Small Steps Pre-School

About this early years setting

Small Steps Day Nursery, located in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, fosters children's natural curiosity through engaging, hands-on learning experiences designed to help them develop into confident individuals. The nursery, which also operates a pre-school, aims to support children in making sense of the world around them.

They prioritise safeguarding, with all staff trained by the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (OSCP). The nursery offers various session times throughout the day, including whole day, early start school day, morning, afternoon, school day, and school day with teatime options.

They operate for 48 weeks of the year and stretch government funding entitlements across this period. Meals and snacks are included in the session prices, though parents are asked to provide packed lunches.

The nursery currently has a long waiting list, with no availability until at least January 2027, and they recommend contacting them to arrange a visit. They are actively confirming sessions for September 2026, and will be contacting individuals on their waiting lists from May 8th.

Small Steps is committed to providing a nurturing environment where big journeys begin with small steps, focusing on exploration and inquiry as foundational skills for life-long learning. They accept various government funding schemes for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds and offer an optional Dance Class for a small additional fee.

Our ethos

At Small Steps Day Nursery our aim is for all our children to discover and develop their natural sense of curiosity. Through a child's instinct to explore and ask questions they will learn life long skills. All our activities are designed to nurture this innate curiosity and help children to make sense of the world around them. Through hands-on learning opportunities and experiences, young children are able to develop into confident individuals.

What it's like

Not all children benefit from the same quality of support to learn and achieve to their full potential. Children who enjoy quieter, less energetic learning experiences benefit from more positive interactions from staff. Less confident children sometimes receive less attention from staff than more confident children. Children with identified barriers to learning receive the additional support needed to join in well with activities. Children experience a suitably broad curriculum, developing useful knowledge and skills, and learn to keep themselves safe and healthy. They behave well, feel safe, and understand rules, viewing staff as trusted adults. Children's own cultures are valued and celebrated.

Pricing & funding

From September 2025, unfunded hours are charged at £7.50 per hour for 2-4 year olds and £8.00 per hour for under 2s, with a maximum daily charge of £66.00. Meals and snacks are included in the session price, but children need to bring a packed lunch. An optional Dance Class incurs a £3.00 weekly fee during term time. Government funding is stretched across 48 weeks of the year.