Since 1989, First Steps Day Nursery has been providing private day care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years in a homely nursery with amazing outdoor areas, enabling children to explore and experience the natural world in a quiet rural location.
Staff are committed to giving children the best start in life with high-quality childcare and education in a relaxed environment where they enjoy themselves and socialise whilst developing at their own pace.
The nursery is proud of the dedicated, experienced team who work with parents to establish an effective partnership between home and nursery.
They are passionate about their school readiness programme, giving children the essential skills needed for the transition to ‘big school’, working closely with local schools to facilitate this.
Owner: Ravi Kang
Person in charge: Lisa Sleight (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services: Peterborough City Council
Number of Staff: 20
Service Offered: Day Nursery (Privately Owned), Open all year, Full Day Care, Sessional Day Care
Total Places for Children: 51
Age Range: from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months
Opening Days: Mon-Fri
Opening Hours: 0800-1800
When Closed: Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas
Directions:
Set in a beautiful village of Maxey , with great commuting links for parents .
Parking:
There is a private car park to the rear of the building with ample parking for all.
The Review Score of 9.4 (maximum of 10) for First Steps Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 9 Reviews over all time. This Average Rating is also the rating value for First Steps Day Nursery in Google's Search Results - more info
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 9 positive Reviews in the last 12 months.
a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating of all Reviews over all time. For each review the Day Nursery / service is rated Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Poor or Very Poor on a number of areas eg Staff, Management etc. The Day Nursery receives points for each rating as follows: Excellent = 5. Good = 4. Satisfactory = 3. Poor = 2. Very Poor = 1. These points are added up and then divided by the total number of completed ratings to generate the average rating.
The Average Rating of 4.533 for First Steps Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (69 Excellents x 5) + (29 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) + (3 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 107 Ratings = 4.533
b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 12 months. If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with 'Extremely Likely' or 'Likely' in answer to the question 'How likely are you to recommend this Day Nursery to friends and family?'
The 5 points available are broken down as follows:
4 points are available for the first 5 Positive Reviews, 3 points for the first Positive Review and then 0.25 Points for each of the next 4 Positive Reviews.
1 point is available for reaching a target number of Positive Reviews based on 20% of the number of registered maximum number of service users. If the target is partially reached then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery with 50 registered maximum number of service users has a target of 10 Positive Reviews, if it has 10 or more Positive Reviews it will receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews will receive 0.7 points.
If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. The calculation is the same as above, except the points are divided by 2.
The 4.882 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for First Steps Day Nursery is based on 9 positive Reviews in the last 12 months and is calculated as follows:
3 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 4
Target of 10.2 positive Reviews (51 registered maximum number of service users ÷ 5). 9 Reviews ÷ 10.2 Target = 0.882
When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
First Steps Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.415)
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Lauren C (Mother of Child) on Thursday 30 November 2017. Relates to August 2017.
My son adores going to the nursery to see his friends. He is always full of chatter at the end of the day with all the things he has seen and done. The staff are all very approachable and supportive to my son and our family. I wouldn't want him to go anywhere else.
How likely would you be to recommend First Steps Day Nursery? Extremely Likely
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Mandeep Bhatti, Director at First Steps Day Nursery responded to this review on 03 Dec 2017:
Many thanks for your nice words. It's really encouraging when the teams efforts are recognised like this.
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Makhosana P (Mother of Child) on Thursday 26 October 2017. Relates to August 2017.
My daughter has been going to First Steps Day Nursery since the beginning of April when I went back to work. At first, I was worried because I had never left her with anyone before. My fears soon disappeared because the staff were lovely and she soon settled. I felt confident because the staff were mature and very professional. I also love the set up of the nursery, the gardens and surroundings. They keep the children busy with lots of activities and walks.
I am truly blessed to have found such a good nursery and best of all my daughter loves it and has formed some great relationships with the staff. Keep up the good work.
How likely would you be to recommend First Steps Day Nursery? Extremely Likely
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Mandeep Bhatti, Director at First Steps Day Nursery responded to this review on 26 Oct 2017:
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. I am delighted especially with your comments regarding our staff. They, of course, are the most valuable asset we have and work hard to make the most of our setting and gardens all year round.
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Anna R (Mother of Child) on Tuesday 26 September 2017. Relates to September 2017.
I have one child at First Steps and one who has just left for reception year. Both love the nursery and staff and have made lots of friends there.
We chose First Steps after it was highly recommended by a number of our friends and have not been disappointed. The outside space is especially good and we also love that our two and a half-year-old goes for regular walks around the village, which he really enjoys.
