First Steps Nursery

Albury Road, Merstham, Redhill RH1 3LS
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9.7 55 Reviews
  • First Steps Nursery, Redhill
First Steps Nursery offers excellent care and education for babies, toddlers and preschooler’s from three months to five-year-olds in a fun, stimulating learning environment.

The nursery building has been specifically designed with children in mind, complete with a purpose-built preschool. They have four bright and modern age-specific play rooms and the nursery boasts a large outdoor area with plenty of outdoor space allowing the children lots of room to explore their outdoor learning environment.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Owner

  • First Step Nursery Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Jacqui Tidey (Director)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 20

Total Places for Children

  • 60

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • We offer 15 and 30 hours funding. We have a minimum of 2 days attendance


    Please contact us for more information


    Please contact the nursery for fees

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • They have parent parking down their driveway at the rear of the nursery.

First Steps Nursery Reviews (55)

9.7

First Steps Nursery has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.734) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time First Steps Nursery has 55 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 55
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Reviewer Connection to First Steps Nursery
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Total of 55, showing 1-20
Review from Natalia F (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely nursery with amazing people!


First Steps is truly a special place. It feels very different from other nurseries I visited - it's smaller and more personal, which made the whole transition so much easier for my daughter. The staff turnover is low, and you can really feel the stability and experience

within the team. The children get to go out for lots of different activities, which I absolutely love, and the app they use makes it so easy to stay updated with photos and little notes about her day.


My daughter has separation anxiety and is naturally very shy, so finding somewhere she would be genuinely cared for was incredibly important to me. The team at First Steps went above and beyond to make sure she got all the cuddles and reassurance she needed, helping her adjust gently and at her own pace.


I'm so grateful for the warmth, patience, and dedication they've shown. I couldn't have asked for a better nursery.

