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Stepping Stones Childcare (Cornwall)

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2023)
·
3.7(3 parent reviews) ·Scol Kensa, Carclaze Road, ST AUSTELL, PL25 3AG · Cornwall
Number of places
50 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2023
Local authority
Cornwall

About this day nursery

Stepping Stones Childcare (Cornwall) is a registered charity established in 1991, operating two early years settings in the St Austell area: Scol Kensa and Mount Charles. The nursery is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable childcare within a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment.

Their primary goal is to foster confidence and essential skills in children, preparing them for school and future challenges. The nursery strongly believes in a collaborative approach with parents and carers to achieve the best outcomes for each child.

They also offer a Holiday Club during school breaks for children aged 4 to 10, based at their Mount Charles setting. Stepping Stones is committed to continuous improvement and offers flexible childcare options to meet diverse family needs.

What it's like

Children happily arrive and enjoy their time at this nurturing nursery. Staff are warm and caring towards children and adults, and children settle quickly and become engrossed in their play. Children of all ages are independent and confident in their choices, and show high levels of engagement and motivation.

Charity-runFlexible childcare optionsHoliday club available

Pricing & funding

Charges are calculated on an hourly basis to offer flexible booking, with a minimum session length of two hours. Parents must provide a packed lunch if children attend over lunchtime. Fees include a termly contribution for snacks.

Funding accepted

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

Good to know

  • Minimum booking requirement of two hours per session.
  • Packed lunch and drink must be provided if attending between 11.30am and 12.30pm.
  • Snack contribution requested each term of each school year, which is voluntary if fully funded.

Key facts

Food

Parents to provide packed lunch for children attending between 11:30am-12:30pm (Scol Kensa) or 11:20am-12:20pm (Mount Charles). Snack provision available.

Opening hours

Scol Kensa: 8:00am - 5:00pm; Mount Charles: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Age range

9 months to 4 years (nursery), 4 to 10 years (holiday club)

Session types

Full-time, Flexible hourly sessions

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Stepping Stones Childcare (Cornwall)

Last inspected 12 April 2023

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 happily arrive and enjoy their time at this nurturing nursery. Staff are warm and caring towards children and adults, and children settle quickly and become engrossed in their play. Children of all ages are independent and confident in their choices, and show high levels of engagement and motivation.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff provide a well-planned curriculum based on children's next steps in their learning and development.
  • Staff promote children's communication and language development well.
  • Partnerships with parents are good, offering consistent support and continuity of care.
  • Leaders are passionate about providing high-quality care and learning for children and have introduced positive changes.
  • Staff teach children how to assess risks and keep themselves safe, and support children's physical health with daily outdoor opportunities.

Areas to develop

  • 1help children to learn about the benefits of eating healthy foods to further promote their ability to make healthy food choices
  • 2develop children's understanding of how they can keep themselves safe when using technology online
Inspection #10280331 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff use regular observations of children to plan for their specific needs and to identify children who require additional help. They seek advice from outside agencies and ensure that funding to support children is used effectively. This helps children achieve the best possible outcomes, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff offer additional support for the parents of children with SEND. They meet with them regularly to share children's progress and provide information about how they can help their children.

Outdoor space

Staff support children's physical health. They provide daily opportunities for children to be active and play outside in the fresh air.

Parent Reviews of Stepping Stones Childcare (Cornwall)

3.7
(3)
Jane Gradwell
3 years ago

A great team whom my son adores. This nursery is to me what any preschool environment should be. Fun, creative and just the right amount of educational interjection. They have the rest of their childhood in formal education - this bit should be all about doing what preschoolers love - and this environment ticks those boxes.

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Hannah Wynn
3 years ago

Love this nursery. Both my children attend and they have been amazing with them. Built up so much confidence, helped with their development and are so lovely with the little ones. My two both love the team that work there.

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Debra Branscombe
4 years ago

I would not recommend this nursery. Disorganised and unfriendly staff. Minimal interactaction made with my daughter when we went to look around. Lack of atmosphere in comparison to other nurseries in the local area.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Stepping Stones Childcare (Cornwall). See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: August 2017

  • April 2023Good
  • August 2017Good

Frequently asked about Stepping Stones Childcare (Cornwall)

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