How likely would you be to recommend First Steps Day Nursery? Extremely Likely
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Mandeep Bhatti, Director at First Steps Day Nursery responded to this review on 27 Sep 2017:
Thanks Anna for taking the time to place your feedback here. We really like to hear that our staff and outside space are appreciated so much. We are so lucky to have our rural village setting.
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Gillian (Mother of Child) on Wednesday 20 September 2017. Relates to June 2017.
My son attended this lovely village nursery once a week.
He settled in quickly and loved the staff.
A great outdoors area that is used to the full potential. Frequent walks around the village and visits to the park which my son loved.
Activities always taking place to help with the children's development (and plenty of fantastic arts/crafts coming home!).
My son really enjoyed his time at First Steps and he developed leaps and bounds while in the setting.
Would definitely recommend First Steps especially to families with children who love being outdoors.
How likely would you be to recommend First Steps Day Nursery? Extremely Likely
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Mandeep Bhatti, Director at First Steps Day Nursery responded to this review on 21 Sep 2017:
Thanks for your comments Gillian. I think you have emphasized our 2 best attributes - our staff and our outside space. It is good to hear that your son benefitted greatly from both.
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Lisa C (Mother of Child) on Wednesday 20 September 2017. Relates to September 2017.
Both our sons were at First Steps Nursery from babies through to leaving for school, meaning we've had a relationship with the lovely staff there for the last seven years. The nursery has been supportive throughout, catering to our youngest son's speech delay and engaging with external professionals where necessary. We always felt confident that our children were well looked after and most importantly were very happy in the setting. There was a lot of feedback during each development stage and we like to look back on all the photographs and saved little comments that were recorded over the years.
How likely would you be to recommend First Steps Day Nursery? Extremely Likely
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Mandeep Bhatti, Director at First Steps Day Nursery responded to this review on 20 Sep 2017:
Many thanks for reviewing us Lisa and your kind words. We do strive at nursery to be as flexible as possible to the needs of all children and involve parents as much as we can. It is good to see that this has been of real benefit to your children and hope they are thriving at school.
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Laura B (Mother of Child) on Wednesday 20 September 2017. Relates to September 2017.
I have had the pleasure of sending both my children to First Steps, one has now moved on to school. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the manageress and the team at First Steps, they provide a fun, caring and engaging environment for children in their care. The location is great and I love the fact that the children spend a large amount of time outside and going on walks. As a parent, I have never had any doubts about the care being provided to my children, they have both certainly never had any complaints!
How likely would you be to recommend First Steps Day Nursery? Extremely Likely
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Mandeep Bhatti, Director at First Steps Day Nursery responded to this review on 20 Sep 2017:
Thanks for your feedback Laura. We agree that our outside space and the ability for our children to explore is a real feature of our nursery. Glad your children enjoyed it!
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Helen D (Mother of Child) on Wednesday 20 September 2017. Relates to September 2017.
By far the best nursery in the area!
My Daughter spent over two and a half years coming here before starting school. The staff were so friendly and helpful and their interaction with the children was wonderful. They really helped my daughter to get ready for starting school. We really miss this place.
How likely would you be to recommend First Steps Day Nursery? Extremely Likely
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Mandeep Bhatti, Director at First Steps Day Nursery responded to this review on 20 Sep 2017:
Thank you for your kind words Helen. It means a lot to the team here.
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Leah H (Mother of Child) on Thursday 24 August 2017. Relates to August 2017.
This nursery has great outdoor facilities and activities for the children, which are unique to the setting. The care provided by the nursery staff is great and both my children have developed well with their help and guidance.
The nursery infrastructure and indoor facilities need developing to move into new ways, areas of learning, particularly in the preschool room, where there is a lack of technology based equipment.
The flexibility of hours to reflect working families needs to be reviewed.
How likely would you be to recommend First Steps Day Nursery? Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by A T (Mother of Child) on Monday 21 August 2017. Relates to August 2017.
My child enjoys coming to nursery especially when they go on walks down the lane to see the animals. She settled well into the new room and she talks fondly of the staff.
How likely would you be to recommend First Steps Day Nursery? Likely
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Lisa Sleight, Manager at First Steps Day Nursery responded to this review on 21 Aug 2017:
Thank you for your positive review. It is very much appreciated.
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for First Steps Day Nursery
Job Title: Nursery Manager
Joined: 1999
Description:
Hello, My Name is Lisa. I am the Manager here at First Steps. I provide a high-quality level of childcare, where each child is valued and encouraged to obtain their full potential. We as a staff team provide a homely, safe, happy, secure and stimulating environment. Our nursery provides equality for all children and their families as we work effectively within the framework of the EYFS.