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Review from C W (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy joined First Steps in January this year and he has settled in well and seems really happy there. We are really pleased with First Steps, the staff are really friendly and our baby loves going! Big shout out to the lady in the Baby Room in particular; she is amazing and our little boy
loves her!
Reply from Alice, Manager at First Steps Nursery
Thank you for such a lovely review, its so nice to hear how well he has settled and how much he enjoys his days at nursery.
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Review from A A (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We're so grateful to the whole team for such a wonderful and memorable graduation ceremony. It was clear how much care and effort went into every detail, and we really appreciate it. It's bittersweet that our child will be leaving First Steps soon (who's been with the nursery since age of 1!), we're
sad to be saying goodbye, but so thankful for all the special memories, learning, and growth he's had while being part of the nursery.
Reply from Alice, Manager at First Steps Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words about our nursery-it means a lot to us that you had a positive experience here. We wish you the very best of luck on your next adventure!
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Review from M C (Father of Child) published on 7 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child has been attending First Steps Nursery in Merstham since January 2024, initially in Babies room before moving up to Toddlers. At the 27 Month Review with the Health Visitor, we knew our child was struggling with Speech and Fine Motor Skill delays amongst others and would need lots of referrals.
We're so grateful to First Steps Nursery for not only doing the Paediatric Referral and SALT (Speech and Language Therapy) at 30 months where not all Nurseries will do this and instead send you to the GP, but First Steps even reached out to their SEND Advisor at Surrey County Council who observed our child and completed a Visit Sheet for both us and the Nursery. First Steps are working very hard to put as many of the recommendations in place as possible, and we're also really grateful they joined a TAF (Team Around the Family) meeting with our Family Support Worker, whom they also let observe our child. We feel so lucky to have this Nursery on our doorstep, with a wonderful Key Person
Reply from Alice, Manager at First Steps Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We're so glad to hear that you're happy with First Steps - your support and feedback are greatly appreciated!
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Review from L B (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our daughter loved going to First Steps Nursery! She has such fun every day and we love getting photo updates throughout the day. The thematic weeks keep things interesting for the babies. Our daughter has become more confident since going to the nursery. We have our key worked and the team to thank!
Reply from Alice, Manager at First Steps Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear how happy you are with First Steps!
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Review from S J (Mother of Child) published on 20 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter currently attends First Steps Nursery. She is so happy there and I am pleased with her development progress. The staff are all lovely, efficient and professional. Through an app, I get to see what she is up to throughout the day. I highly recommend First Steps.
Reply from Jacqui, Owner at First Steps Nursery
Thank you for such a nice review, we are so glad to hear how happy you are with the nursery.
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Review from R F (Mother of Child) published on 27 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The best nursery for your baby in all of Reigate/Redhill. Closest and the most competitively priced. Also one of the few nurseries that picked up the phone and replied to emails. Visiting was easy and they were transparent about fees, compared to some nurseries who rarely answer the phone, don't disclose
fees and fob you off from enquiring about a space. Easy access with little to no traffic. Plenty of parking/street parking is available. Settle days were a delight, and they have an app with Golden Moments and sweet photos etc, compared to other Nurseries, FirstSteps is consistent with this and works tirelessly to update the app. As well as a monthly newsletter, nature walks and trips, they also have Sing and Sign. We even got a Christmas Card from the staff. They've put on a Summer Fair, a Mother's Day and Father's Day Breakfast and a Summer Stay and Play for the adults to join in. Couldn't be happier and truly grateful to all staff/management for everything, including how well-fed our little one has been once home.
Reply from Jacqui, Owner at First Steps Nursery
This is such a lovely review and so nice to hear how happy you are with First Steps, thank you.
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Review from Maria M (Mother of Child) published on 23 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I shop around before I chose First Steps. It is such a lovely nursery. perfect size and not overly big (which can be quite overwhelming for a young child). The staff have been absolutely amazing and we will be sad once our little one leaves in September this year. They supply healthy food options, they
teach the children Spanish amongst other things and have just been great through and through. Cannot fault it at all!
Reply from Jacqui, Owner at First Steps Nursery
Thank you for such a lovely review, we are so happy that your child enjoyed First steps so much.
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Review from Maxine A (Mother of Child) published on 11 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at First Steps for 7 months now and we only have positive things to say. She started at 11 months and from her first settle session knew we'd picked a gem. Her key person is so lovely, caring and genuinely invested in our daughter's daily happiness and development. This is our
first child so not sure what to expect from a nursery, but we would recommend it to anyone wanting a personal, relaxed yet professional family vibe for their children. All the staff are warm and welcoming and we trust they all have the children's best interests at heart. We are invited in for special events which is wonderful to catch a glimpse of their environment and watch them interact with the other children. We also love the updates on the app including photos of their playtime, outings and info on food/naps/nappies etc. Big thanks to all at FSN!
Reply from Jacqui, Owner at First Steps Nursery
This is such a lovely review and so nice to hear how happy you are with First Steps, thank you.
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Review from G M (Mother of Child) published on 28 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has attended First Steps since she was 14 months old and has been going to nursery for the past 4 months. Since starting nursery she has developed so much and we couldn’t be happier with the care she has received. All the staff are great, no question is too much trouble (and I had a lot
of questions when our daughter first started), the staff are patient, caring, kind and I couldn’t be happier with the choice we made to send our daughter here. The range of activities is extensive, from trips to see the ducks, to messy play and outdoor activities. Their outdoor space is very impressive and weather permitting the babies spend a lot of time outdoors, our daughter loves being outside so thrives here and after taking a bit of time to settle given she started at a later age, leaves nursery happy and content each day. As our first child, choosing a nursery was a huge decision for us and we are very grateful to First Steps for such a positive experience.
Reply from Jacqui, Owner at First Steps Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review, i'ts so nice to hear she has settled so well.
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Review from C W (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
First Steps Nursery has been nothing but fantastic for my son. My son has been attending since July 2023 and has developed quickly since then. All of the staff in the baby's room are fantastic, in particular, his key worker, who he has developed a lovely bond with. I have absolutely no worries at all
when he is at nursery and he comes home having thoroughly enjoyed every day.
Reply from Jacqui, Owner at First Steps Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review; this is so nice to hear.
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Review from Jess G (Mother of Child) published on 11 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery and couldn’t fault it even if I tried! All Staff and manager extremely efficient and professional.
I have one child currently there and one that’s just left for school and they have been more than happy there the entire time.
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Review from V C (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at First Steps since he was ten months old and has absolutely thrived there. Being born during Covid and having limited contact with people in his early months, I was worried he would struggle to settle but the staff are brilliant at what they do, they keep you well informed and obviously
care a lot.
He has now moved to the Toddler room and he absolutely loves it, they do plenty of engaging activities and the facilities are great. We are really happy we chose the nursery and would highly recommend it!
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Review from S A (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending First Steps Nursery for just under a year since he was 12/13 months old. He has absolutely thrived in the baby room and the staff in this room are fantastic. Especially his key worker (who is also the room leader I think) - she is incredibly experienced and really helped our
little one settle when he was finding it very hard at first. The baby room team are very warm and understanding and supportive of the newer parents.


