me as a parent when needed so I highly recommend it.
Read on GoogleMy son has been attending First Steps nursery for a year and a half and really enjoys it. We looked at quite a few nurseries in and around Salisbury and chose this one due to the nice building with light and airy rooms and amazingly friendly staff who all seem to make such a huge effort with the children and the activities they lay on for them. Although the outside space was not as big or green as we would have liked, the nursery really makes the most of it, with innovative ideas like a planting area and good outside toys. They also get in quite alot of external entertainment such as 'little kickers' (a football session) and Hartbeeps. The food always sounds lovely and it is mostly home made. We have been really happy with our choice of nursery which has a really good atmosphere, and cannot fault the caring staff and all the fun and educational activities they provide.
Read on GoogleWe've been using this nursery on and off for 20 years. Our oldest is 22, and our youngest less than 2. We look around to choose the best nursery each time it is needed, and are horrified at some of the alternatives and always come back to First Steps. Teh nursery has changed and developed over the years but always manages to have a good 'vibe' - somewhere I am always happy to leave my little ones! Mother of the children - I was very anxious about leaving my youngest baby when I returned to work after a year off, the staff at First steps we're fabulous, supportive and always there to take my call if I was worried, all my children loved First steps, my youngest who is still there is very settled and happy, the staff are kind, happy and provide a fun safe environment, you couldn't ask for a better nursery, Thank you.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for First Steps Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Date: September 2010
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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