Qualification Level: NNEB and EYP
Job Title: Senior Nursery Nurse
Joined: 2012
Description:
My name is Dorrie and I’ve worked at First Steps for five years. I enjoy reading stories to the children and craft activities, but especially enjoy being outside in our lovely gardens.
Qualification Level: Btec National Diploma in Nursery Nursing.
Job Title: Deputy Manager
Joined: 2004
Description:
Hello…. My name is Janet, and I am the Deputy Manager at First Steps Nursery. I have worked here for 13 years. I love my job, especially building relationships with the children and their families. It's lovely watching the children grow and develop into confident girls and boys ready for school.
Qualification Level: NVQ Level 3.
Job Title: Senior Nursery Nurse
Joined: 2007
Description:
My name is Michelle. I started working at First Steps Nursery in 2007. I work in the Ladybird room. I enjoy crafts and messy activities. I like reading stories to the children in my care and supporting them individually throughout the developmental stages of the curriculum.
Qualification Level: NVQ Level 3
Job Title: Senior Nursery Nurse
Joined: 2007
Description:
Hi my name is Kim. I have been working at First Steps Nursery for over ten years. We enjoy going for walks down the lane pretending to go on a bear hunt or to look for the ‘Gruffalo’.
We enjoy taking pictures of the animals with our nursery camera and creating what we have seen back at the nursery by drawing or during role-play.
Qualification Level: NVQ Level 3
Job Title: Nursery Nurse
Joined: 2010
Description:
My name is Emma. I have worked at First Steps just over six years. I have four key children in the Bumble bee room. I enjoy going for walks to see the animals with the children. I also enjoy being creative through art work and baking. I am a mum to an eight-year-old boy, who also use to attend First Steps.
Qualifications include: NVQ Level 3
Job Title: Relief Cover
Joined: 2013
Description:
Hello my name is Susan I have two teenagers, a boy and a girl. I enjoy being a relief member of staff at First Steps as I enjoy the variety of working in all of the four rooms so therefore, I know all of the children who attend nursery and it is great to see them start in the Butterfly room and finish in Dragonflies ready to start school. I like the fact that all staff have so much experience in childcare.
Job Title: Relief Cover
Joined: 2014
Description:
My name is Donna. I am a relief member of staff. I joined First Steps on the 24th June 2014. I enjoy every minute that I spend here in the nursery with such a dedicated team and wonderful children. The joy of being relief is no two days are the same; I go from cuddling babies to preparing pre-school children for their onward journey into primary school.
Job Title: Nursery Nurse
Joined: 2015
Description:
Hello, my name is Lynn and I have worked at First Steps for two years. I work in ‘Butterflies’ which is our baby room. I help our new babies to settle into the nursery and we have lots of fun? Our babies are encouraged to explore with their hands and feet during messy play and mark making. We use food such as jelly and custard to encourage our babies to ‘squeeze’ ‘squelch’ and ‘squiggle’ using different senses, such as touch, taste and smell. We enjoy lovely village walks around Maxey and time spent in our nursery gardens.
Job Title: Nursery Assistant
Joined: 2006
Description:
My name is Jo and I’ve worked at First Steps for 11 years. I love the beautiful rural area we are in and enjoy taking the children on nature walks. I love all aspects of expressive arts and design.
Qualification Level: NVQ Level 3
Job Title: Relief Cover
Joined: 2017
Description:
My name is Emily. I have worked with children since 2002 and have achieved a national vocational qualification level 3 in Early Years Care and Education. My hobbies include singing, reading, knitting and card crafting. I am new to joining the team at First Steps. Everybody is so welcoming and friendly.
Qualification Level: NVQ Level 3
Job Title: Relief Cover
Joined: 2017
Description:
I originally came to First Steps Nursery four years ago, through a childcare agency. I enjoyed the experience so much I came to work here as a relief member of staff.
Qualification Level: Btec National Diploma in Nursery Nursing.
Job Title: Nursery Nurse
Joined: 2010
Description:
I am Rebecca. I have worked at First Steps for 7 years. I enjoy doing lots of craft/messy play activities such as painting, glueing, gloop, rice pudding, sand and water play. The children love participating in these activities and getting messy, experimenting and exploring with different textures.
Qualification Level: NVQ Level 3
Job Title: Cook
Joined: 2015
Description:
My name is Sue, I work within the nursery as the nursery cook. I joined First Steps nearly 2 years ago; previously I worked as a nursery nurse for 10 years. I prepare and cook for all of the children including those with special dietary requirements. I provide well-balanced nutritional meals and plan menus to suit seasonal changes.
Qualifications Level: NVQ Level 3