--- title: "Stepping Stones, Maidstone — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "Stepping Stones, a nursery in Maidstone — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews 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, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-me14-1ua-ey498225#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-me14-1ua-ey498225#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-me14-1ua-ey498225#nursery", "name": "Stepping Stones", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-me14-1ua-ey498225", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "48 Wheeler Street", "addressLocality": "Maidstone", "postalCode": "ME14 1UA" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-me14-1ua-ey498225#webpage" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 51.277649, "longitude": 0.525831 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Maidstone" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 2, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "anne cannings" }, "reviewBody": "My little girl loves it here and the staff are lovely .They do so much with the children she is always coming home with loads of bits they have made with them would highly recommend this pre school to any one looking for one", "datePublished": "2018-12-13T10:19:04.327693465Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Amy Lawless" }, "reviewBody": "Amazing pre school. My child has learnt and developed so much since attending here and is so incredibly happy. I would recommend this pre school to anybody that asks.", "datePublished": "2018-07-14T21:15:51.535Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Rosie Lee" }, "reviewBody": "Staff are all absolutely amazing and my little boy absolutely loves it!", "datePublished": "2022-09-07T14:30:06.147422Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Tracy-ann Jennings-mcardle" }, "datePublished": "2025-02-11T00:37:00.393354Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dena Flisher" }, "datePublished": "2018-06-27T12:20:57.916Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-me14-1ua-ey498225#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": "South East", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=South%20East" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Stepping Stones", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-me14-1ua-ey498225" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-me14-1ua-ey498225#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "From what age does Stepping Stones accept children?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Stepping Stones accepts children from 2 to 4 years old. The setting provides full day care for this age range and operates during term time only." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funding entitlements are accepted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts 15 hours for disadvantaged 2-year-olds and 15 hours universal entitlement for 3- and 4-year-olds. These funding routes support eligible families using the setting." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What type of nursery is Stepping Stones?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Stepping Stones is classed as childcare on non-domestic premises. It operates as full day care rather than a home-based or sessional childminding setting." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What stands out about care and learning at Stepping Stones?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children are supported to feel secure and confident through warm relationships with staff. Communication and language are promoted through clear modelling, gestures, and key words, while mathematics and physical development are built into play and daily routines. Reading is also encouraged through regular access to books and stories." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which area does Stepping Stones serve?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Stepping Stones is located at 48 Wheeler Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1UA. The setting serves families in Maidstone and the surrounding area." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![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. [South East](/search?region=South+East) 4. Stepping Stones # Stepping Stones in Maidstone Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Jun 2025) · 5.0 (5 parent reviews) · 48 Wheeler Street, Maidstone, ME14 1UA · Kent Number of places 24 places Age range 2–4 yrs Last inspected Jun 2025 Local authority Kent About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery Stepping Stones, located in Maidstone, Kent, is a well-established childcare setting that opened in 2016. It operates as a pre-school from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term-time only, and caters to children aged two to four years. The nursery has a capacity for 24 children, with 22 currently on roll, and is supported by six dedicated staff members, four of whom hold early years qualifications at level 2 or 3. The staff at Stepping Stones are committed to providing a nurturing environment where children feel happy, confident, and secure. They foster warm, trusting bonds with children, taking the time to get to know each child and offering calm reassurance. The setting places a strong emphasis on physical development through engaging play equipment and activities that strengthen core muscles and fine motor skills. Additionally, a love for reading is promoted, with children having access to a diverse range of books. Parents frequently praise the staff for their support and advice, valuing the information shared about their children's learning and easy transitions into the nursery and eventually to school. The nursery ensures effective safeguarding arrangements are in place, fostering an open and positive culture where children's interests are paramount. The leadership and management team has worked diligently to improve the quality of provision since the last inspection, resulting in a "Good" overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted as of June 2025. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures a supportive and enriching experience for all children attending Stepping Stones. What it's like Children show they feel happy, confident and secure in this nursery. Staff build warm, trusting bonds with children and respond with care to each child's needs, taking time to get to know new children and offer calm reassurance. Staff model polite and respectful behaviour, which positively impacts the children, helping them to become patient and consider the needs of others. Children grow in confidence and independence and develop skills for future learning, benefiting from careful consideration given to their physical development and opportunities to explore fine motor movements. Happy and Secure Children Strong Relationships Physical Development Focus Love for Reading Effective Safeguarding Dedicated Staff ## Pricing & funding Funding accepted 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Stepping Stones Inspection date Jun 2025 Inspection no. 10361740 [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50281591)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY498225) 