Day Nurseries Owned by Croft Day Nurseries in Dorset

I would recommend this setting to every parent looking for somewhere for their children to thrive and to develop a love of learning through play.

My kids are really so happy here and if I were to have any more, I wouldn't even think of looking elsewhere.

My son started The Croft when he was 10 months old and 10 months later he is thriving there. At the start, drop offs were difficult with lots of tears but the girls that work there were so warm and welcoming it made it that bit easier. He now runs in without looking back and comes out with a beaming smile on his face. We have never had any issues and I couldn't recommend this nursery more! Since being at The Croft, my son is learning so many new skills daily and has become so confident, it is a big credit to the girls who take good care of him in the baby room with lots of activities for them to do! They are all so friendly and easy to talk to and I am so happy we chose to send him there!

I am incredibly grateful to all the staff for their dedication and efforts. The management team and the staff are truly exceptional, and they perform their duties admirably. I am so pleased that my son had the opportunity to know all of you.

All the staff at The Croft Oakdale are absolutely lovely. My little boy runs in everyday and always gets so excited when we arrive, not wanting to wait a second before he goes in. The staff do activities that facilitate learning and exploration and my son is developing in his motor skills and communication largely due to their influence .

We couldn't be happier with our choice of nursery and would highly recommend it to any parent looking for a nurturing, supportive, and inspiring environment for their child.

Xx

It's only a small nursery but this is what makes it special. A lovely, lovely place!

We are enrolling our youngest son soon too, and am sure he will enjoy it and flourish as much as his big brother.

What an amazing nursery!! My son has been attending since May 2024! He's grown and learnt so much along the way and that is all thanks to the incredible staff!! Not forgetting Lauren, Chantelle and Tiff who have been so supportive, caring and overall brilliant when it comes to any questions I have about my son and they're always on hand to help support! Thank you to each and every one of you! You truly are the best!

Both of my children attend The Croft Oakdale, My son has attended the nursery since he was 4 months old and is now 3 and in preschool. My daughter started at 4 months in September 2025 and both of them settled incredibly well thanks to the incredible staff. Both Lauren and Chantelle made us feel very comfortable and have been accommodating and friendly throughout our time at the nursery. Each member of staff have taken the time to get to know both of my children and have played a massive part in their development and social skills. The Croft really feels like a warm friendly environment making you feel totally comfortable about leaving your children in their capable hands. I also really like how the staff have been at the nursery for long periods of time and how happy they seem to be. I would highly recommend The Croft Oakdale to anyone looking for a fantastic nursery setting with the most incredible staff, we cannot fault them. Every member of staff are a credit to the team. Thank you

My son has been going to this nursery since October 2023 and we both couldn't be happier! He has made wonderful friends and has always gone into the setting very happy. I have never had any tears! His developmental progress shot through the roof since starting and it his speech and learning has improved massively. All of the staff are amazing, kind and great at communicating and the managers Chantelle and Lauren are incredible. It just goes to show their amazing leadership skills with how many members of staff have been there for such a number of years. They offer so many different activities and things to do and I love hearing about all the new things he's been doing. Nothing is too much trouble and I always feel at ease that my son is safe and content while I am working. I am due my second baby soon and will definitely be sending her to this nursery next year too.

My daughter has been attending since she was 9 months old and she is now 3; I couldn't have asked for a better nursery. The staff are so friendly and put you at ease as you leave your child. They get to know your child and support them in whatever they need. First steps really does feel like a family. I really like the fact that the staff that work here all seem really happy and they have been at First steps a long time - I think this is a really good indicator of what a lovely environment this is. My daughter loves playing outside and I love the fact they do water and messy play (something I don't have to clean up!). Activities are always structured and most days my daughter will come home with a picture she has created! We are moving up to the final room in September and I can't wait to watch the final year and see even more development from my little one. Thank you to the whole First Steps Team for welcoming us into your family.

Our daughter has been with First Steps from around 12 months old, she'll be leaving to start school in September. The staff at First Steps have been superb and made our little one feel safe and secure throughout! The setting is smaller than some others, but this is no way a bad thing, its a massive plus! Our daughter knows everyone and has built some lovely friendships. I couldn't recommend First Steps highly enough!

Sent both my children here. I trust them 100% and both my children have loved it. First steps have built the confidence in my youngest who was quite shy. I would recommend to anyone. Staff are great and communication good.

My little boy has been attending 1st Steps since November 2024. He loves his time here and runs in every morning as he's so excited to see everyone! The team have been great with helping him wear different shoes, clothes and trying new foods. Nothing is ever to much! I can honestly say these girls are amazing. I have one happy little boy, and his smile says it all every time I pick him up.

Amazing team and always there to help and support. Our daughter has been at first steps for nearly 3 years. Can honestly say the best choice we made was to send our daughter to first steps. Extremely grateful for everything they've done and how they helped her develop and now be ready to start the next chapter of her journey at school. She'll be back for holiday clubs and ready to beat the boys at tug of war.

First steps is an amazing nursery. My little boy went there from 10 months old and he still goes to their holiday club at 6 years old as he loves it. They look after him and help him with his SEN issues and he wishes he could go more often. My little girl has just started at 10 months old and she loves it just as much as her older brother. She is very clingy to me but the ladies at the nursery are the only other people she will happily go to. She always leaves with a smile and I think first steps is the best nursery for children of any age as they really care.

Both my children have attended first steps and love it. Very happy with the staff, cleanliness, education and fun the kids have had and continue to have. I would highly recommend to any parent. The staff are great at any time, especially drop offs early in the morning.

The team are very kind and helpful. The support they provide to progress my child's development is fantastic, making every step flow forwards seamlessly.