We love our updates on the app and seeing how our son is getting on. The nursery is professional, nurturing, caring and have used a lot of common sense when it's come to Covid rules and regulation which have reassured parents. I'm looking forward to our son moving into Toddler Room as the staff there seem just as kind and nurturing. They seem younger in the toddler room which I think will also be good for him as he learns to be more independent.


The facilities and garden are great. I'm really pleased we picked First Steps and would recommend it to friends/family.

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Review from L W (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Cannot fault First Steps. Really lovely and attentive staff. My son has had absolutely brilliant key workers in babies and toddler rooms which made and feel very at ease to leave him there. I have also been very impressed by the management and how situations such as Covid has been managed.
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Review from Samuel W (Father of Child) published on 15 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have both our boys at First Steps for 2.5 and 0.5 years and we are really happy with everything about them. There is a mix of very experienced staff that have been there a long time and some newer members and we feel that they all act in a very professional manner and are very warm and welcoming.
We are pleased with the development we have seen with our boys and the activities they do and the updates we get. Thank you.
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Review from D D (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter really enjoys the nursery. She always has a lot of fun and the staff comes up with a lot of various activities for the babies. We enjoy the pictures that we get of our little one having fun at the nursery and the key person looking after her is absolutely amazing. It is also very easy to
communicate with the manager and the office in case we have any queries.
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Review from N O (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one started from Baby Room and she’s now at preschool. She loves the variety of activities - singing, drawing and painting, dancing dressing-up etc. All the teachers are amazing too. I’ll be sad when the time comes for her to move on, but I’m also confident she’ll be ready for big school by
then.
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Review from Marion D (Mother of Child) published on 30 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son has started nursery when he was 8 months and absolutely loved it from day 1. He absolutely adores his keyworker and made amazing progress. Staff fills in learning books regularly so I can check what he has been up to during the day. Good communication from staff, lots of different learning activities,
varied menus...The nursery is spot on. Currently expecting baby number 2 and hoping he will be able to attend this nursery too!
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Review from Laura C (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is currently in the toddler room following on from the baby room. All the staff are incredibly friendly and genuinely seem to care about him, he loves his days there and has settled in very well. I'm extremely happy with First Steps and would highly recommend it.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.734)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.734) out of 10 for First Steps Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 12 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.734 for First Steps Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (113 Excellents x 5) + (22 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 143 Ratings = 4.734
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for First Steps Nursery is based on 12 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 60 number of registered child places is 12, which has been reached with 12 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Child Vacancies

Posted: 19 Nov 2025

We have spaces available for 2 years plus from January 2026. Looking for childcare for your little one? Waiting list is now open for 2026. First Steps Nursery is a family run nursery offering excellent childcare for children aged 3 months- 5 years. Book your visit now! we look forward to meeting you.

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (2)

Alice

Alice

Job Title: Manager Joined: 2015

Alice our Nursery Manager has worked at First Steps for over 10 years. Alice oversees our fantastic staff team as well as supporting the children in an environment where they can grow, learn and flourish.

Gemma

Gemma

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2023

Gemma, our Deputy Manager, joined First Steps in 2023. Gemma is a dedicated childcare leader with a passion for our little ones, supporting the children in a nurturing and inspiring environment and is dedicated to staff wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions about First Steps Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that First Steps Nursery accepts?

First Steps Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is First Steps Nursery Open?

First Steps Nursery is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does First Steps Nursery have capacity for?

First Steps Nursery has capacity for a total of 60 Children.

How far is First Steps Nursery to the centre of Redhill?

1.7 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact First Steps Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. First Steps Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.