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 48 Wheeler Street, Maidstone, ME14 1UA [© 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#/0.52583/51.27765/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Maidstone - [Day nurseries in Maidstone](/search?q=Maidstone) - [Day nurseries in South East](/search?q=South+East) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=stepping-stones-me14-1ua-ey498225) ## Key facts Opening hours 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday Term time / All Year Term\_time\_only Established 2016 Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Stepping Stones Last inspected 5 June 2025 Overall effectiveness Good What it's like to attend Children show they feel happy, confident and secure in this nursery. Staff build warm, trusting bonds with children and respond with care to each child's needs, taking time to get to know new children and offer calm reassurance. Staff model polite and respectful behaviour, which positively impacts the children, helping them to become patient and consider the needs of others. Children grow in confidence and independence and develop skills for future learning, benefiting from careful consideration given to their physical development and opportunities to explore fine motor movements. Inspector highlights - Children feel happy, confident and secure; staff build warm, trusting bonds and respond with care to children's needs. - Staff model polite and respectful behaviour, which positively impacts children's patience and consideration of others' needs. - Careful consideration is given to children's physical development, with opportunities to strengthen core muscles and fine motor skills. - Nursery staff promote a love for reading, providing access to a range of books and enthusiastically sharing stories. - Managers and staff have worked to improve the quality of provision since the last inspection, reviewing the environment and sessions. - Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive appropriate help and support, and staff make competent referrals. - Staff effectively support children's communication and language development, employing strategies like emphasising keywords and using gestures. - Mathematical learning is woven effectively into daily routines and play, with staff using positional language and encouraging counting, leading to good progress in mathematics. - Parents speak highly of the staff, appreciating their support, advice, and the information shared about their children's learning and transitions. Areas to develop - 1 Support and focus training and professional development for all staff to further improve the quality of the already good curriculum and teaching. - 2 Enhance opportunities for children to learn about and reflect on their differences and understand what makes them unique, to prepare them for the diverse world around them. Inspection #10361740 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50281591) Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive the help and support they need to make good progress. Staff are competent in making referrals and work in partnership with parents, external agencies, and other professionals to implement consistent and successful strategies to support children's learning and development. ## Parent Reviews of Stepping Stones 5.0 (5) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKBMab1PHVqDri669S6nZ2ujzX8C-1P2fiKBRtO_4n2j-5wTA=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) anne cannings 7 years ago My little girl loves it here and the staff are lovely .They do so much with the children she is always coming home with loads of bits they have made with them would highly recommend this pre school to any one looking for one [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNJei1lWDR3RRAB!2m1!1s0x47df3230a960fd2b:0x63343dd26ce03cf5) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjXSKfYn7uwNF9cMUF24CBx41kM2zHVG47ePP4yh0SiWNdbqJnI=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Amy Lawless 7 years ago Amazing pre school. My child has learnt and developed so much since attending here and is so incredibly happy. I would recommend this pre school to anybody that asks. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURnX09LV0pnEAE!2m1!1s0x47df3230a960fd2b:0x63343dd26ce03cf5) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJPrDOsifNuOmNjJTDYCV2JQP-5eXbHNfhPDc9Hjw7njBXncw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Rosie Lee 3 years ago Staff are all absolutely amazing and my little boy absolutely loves it! [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNlOUlQYk9BEAE!2m1!1s0x47df3230a960fd2b:0x63343dd26ce03cf5) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKD8r0ElW4RqmJ_zZ3TNwFnPU1i42TlJlSHCv1Ddtk4Ek_EAA=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Tracy-ann Jennings-mcardle a year ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURBamRYWWlBRRAB!2m1!1s0x47df3230a960fd2b:0x63343dd26ce03cf5) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjU_fjnTgFBqwANFFZ1dALoPsTuntltcnkdP5QdSC9pjbYRuy3w=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Dena Flisher 7 years ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN3dS11MmNREAE!2m1!1s0x47df3230a960fd2b:0x63343dd26ce03cf5) Reviews from Google for Stepping Stones. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7148406482522881269&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Improved from Requires improvement → Good in 2025 Date: July 2024 - June 2025 Good - July 2024 Requires improvement ## Frequently asked about Stepping Stones ### From what age does Stepping Stones accept children? ### Which funding entitlements are accepted? ### What type of nursery is Stepping Stones? ### What stands out about care and learning at Stepping Stones? ### Which area does Stepping Stones serve? ## Nearby day nurseries in Maidstone Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Stepping Stones. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.2 mi ### Pink Elephants Nursery Maidstone · ME14 2UG 4.3(28 reviews) ](/nursery/pink-elephants-nursery-me14-2ug-2507597) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.6 mi ### Townsend Montessori @ Maidstone Maidstone · ME15 6NL 4.7(18 reviews) ](/nursery/townsend-montessori-maidstone-me15-6nl-ey477930) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.6 mi ### The Nursery at St Peter's Church Maidstone · ME16 0SL 4.5(15 reviews) ](/nursery/the-nursery-at-st-peter-s-church-me16-0sl-ey242745) - [ Awaiting first inspection 0.6 mi ### Cece's Rainbowkids Centre Maidstone · ME16 8SF ](/nursery/cece-s-rainbowkids-centre-me16-8sf-2862952) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.7 mi ### Blue Sky Day Nursery And Pre School Maidstone · ME16 8QL 4.7(9 reviews) ](/nursery/blue-sky-day-nursery-and-pre-school-me16-8ql-ey548463) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.7 mi ### Bright Horizons Maidstone Turkey Mill Day Nursery and Preschool Maidstone · ME14 5SF 4.6(19 reviews) ](/nursery/bright-horizons-maidstone-turkey-mill-day-nursery-and-preschool-me14-5sf-ey438654) [See all nurseries in Maidstone →](/search?q=Maidstone) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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