--- title: "Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford, a nursery in Chelmsford — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos 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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See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/step-start-nurseries-chelmsford-cm1-1qs-2800140#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/step-start-nurseries-chelmsford-cm1-1qs-2800140#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/step-start-nurseries-chelmsford-cm1-1qs-2800140#nursery", "name": "Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/step-start-nurseries-chelmsford-cm1-1qs-2800140", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "Station House", "addressLocality": "27 Railway Street", "postalCode": "CM1 1QS" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/step-start-nurseries-chelmsford-cm1-1qs-2800140#webpage" }, "email": "enrol@stepstart.co.uk", "sameAs": [ "https://www.stepstart.co.uk/" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 51.737321, "longitude": 0.466896 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Chelmsford" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 1, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good" }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/step-start-nurseries-chelmsford-cm1-1qs-2800140#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "East of England", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=East%20of%20England" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/step-start-nurseries-chelmsford-cm1-1qs-2800140" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/step-start-nurseries-chelmsford-cm1-1qs-2800140#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford do at its last Ofsted inspection?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery was graded Good at its last inspection on 3 September 2025." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Whereabouts is Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery is in Station House, Chelmsford, CM1 1QS." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the opening hours at Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The setting operates all year." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford be contacted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery can be reached by email at enrol@stepstart.co.uk. Its website is https://www.stepstart.co.uk/." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What outdoor activities are available at Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff provide active outdoor experiences that support movement and healthy lifestyles. Toddlers join singing and dancing sessions, while older children take part in stretching activities with arms and legs." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funded childcare hours does Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford accept?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts 15 hours for disadvantaged two-year-olds, 15 universal hours for three- and four-year-olds, 15 hours for working parents of children from nine months, and 30 hours for working parents of three- and four-year-olds." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![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. [East of England](/search?region=East+of+England) 4. Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford # Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Sept 2025) · Station House, 27 Railway Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1QS · Essex Number of places 67 places Age range 1–4 yrs Last inspected Sept 2025 Local authority Essex About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford offers a nurturing environment where children from six weeks old until the September after their fourth birthday can thrive. The nursery prioritises a child-centred approach, focusing on safety, exploration, and fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning, guided by The One Childhood Approach. Admissions are open year-round based on staff-to-child ratios, room capacities, and the availability of age-appropriate placements. The application process is clear and straightforward, ensuring fairness and transparency regarding fees and funding. The nursery is committed to providing high-quality education and care to all children, regardless of whether they are funded or fee-paying. They also offer a comprehensive settling-in process to help children adjust to the new environment and build trust with practitioners. Parents are kept informed and involved throughout their child's journey. The nursery operates 51 weeks a year and supports various government-funded childcare schemes, with a clear explanation of how these hours are stretched across the year. Optional add-ons are available for meals, consumables, enrichment activities, and extended hours, with a discounted "Beyond Funding Package" encompassing all these elements for a complete nursery experience. Our ethos Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford centres its approach on the child, aiming to foster curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning through exploration, guided by "The One Childhood Approach". They are committed to high-quality education and care for all children, ensuring parents are involved and informed throughout their child's journey. What it's like Children are happy and safe at this setting. As soon as they arrive, they become deeply engrossed in meaningful activities. Leaders and staff create a captivating and inviting environment, and children make their own choices of what they would like to explore and access next. Child-centred approach Clear admissions process Government funding accepted Comprehensive settling-in ## Pricing & funding Charges are based on private or Beyond Funding rates. Fees include options for individual daily add-ons like food, consumables, enrichment, and extended hours, or a combined package. Additional charges apply for registration, deposits, holding fees, and incomplete paperwork. Funding accepted 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) 15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs) 30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs) Good to know - Registration and uniform fee is non-refundable. - Deposit is credited against the first month's invoice. - Holding fees apply for deferrals or securing days more than 8 weeks in advance. - An administration fee is charged for incomplete enrolment paperwork. - The Beyond Funding Package includes all four optional add-ons at a discounted daily rate depending on child's age. ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford Inspection date Sept 2025 Inspection no. 10406517 [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50287981)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/2800140) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Phone not yet listed Contact Nursery [ Visit website ](https://www.stepstart.co.uk/) Station House, 27 Railway Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1QS Opening hours 51 weeks a year, excluding public holidays and days between Christmas and New Year [© 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#/0.4669/51.73732/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Chelmsford - [Day nurseries in Chelmsford](/search?q=Chelmsford) - [Day nurseries in East of England](/search?q=East+of+England) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=step-start-nurseries-chelmsford-cm1-1qs-2800140) ## Key facts Opening hours 51 weeks a year, excluding public holidays and days between Christmas and New Year Age range 6 weeks to 4 years old Term time / All Year All Year Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford Last inspected 3 September 2025 Overall effectiveness Good What it's like to attend Children are happy and safe at this setting. As soon as they arrive, they become deeply engrossed in meaningful activities. Leaders and staff create a captivating and inviting environment, and children make their own choices of what they would like to explore and access next. Inspector highlights - Leaders are experienced and create a robust curriculum. - Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported in their learning journey. - Staff provide meaningful opportunities to help children stay active and embrace a healthy lifestyle. - Babies benefit from rich sensory experiences supported by nurturing staff. - Leaders are very reflective and value their staff, creating a positive and supportive culture. Areas to develop - 1 continue to support staff in strengthening their skills, enabling them to consistently tailor their practice to extend and deepen children's learning experiences. Inspection #10406517 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50287981) Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported in their learning journey. Partnerships with other professionals mean that children who require additional assistance adapt well and make good progress in their learning. Outdoor space Staff provide meaningful opportunities to help children stay active and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Toddlers enjoy singing and dancing sessions with enthusiastic staff, and older children perform arm and leg stretches. Inspection history Most recent inspection 3 September 2025 Good Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published. [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50287981) ## Frequently asked about Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford ### How did Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford do at its last Ofsted inspection? ### Whereabouts is Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford? ### What are the opening hours at Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford? ### How can Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford be contacted? ### What outdoor activities are available at Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford? ### Which funded childcare hours does Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford accept? ## About the setting Step Start Nursery Chelmsford registered in 2024. The nursery employs 21 members of childcare staff, of whom 11 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The nursery is open from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, for 51 weeks of the year. The setting provides funded early education for all eligible children. URN 2800140 Registered person Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford Ltd Day care type Full day care Register Early Years Register Establishment type Childcare on non-domestic premises ## Nearby day nurseries in Chelmsford Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Step Start Nurseries Chelmsford. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.2 mi ### Chelmsford YMCA Day Nursery Chelmsford · CM1 1NZ 4.8(32 reviews) ](/nursery/chelmsford-ymca-day-nursery-cm1-1nz-203765) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.3 mi ### Kiddi Caru Nursery Chelmsford · CM1 1GP 4.1(10 reviews) ](/nursery/kiddi-caru-nursery-cm1-1gp-ey357122) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.4 mi ### Aspen Tree Childcare Chelmsford · CM1 2PB 5.0(10 reviews) ](/nursery/aspen-tree-childcare-cm1-2pb-2721405) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 0.5 mi ### Busy Bees Day Nursery at Chelmsford Chelmsford · CM2 0GT 4.4(24 reviews) ](/nursery/busy-bees-day-nursery-at-chelmsford-cm2-0gt-650090) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 0.5 mi ### Broomfield Road Day Nursery School Chelmsford · CM1 1RN ](/nursery/broomfield-road-day-nursery-school-cm1-1rn-ey472659) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.6 mi ### Footprints Day Nursery Chelmsford · CM2 0HG 4.3(12 reviews) ](/nursery/footprints-day-nursery-cm2-0hg-203995) [See all nurseries in Chelmsford →](/search?q=Chelmsford) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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