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

First Steps Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is First Steps Day Nursery Open?

First Steps Day Nursery is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does First Steps Day Nursery have capacity for?

First Steps Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 91 Children.

How far is First Steps Day Nursery to the centre of Poole?

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

First Steps Day Nursery, 75 Oakdale Road, Oakdale, Poole, Dorset BH15 3LD

Review from Nikki P (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Caroline Jepson, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely review, it is so lovely to hear that your daughter is so settled and happy with us and the wonderful First Steps team.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Sean G (Father of Child) published on 27 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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!

Reply from Caroline Jepson, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. We are so pleased that your daughter has enjoyed her time with us at First Steps, and we hope to see her again one day in our holiday…read more

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Chloe S (Mother of Child) published on 20 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Can't recommend First Steps more! My 3 year old absolutely loves going and coming home telling me about his day. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful! He leaves everyday with a huge smile on his face and excited to come back each day.

Reply from Caroline Jepson, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. It is lovely to hear how happy your son is at First Steps and that the team have been so happy and helpful.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Emma C (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We are so lucky the our kids have been at this nursery. My whole family always say how amazing they are. I cannot praise the staff enough for just how incredible they are at their jobs. My daughter has a scary medical condition and I was always nervous with the thought of leaving her but from the very

beginning the girls have taken the time to get to know all about it so they can contact me if they think somethings wrong. I am very lucky that I do not have to worry about her at all. My son also adores it here and they have made so many friends.

The girls even helped me with potty training twins which I just couldn't have done without them. They have contributed so much to their physical and emotional development, personalities and learning. Truly so thankful to have this amazing nursery on our door step with staff who genuinely care about what they do and the impact they have.

Reply from Caroline Jepson, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

That is such a lovely review, thank you so much for taking the time to write it. I will pass on your wonderful feedback to the team.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Kim F (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Caroline Jepson, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review, we are so happy that both of your children have loved coming to First Steps!

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from J W (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Caroline Jepson, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely review, it's fantastic to hear that your little boy runs in with excitement each day and loves his time at First Steps!

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Lauren J (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

First steps are fantastic! My little boy has the best time and really enjoys going into nursery, which, as a mum is all you could ever want and ask for. The team are great, they take great care in their roles and can't do enough, not just for the children but they're always there to talk to at drop

offs and pick ups should you have any concerns or questions and need advice. They really go above and beyond. Thank you.

Reply from Caroline Jepson, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you for your kind words, I am so pleased to hear that your little boy has settled so well at First Steps and I am very proud of the amazing team!

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Kitty P (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

First Steps is a lovely nursery, we have sent our daughter for over a year now. They were so patient with helping her to settle in and easing my own worries as a parent of leaving my child in someone else's care. The team are always available to talk to about any worries you have or even just to reassure

you your little one is having a good day after an emotional drop off. Any queries we've had have always been met with open ears and healthy discussion to answer any concerns or queries. The management team have been extremely accommodating when we have had difficult issues to deal with outside of nursery and have helped us with childcare when they were under no obligation to. I feel the staff get to know the children as individuals and really do take the time to understand and try their best to meet the children's individual needs when able to do so. I would have no issue highly recommending First Steps Nursery Oakdale to any other parent looking for a nursery for their child.

Reply from Caroline Jepson, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We are very proud of the amazing team at First Steps.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Daniel H (Father of Child) published on 13 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Caroline Jepson, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you for your great review, we are so pleased that your daughter has enjoyed her time at First Steps and look forward to seeing her again at our holiday club.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Ashleigh C (Mother of Child) published on 10 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

Reply from CAROLINE JEPSON, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review. We are so pleased that both your children enjoy their time at First Steps.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Rick G (Father of Child) published on 14 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

Reply from CAROLINE MARKS, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review, we are so pleased that your children love First Steps and you have such a positive early morning drop off.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from S P (Mother of Child) published on 29 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

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.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Sharna M (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

We are very pleased with the level of care our children have received. All the staff have been fantastic, caring and friendly. Both my girls warmed very quickly here and go skipping in on their nursery days. I have full confidence in them when I leave. A great learning environment.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a review and we are really pleased that your girls are happy in our great learning environment.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My son has been attending this nursery five days a week since the age of nine months and he is now nearly three. I can count on only one hand the times he has been unwilling to go in with a smile, it is a testament to all the staff's great work! When I leave him there I know he is safe, well-fed, stimulated

and supported with his development. Definitely happiness all round!

