Footsteps Day Nursery & Preschool

About this day nursery

Footsteps Day Nursery & Preschool provides a homely and welcoming environment where children from birth to four years old thrive. 45am to 6pm for 51 weeks of the year, the nursery creates a secure and happy atmosphere, where warm and positive relationships between children and staff are evident.

The dedicated team ensures that children settle quickly, offering cuddles and attention to those who need it, helping them to feel safe and encouraging them to engage happily in play. The nursery has a strong "family feel," fostering appropriate behaviour and cooperation with routines among children.

For instance, pre-schoolers readily gather for group circle time, demonstrating their understanding of sharing and turn-taking. Staff are adept at quickly identifying and supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, collaborating closely with parents and other professionals to meet individual needs.

Ample opportunities for physically active play are provided, with children showing great delight in outdoor activities, promoting an active lifestyle. Babies, in particular, benefit from numerous chances to develop their physical skills and hand-to-eye coordination within this nurturing setting.

What it's like

Children enjoy their time at the homely and welcoming nursery. Most children arrive happily. Those who are more unsettled receive the cuddles and attention they need to feel safe. Soon they are playing as happily as other children. Children behave appropriately for their age. They understand and cooperate with routines. For example, children in the pre-school room quickly gather together for group circle time when asked. Children show that they are learning to share and take turns. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, staff have prioritised children's personal, social and emotional development. Staff identified that babies would need more support to settle. Staff also understood that some toddlers and older children would be a little overwhelmed to be around lots of other children again. Children show that this approach has worked well. They are now confident to explore and learn. Children show that they are developing a love of books. They frequently bring books to staff to read and enjoy snuggling in to listen to stories. This has a positive impact on children's developing communication and literacy skills.