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First Steps Nursery in Salisbury

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2025)
·
4.8(12 parent reviews)
·First Steps Nursery, 41 Brown Street, SALISBURY, SP1 2AS · Wiltshire
Number of places
76 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2025
Local authority
Wiltshire

About this day nursery

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.

Established since 1992Child-led playOutdoor learning spaceExperienced staff

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
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

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

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for First Steps Nursery

Last inspected 3 June 2025 · Jonathan Payne

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 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

  • The provider has developed an ambitious curriculum, particularly for children with additional needs, fostering relational attachments and friendships.
  • The provider accurately evaluates their strengths and areas for improvement, providing staff with regular training and feedback.
  • Staff effectively support children's personal and emotional development, teaching them to identify and express emotions.
  • Staff promote a love for stories and literacy, with children across all age groups engaging with books and enjoying listening to stories.
  • The provider effectively communicates with parents, providing regular updates on children's well-being and development and encouraging activities that enhance independence.

Areas to develop

  • 1strengthen the sequence of the curriculum so that staff can consistently plan activities that build on what children know and can do
  • 2provide clear and consistent expectations for children during routines and times of transition between activities so they cooperate, work as part of a group and follow rules and expectations.
Inspection #10388749 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

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.

Parent Reviews of First Steps Nursery

4.8
(12)
Michelle Kuberka
12 years ago

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 :)

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Kate Lambert
12 years ago

First 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.

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Marisa Laura
3 years ago

Really 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.

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Bridget Telfer
11 years ago

My 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.

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Bennett Low
12 years ago

We'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.

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

Inspection history

Date: September 2010

  • June 2025Good
  • July 2019Good
  • June 2015Good
  • September 2010Good

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