--- title: "Stepping Stones of Sopley — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "Stepping Stones of Sopley, a nursery in Christchurch — Ofsted-rated Good. 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. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "logo": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/__l5e/assets-v1/18ee05cb-93ee-4d8a-b535-85644088f16f/nursery-advice-social-share.png", "sameAs": [ "https://twitter.com/nurseryadvice" ], "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer support", "email": "hello@nurseryadvice.co.uk", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225#webpage", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225", "name": "Stepping Stones of Sopley — Rated Good by Ofsted", "description": "Stepping Stones of Sopley, a nursery in Christchurch — Ofsted-rated Good. 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-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225#nursery", "name": "Stepping Stones of Sopley", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "Bransgore and Thorney Hill District Hall", "addressLocality": "Burnt House Lane", "postalCode": "BH23 8DD" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225#webpage" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 50.786577, "longitude": -1.730071 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Christchurch" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 1, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 4, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Charlie Burns" }, "reviewBody": "We’ve have been using Stepping stones since my first child turned 18 months in October 2022, all the way up to starting school. I love this place, it’s the perfect solution for bransgore childcare, offering play indoors and outdoors, with a huge garden, growing veggies in the summer and lots of amazing activities. We are in love with this hidden gem and my second son started in November 2025 and is thriving there. It is ideal for young ones and also getting them ready for school! They’ve also just announced they are opening a baby room taking babys from 9 months which is going to be an absolute game changer as currently there isn’t any nursery in the village offering this! I can’t reccomend stepping stones any more, thank you for being there for my kiddos, at the heart of our bransgore community 🙏", "datePublished": "2026-01-22T08:21:25.996851919Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zivile Blynaite" }, "reviewBody": "It’s such an amazing setting with wonderful staff! My little one absolutely loves coming to the nursery and has the best time! All staff are excellent, nothing is a problem and for anxious mum like me, it’s so important to have a good communication. Honestly I can’t recommend this nursery enough!!!", "datePublished": "2026-02-05T21:33:38.391623370Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jenna Stubbington" }, "reviewBody": "My son went to this pre school,he was very happy here, I had no concerns or worries. it's a hidden gem! Lovely huge indoor and outdoor space, lovely friendly staff. The perfect little village pre school.\nOffering hours in the school holidays, not term time only.", "datePublished": "2024-10-16T19:20:45.762229Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sophie Pinchin" }, "datePublished": "2024-10-06T12:20:33.431427Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225#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 of Sopley", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/stepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Stepping Stones of Sopley working on improving?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting is working to strengthen staff understanding of roles and responsibilities so teaching is more consistent. It is also focusing on giving children more time to think and explain their ideas, with the aim of further developing communication skills." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What do parents say about Stepping Stones of Sopley?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Parents say they have strong relationships with staff, especially the key person, and value the regular updates about learning and development. They also appreciated a recent parents’ evening where children’s progress was discussed." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which area does Stepping Stones of Sopley serve?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Stepping Stones of Sopley is in Christchurch, postcode BH23 8DD, at Bransgore and Thorney Hill District Hall." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funded childcare entitlements are accepted at Stepping Stones of Sopley?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts 15 hours for disadvantaged two-year-olds and 15 universal hours for children aged three and four." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is Stepping Stones of Sopley classified by Ofsted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is classed as childcare on non-domestic premises and provides full day care for children aged one to four." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Stepping Stones of Sopley support children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children with SEND are supported through the work of a knowledgeable special educational needs coordinator who advises staff and parents. The setting works with different specialists to meet individual needs, and children with SEND make good progress." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![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 of Sopley # Stepping Stones of Sopley Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Dec 2023) · 5.0 (4 parent reviews) · Bransgore and Thorney Hill District Hall, Burnt House Lane, Christchurch, BH23 8DD · Hampshire Number of places 30 places Age range 1–4 yrs Last inspected Dec 2023 Local authority Hampshire 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 of Sopley, a committee-managed childcare setting, was re-registered in 2013 and operates from the Thornley Hill District Hall in Bransgore, Hampshire. The nursery, rated 'Good' by Ofsted, provides full-day care for children aged 1 to 4 years old. The dedicated team of five staff members, four of whom hold a Level 3 early years qualification, are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where children can thrive. The manager has worked diligently to implement significant improvements since the previous inspection, demonstrating a clear vision for the nursery's future. Children benefit from a curriculum that sparks their interests, whether through engaging outdoor activities like making bird feeders and building with tyres, or learning how to cooperate and develop strong friendships indoors. The setting supports children's physical development and ensures effective safeguarding arrangements are in place, with all staff having up-to-date training. What it's like Children are confident to come into the welcoming nursery, where staff greet them warmly and support them to be independent. They develop close friendships and learn to cooperate in their play. Staff know their key children particularly well and provide a range of activities to meet individual needs and interests. Staff help children develop an understanding of risk and how to use equipment safely, encouraging good progress in their learning and development. Good Ofsted rating Supportive staff Child-centred curriculum Strong parent partnerships Outdoor play ## Pricing & funding Funding accepted 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) ## Key facts Opening hours Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm Term time / All Year Mixed Established 2013 Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Stepping Stones of Sopley Last inspected 6 December 2023 Overall effectiveness Good What it's like to attend Children are confident to come into the welcoming nursery, where staff greet them warmly and support them to be independent. They develop close friendships and learn to cooperate in their play. Staff know their key children particularly well and provide a range of activities to meet individual needs and interests. Staff help children develop an understanding of risk and how to use equipment safely, encouraging good progress in their learning and development. Inspector highlights - Children are confident and independent in the welcoming nursery. - Staff greet children warmly and support them to be independent. - Children develop close friendships and learn how to cooperate in their play. - Staff know their key children particularly well and provide a range of activities planned to meet individual needs and interests. - Staff support children to develop their understanding of risk and teach them how to use equipment safely. - The manager has made significant changes since the previous inspection, improving the quality of the provision. - Children's behaviour has greatly improved since the last inspection. - Staff support children's enjoyment and engagement in their favourite stories. - Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. - Staff support children with their physical development well. Areas to develop - 1 Strengthen staff's understanding of their roles and responsibilities to further improve teaching quality. - 2 Strengthen staff practice in allowing children enough time to think things through and share their ideas, to further develop their communication skills. Inspection #10306573 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50237892) ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Stepping Stones of Sopley Inspection date Dec 2023 Inspection no. 10306573 [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50237892)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY468225) 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 Bransgore and Thorney Hill District Hall, Burnt House Lane, Christchurch, BH23 8DD [© 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#/-1.73007/50.78658/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Christchurch - [Day nurseries in Christchurch](/search?q=Christchurch) - [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-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225) Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. The special educational needs coordinator is very knowledgeable and supportive of parents and staff. She works with different specialists to support children's individual needs. Children with SEND make good progress. Outdoor space Children show a keen interest in the birds and insects in the garden and enjoy making bird feeders. Staff support children with their physical development, encouraging them to use their imaginations outdoors, for example, by building with tyres and rolling them down the garden. ## Parent Reviews of Stepping Stones of Sopley 5.0 (4) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjU2QuLnbXyzBXbxrvZSU4n8mz3b-N-1rjU9_PmwTa1szkIkd90=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba2) Charlie Burns 4 months ago We’ve have been using Stepping stones since my first child turned 18 months in October 2022, all the way up to starting school. I love this place, it’s the perfect solution for bransgore childcare, offering play indoors and outdoors, with a huge garden, growing veggies in the summer and lots of amazing activities. We are in love with this hidden gem and my second son started in November 2025 and is thriving there. It is ideal for young ones and also getting them ready for school! They’ve also just announced they are opening a baby room taking babys from 9 months which is going to be an absolute game changer as currently there isn’t any nursery in the village offering this! I can’t reccomend stepping stones any more, thank you for being there for my kiddos, at the heart of our bransgore community 🙏 [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25Cc1prUXRhR3h2YmpWb1JWUjBjM3B2YTNwc1dVRRAB!2m1!1s0x48739bac2499a711:0xfeb0dee236de0e78) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIcE-kUP2sELqXIUr7S75TW7tGFhvTW2t_iuamTSumWXW5mDg=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Zivile Blynaite 3 months ago It’s such an amazing setting with wonderful staff! My little one absolutely loves coming to the nursery and has the best time! All staff are excellent, nothing is a problem and for anxious mum like me, it’s so important to have a good communication. Honestly I can’t recommend this nursery enough!!! [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tvMU0ydGpia1JEV0VobE1sUkNjbEpKTnpad2JXYxAB!2m1!1s0x48739bac2499a711:0xfeb0dee236de0e78) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIorr2q0naSXTgLxRo6h-UodmJ5GExiR1MQREoYsmC_DVJb-A=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Jenna Stubbington a year ago My son went to this pre school,he was very happy here, I had no concerns or worries. it's a hidden gem! Lovely huge indoor and outdoor space, lovely friendly staff. The perfect little village pre school. Offering hours in the school holidays, not term time only. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYcnZXNHRnRRAB!2m1!1s0x48739bac2499a711:0xfeb0dee236de0e78) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocI24libH6QVUdImsdRoa3NIcHxKHneiuK5kKwtDzPh-uEuPIw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Sophie Pinchin a year ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURuX3RlR0tREAE!2m1!1s0x48739bac2499a711:0xfeb0dee236de0e78) Reviews from Google for Stepping Stones of Sopley. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=18352413544699268728&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Improved from Inadequate → Good in 2023 Date: March 2014 - December 2023 Good - July 2023 Inadequate - October 2019 Good - March 2014 Good ## Frequently asked about Stepping Stones of Sopley ### What is Stepping Stones of Sopley working on improving? ### What do parents say about Stepping Stones of Sopley? ### Which area does Stepping Stones of Sopley serve? ### Which funded childcare entitlements are accepted at Stepping Stones of Sopley? ### How is Stepping Stones of Sopley classified by Ofsted? ### How does Stepping Stones of Sopley support children with SEND? ## Nearby day nurseries in Christchurch Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Stepping Stones of Sopley. - [ Ofsted: Good 2.2 mi ### The Forest Pre-School, Nursery & Outdoor Adventurers Christchurch · BH23 7DX ](/nursery/the-forest-pre-school-nursery-outdoor-adventurers-bh23-7dx-2524828) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.7 mi ### Burton Day Nursery Christchurch · BH23 7JP 4.2(9 reviews) ](/nursery/burton-day-nursery-ltd-bh23-7jp-ey417968) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.8 mi ### Burton Day Nursery Christchurch · BH23 7JN 4.2(9 reviews) ](/nursery/burton-day-nursery-ltd-bh23-7jn-ey100752) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.0 mi ### Little Deers Day Nursery Ringwood · BH24 4BU ](/nursery/little-deers-day-nursery-bh24-4bu-509539) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 3.1 mi ### Dell Cottage Day Nursery Christchurch · BH23 5QG ](/nursery/dell-cottage-day-nursery-bh23-5qg-ey315470) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.5 mi ### Little Explorers Christchurch · BH23 3AS ](/nursery/little-explorers-bh23-3as-2546498) [See all nurseries in Christchurch →](/search?q=Christchurch) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details. [Claim listing](/claim?nursery=stepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225) ### Share this nursery Send to a partner, friend or family member. Copy link[](https://wa.me/?text=Stepping%20Stones%20of%20Sopley%20%E2%80%94%20on%20Nursery%20Advice%20https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fstepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225 "Share on WhatsApp")[](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/send?link=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fstepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225&app_id=140586622674265&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fstepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225 "Share on Messenger")[](mailto:?subject=Stepping%20Stones%20of%20Sopley&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20this%20nursery%3A%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fstepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225 "Share on Email")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fstepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225 "Share on Facebook")[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Stepping%20Stones%20of%20Sopley%20%E2%80%94%20on%20Nursery%20Advice&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fstepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225 "Share on X")[](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fstepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225 "Share on LinkedIn")[](https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fstepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225&title=Stepping%20Stones%20of%20Sopley "Share on Reddit")[](https://t.me/share/url?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fstepping-stones-of-sopley-bh23-8dd-ey468225&text=Stepping%20Stones%20of%20Sopley%20%E2%80%94%20on%20Nursery%20Advice "Share on Telegram") This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. [Learn more](/about-our-data) Report an issue [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/) The independent UK nursery directory. Built with Ofsted data, kept current weekly. For parents - [Search nurseries](/search) - [Parent Hub](/parent-hub) - [Saved nurseries](/saved) - [Compare](/compare) For nurseries - [Promote Your Nursery](/for-nurseries) - [Claim a listing](/claim) - [Nursery dashboard](/owner) - [Sign in](/auth) Browse by location - [London](/nurseries/london) - [South East](/nurseries/south-east) - [North West](/nurseries/north-west) - [West Midlands](/nurseries/west-midlands) - [Yorkshire](/nurseries/yorkshire-and-the-humber) - [See all regions →](/nurseries) About - [About us](/about-us) - [Editorial policy](/parent-hub/editorial-standards) - [Contact us](/contact) - [Blog](/blog) - Data sources: Ofsted MI, GIAS [](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590427415951)[](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nurseryadvice-co-uk)[](https://uk.pinterest.com/NurseryAdvice/) Ofsted data & reports Inspection reports, ratings and provider details displayed on this site are sourced from [Ofsted](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/) and contain public sector information published under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). Nursery Advice is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ofsted or any government body. © 2026 Better Search Limited (company no. 17209315), trading as Nursery Advice. All rights reserved. Contact: [hello@nurseryadvice.co.uk](mailto:hello@nurseryadvice.co.uk). [Terms of service](/terms)[Privacy policy](/privacy)Made for parents.