Reply from Mike Marks, Operations Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you for your honest appraisal of our business. We really appreciate the feedback.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from V F (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Wonderful nursery with amazing, experienced and caring staff. They provide a fantastic service encouraging the children's development in lots of fun ways. Our son loves going in each day, and as parents, we love hearing all the different experiences he has from day to day.

Reply from CAROLINE MARKS, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you for leaving us such a positive review and we are so pleased that your son enjoys his time at First Steps.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Katy O (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Our boy has been going to First Steps since he was one and I cannot recommend them enough. Our boy is kind, caring and enjoys playing with his friends. Our child is able to experience an array of different activities and at the same time learn through play. They have a great outdoor area with all sorts

of different activities to give all children the chance to experience everything. We are delighted that our child has had a great first few years at First Steps and has a great foundation read to start school. We cannot thank all of the staff enough for their time and effort they put in with our child. You can see they really care about their development and above all want all children to enjoy their time at First Steps.

Reply from CAROLINE MARKS, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a positve review, we are so happy that your son has enjoyed his time at First Steps.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from V M (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

First Steps is a wonderful nursery. My daughter has been attending since before she was a year old and will be turning four in October. The communication from staff, managers and the owns is always very transparent. We love seeing photos of our daughter regularly on their social media platforms and

all children are always happy and engaged in meaningful activity. All staff have the children's best interests at heart and my daughter absolutely loves attending First Steps. They have always been fantastic with my daughter's allergies and ensure everything she eats and plays with is safe for her. I would highly recommend them to anyone I know.

Reply from CAROLINE MARKS, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review, it really means so much to us and the team to have such positive feedback.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Hannah R (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My children have both attended this preschool and I don’t know what I would have done without the help and support of the amazing team there. My daughter is now 11 and I really believe her start in life at this nursery and preschool added to how brilliant she is. My now 4-year-old is currently there

and is so happy going 4 days a week. The nursery offers something very special to a child’s life and I for one, cannot recommend the team here more. Thank you First Steps, take a bow.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a glowing review, it really means a lot and we appreciate the wonderful feedback.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Emma M (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Both of our children have attended First Steps since just before their first birthdays and they love it. I don’t want their time there to finish. Our 3-year-old attends the pre-school room (with wrap around hours) and our 5-year-old attends breakfast clubs and holiday clubs. The staff are the perfect

level of professional and caring. They have fun and aren’t afraid to be silly with the kids. They are so supportive of ‘tricky’ stages, toilet training and bottom wiping training. And very importantly for me as a mummy, they are never short on time to chat with you and fill you in on what your little monkeys have been up to. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend First Steps to anyone.

Reply from CAROLINE MARKS, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a glowing review - it really does mean such a lot to both us as owners and the team that they are doing a great job.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Review from Keely S (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My little girl absolutely loves her time at First Steps, she started during the pandemic and they have all been nothing but amazing. She runs in every morning without even looking back, regular updates on the learning journal through the week gives you the reassurance that a mother needs that she’s

happy and loving her time. I was nervous about putting her into nursery and having “strangers” look after my baby at such a young age but I am so glad I found First Steps, they have been incredible. The setting is clean, the staff are amazing, the outside areas are great and everything is supplied (food, nappies, wipes) which is a bonus when trying to get both of us ready for 7am every morning. I, without a doubt, would highly recommend to everyone.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you Keely for your fantastic review, our team love hearing that they are doing such a great job and its heartwarming to hear that your daughter can't wait to be at First Steps in the morning.