Our passion is providing the very best care and education to every child. Our nursery curriculum is based on the Key Steps Approach. Developed by Early years specialists and following the Early Years Foundation Stage. We have taken elements from Marie Montessori, Emilio Reggio, Rudolph Steiner and Forest School teaching methods that we feel fit with our own approach.
From the moment they arrive at nursery every child will be fully immersed in stimulating environments that are warm and inviting, whilst building confidence, independence and having a positive impact on their physical, social and emotional development. We will encourage all children to respect and care for each other whilst nurturing positive behaviour and manners.
Our graduate lead knowledgeable compassionate staff team will encourage each child to take the lead in their own learning.
Our play based environments give children the opportunities to entirely submerge themselves in a world of exploration, experimentation and discovery that is right for their own age and stage of development. All babies and children will be supported to practice and develop ideas, concepts and skills, without fear of failure, whilst having access to the very best facilities care and education.
At Key Steps Day Nursery, we offer the highest of family friendly service that exceeds your expectations. Communication is key and we will be on hand when ever needed, offering commitment, transparency and flexibility to everything we offer.
Nutrition
We have a real appetite to ensure that only fresh nutritional food is given to our children. Coming from a farming family ourselves we fully understand the importance food plays in our lives. Working with the Soil Association and Eat Better Start Better guidelines we are proud to be sowing the seeds to encourage healthy relationships with food. All children will plant, nurture and eat their own produce whilst at nursery and cooking will be a regular experience for the children to be involved in.
All children will be exposed to an array of different flavours and textures through their play and at mealtimes. All our food is ethically sourced ensuring we only use British farm assured meat, free range eggs, organic milk and we don’t buy fish on the Marine Conservation Society ‘Fish to avoid list’.
Through everyday experiences Key Steps Day nursery supports all babies and children to fully realise their feelings, behaviours and the impact these can have on others around them. Being able to understand their emotions and talk openly about how they are feeling allows children to create positive social interactions with others and gives children the ability to make friendships throughout their lives.
Key Steps recognises the importance of close meaningful connections in allowing children to feel secure and confident to explore the world around them, therefore all children from the moment they start at the nursery will have a key person who takes care of them daily ensuring all of their needs are met.
"Exceptional attitudes to learning"
Ofsted 2023
Safety first
Keeping all babies and children safe and secure whilst they are having fun is of paramount importance to everyone at Key Steps and we take it extremely seriously.
Working closely with a renown early years health and safety expert we have developed a bespoke handbook which covers every aspect of health and safety within the nursery setting, when on trips and visits. Regular audits, training and reviews ensure that we stay up to date with all regulations and staff feel confident in dealing with any issues that arise.
For additional peace of mind, the nursery has CCTV throughout the building, gardens and entrance areas and our video entrance systems ensures only those permitted entry will be allowed into the nursery.
Our Family
We recognise the strong link between highly qualified, enthusiastic staff and outstanding quality care and education for your children.
When choosing staff we look, not just for their qualification and experience, but also for that extra passion for working with children and the desire to see them learn and succeed.
There are clear legal requirements relating to staff qualifications to work within a nursery setting; 50% of staff must hold a recognised basic Level 2 childcare qualification and there must be staff trained in paediatric first aid on site.
Millie's Mark
At Key Steps Day Nursery we always go above and beyond this. All staff within the nursery that have key children are qualified and in addition to this we are very proud to be taking part in Millie’s Mark.
Millie's Mark is a special endorsement for childcare providers that go above and beyond minimum requirements by having 100% of staff trained in paediatric first aid.
Passionate staff that are happy and motivated are our greatest resources and that is why we empower them to continually develop themselves and their careers through a wide range of training initiatives from online learning to completing a new qualification or degree.
Being outside in the fresh air, feeling the wind on their cheeks and watching the clouds drift by is a wonderful experience for any child or baby.
Our outdoor environments are seen as an extension of the indoors and all children will be encouraged to be outdoors as much as possible whilst at nursery whatever the weather.
In addition to this children will naturally take part in regular trips within the local community which further enhances their experiences and develops important skills, for example road safety.
Communication
Our relationship with you as parents is crucial to ensuring your child’s time with us is as fulfilling as possible for everyone and we know communication is key to this.
All parents will have access to Famly, an online learning and communication portal. Famly allows you to quickly and efficiently see how your child is progressing while allowing you to book extra sessions or keep up to date with key events within the nursery.
Our staff are always on hand to answer any questions you may have, regular parent events will keep you informed with an array of subjects including weaning, phonics, dealing with behaviour changes and what to expect when starting school.
Our nursery is one big happy family and our social get togethers give all our families the opportunity to meet and socialise whilst making new friends.
Charlotte
Owner
First and foremost, Charlotte is a mummy to Arthur and Ivy who are both at Primary School, Charlotte is also married to Matthew. Having been born and raised on a farm in the local area Charlotte has a passion for getting children into the great outdoors, with over 20 years’ experience and a love for early years she brings an array of knowledge including managing an outstanding setting.
Before setting up Key Steps Charlotte has been a Director of Childcare and Operations for a national chain of nurseries, Ofsted inspector and most recently an Early Years Consultant. She holds a BA Honours degree in Early Childhood studies and has also won a national nursery award.
