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Stepping Stones in Preston

Ofsted: Good
(May 2024)
·
5.0(2 parent reviews) ·76 Marsden Street, Kirkham, PRESTON, PR4 2TJ · Lancashire
Number of places
32 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2024
Local authority
Lancashire

About this day nursery

Stepping Stones is a Childcare on non-domestic premises setting in Kirkham, Preston, established in 2009. The nursery, which currently serves 49 children aged 0 to 4, was rated "Good" by Ofsted at its latest inspection on 2nd May 2024, maintaining the same positive rating from its previous inspection in 2018.

The dedicated team of eight childcare staff, all qualified to at least Level 2, and leaders qualified to Level 5 and 6, foster a strong sense of belonging among the children, who proudly wear their Stepping Stones uniforms. The nursery operates from 7:45 am to 5:45 pm, 51 weeks a year, providing a consistent and nurturing environment for young learners.

Children are encouraged to develop independence skills, look after their belongings, and participate in daily tasks, such as setting the table for lunch. The setting places a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and physical development, with a well-resourced outdoor area where children can safely learn to evaluate risk while building strength and coordination.

The responsive curriculum, tailored to children's interests, includes engaging activities like visiting the local train station when children show an interest in trains. The nursery also thoughtfully supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities by working closely with other professionals and utilising additional funding for extra sessions when needed.

What it's like

Children develop a sense of belonging as they wear their Stepping Stones uniforms with pride. They feel secure and quickly form attachments with staff. Children enjoy their time at nursery and learn to make friends and to nurture their friendships. Staff promote children's self-esteem and encourage them to express their opinions.

Strong sense of belongingIndependence skills fosteredResponsive curriculumEffective safeguardingDedicated staff

Key facts

Opening hours

7.45am to 5.45pm

Term time / All Year

All_year

Established

2009

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Stepping Stones

Last inspected 2 May 2024

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children develop a sense of belonging as they wear their Stepping Stones uniforms with pride. They feel secure and quickly form attachments with staff. Children enjoy their time at nursery and learn to make friends and to nurture their friendships. Staff promote children's self-esteem and encourage them to express their opinions.

Inspector highlights

  • Children develop a sense of belonging as they wear their Stepping Stones uniforms with pride.
  • Staff work hard to help children to develop their independence skills.
  • Children begin to understand how to evaluate risk as they learn to climb and swing in the well-resourced outdoor area.
  • Leaders have a clear vision for the setting and work hard to embed their ethos.
  • Leaders fully support staff's professional development and source training to help staff enhance their skills.
  • Staff adapt their planning to focus on children's changing interests.
  • Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported.
  • Staff teach children about differences and similarities between themselves and others.
  • Staff plan an environment rich in text which promotes a love of reading.
  • Staff plan lots of opportunities for children to strengthen the small muscles in their hands as they prepare for early writing.

Areas to develop

  • 1Monitor children's next steps closely to ensure they are focused on what each child needs to learn next.
  • 2Continue to embed hygiene routines even further to help children consistently learn to understand and manage their own self-care needs.
Inspection #10335866 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. Leaders work closely with other professionals to access appropriate support. Additional funding is spent thoughtfully to support children's needs. For instance, leaders offer additional sessions as families manage challenging periods in their home life. This helps all children to make progress from their starting points.

Outdoor space

Children learn to understand how to evaluate risk as they learn to climb and swing in the well-resourced outdoor area. This also supports children's physical development as they build strength and coordination. Staff help children to learn about their local area as they tend their community allotment.

Parent Reviews of Stepping Stones

5.0
(2)
Dan Buckley
4 months ago

An absolutely fantastic nursery. The setting is excellent, with a large outdoor play area and a wide range of activities that keep the children engaged throughout the day. The long opening hours are very convenient, and the staff are amazing — they keep parents well informed about their child’s activities and progress each day. Both of my sons love attending and are always excited to go. It’s wonderful to see how much they are learning and developing.

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Inspection history

Date: November 2009

  • May 2024Good
  • June 2018Good
  • November 2014Good
  • November 2009Good

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