First Steps Day Nursery

75 Oakdale Road, Oakdale, Poole BH15 3LD
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9.5 59 Reviews
  • First Steps Day Nursery, Poole
First Steps Nursery in Poole provides high quality care and education for children aged 3 months and over in 3 different groups; Teddy-bears for the youngest children, Sunshines for toddlers and Little Steps and Big Steps pre-schools as well as the popular holiday club. First Steps Nursery is bright and welcoming with large murals painted on the walls and well equipped for the ultimate in fun and learning.

First Steps have a longstanding fantastic team of qualified nursery practitioners who strive to create a bright, safe, secure and stimulating environment for the children in their care enabling them to reach their full potential and ensure their readiness for their next steps to "big" school. Most of the senior team have worked for First Steps in excess of 10 years and are pivotal in the ongoing success and reputation of First Steps.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Owner

  • First Steps Childcare Services Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Lauren Cook (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 26

Total Places for Children

  • 91

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Per day from £80

  • Fees are calculated over the full year and divided into 12 equal monthly payments based on the number of days/sessions your child attends. Fees are inclusive of all meals, drinks, snacks and nappies/wipes where applicable.

Opening Times

  • 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

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays, 1 week at Christmas, 1 training day P/A

Parking

  • Parking at the rear of the building on Brampton Road.

First Steps Day Nursery Reviews (59)

9.5

First Steps Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.532) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time First Steps Day Nursery has 59 reviews.

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Review from Natalie (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at First Steps Day Nursery aged 8 months. 3 and a half years later we are extremely sad to have to say goodbye as 'big school' is looming! The staff and management at the nursery are first class - kind and caring and my daughter has built some great relationships with her key workers
in particular. She has always looked forward to her days at First Steps, the facilities are fabulous and always clean and tidy. The children are always enjoying new activities introduced by the staff and as parents we have been included in our daughters time at nursery with open days, sports days and stay and play sessions. Could not recommend it enough!
Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery
Thanks Natalie it is lovely to hear such amazing feedback from our parents. Sad times as we say goodbye to our school leavers but we hope to see them again in our holiday club!
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Review from Sindhu V (Mother of Child) published on 29 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am happy with the care providing by the staff in the nursery. Our child is enjoying the nursery. She likes to play with the toys and enjoys playing in the garden. Staff are friendly and caring. Thank you.
Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery
We are so pleased your little girl enjoys her time at the nursery and you are happy with the care from our wonderful team.
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Review from Amanda (Mother of Child) published on 29 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great nursery. Both my girls are very happy there. They really enjoy going and seem to have a lovely bond with the staff who work with them. My eldest is currently rehearsing for the leavers convert, she seems to have really progressed in her learning and understanding this year as she starts to get
ready for school. She loves books and counting and her show and tell time. My youngest is still in the baby room, she loves messy play! They both eat really well and get to enjoy and try a wide variety of foods.
Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely comments it's great to know your girls have formed close bonds with the team who care for them and have such fun at Nursery.
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Review from Jeannette T (Mother of Child) published on 29 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic! The staff at First Steps are lovely and are amazing with my daughter. We had a bad experience at another nursery prior to coming to First Steps, but all of the staff have taken time to help my daughter to settle in and have supported her personal development as an individual. I
have nothing but good things to say about First Steps and I would highly recommend First Steps.
Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery
Thank you for your lovely comments, we are so pleased that you are so happy with the care and education for your daughter from our team at First Steps following your bad experience at another nursery.…read more
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Review from Judy S (Mother of Child) published on 29 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has really enjoyed his time at First Steps. He has really improved in confidence generally and with his learning. He looks forward to going to see all his friends and especially playing outside on the pirate ship. The staff are friendly and I feel confident leaving my son in their care.
Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery
We are so pleased your son enjoys his time at our nursery and that you can see how he has grown in confidence whilst he has been with us - our team pride themselves on the strong bonds they build with…read more
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Review from Karen (Mother of Child) published on 29 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended this nursery since the age of 9 months and has loved it from day one. Nothing has been too much trouble for the staff who go the extra mile to ensure her development and happiness. She does a wide range of activities every day and always leaves exhausted! She has made many friends
and become a very well rounded little girl thanks in no small part to the care received at First Steps. I have no hesitation in putting my second daughter in there too when the time comes.
Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery
Thank you for your lovely comments, it is so nice to hear that our team have cared for your daughter so well and that she has grown up to be such a confident little girl and we look forward to…read more
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Review from Kelly (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My eldest 2 daughters went to pre school at first steps and absolutely loved it. Now my youngest goes. The staff are really friendly and great with the kids.
They do a variety of activities throughout the day and my daughter especially enjoys the messy play, something you don't always get chance to
do at home.
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Review from Jo (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at first steps for approx 6 months now and she absolutely loves it. She runs in every day excited, and always comes out full of smiles. As a parent I couldn't really ask for more. Based on the daily activities she does she can never be bored. Staff always seem friendly and happy.
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Review from Nicola D (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my daughters have been going to first steps and both from when they were babies and the staff and bursary are fantastic, I feel that from all levels the staff really care about the children and there enthusiasm is just brilliant, I would recommend this Nursery to all my friends.
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Review from Lauren C (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would highly recommend this nursery. Having viewed several nurseries, I chose First Steps for several reasons. Firstly you do not need to make an appointment to view the nursery, meaning there can be no "get ready to look good" nudges for the staff to prepare. The staff were extremely enthusiastic
and helpful. The nursery is clean and bright. The separate age group rooms were all beautifully decorated and equipped with toys, learning tools and fun play.
My son is finishing pre school there soon to start school. He has made strong bonds with both friends and staff. I couldn't recommend it more.
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Review from Jennifer H (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to first steps since he was 1 years old. He has blossomed through 2 rooms and enjoyed all of them. He is now in little steps and loves everyday he is there. He has grown into such a confident, kind, outgoing boy which eases me that when he goes to school, he will love it. First
steps is a great foundation in learning. Thank you all for what you do.
xx
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Review from Francine S (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
First steps have gone above and beyond to ensure my daughter has fulfilled her potential and engaged in exciting activities since her very first day. My child settled without fuss which proves that the staff at first steps are not only professional but warm and caring. I particularly like the fact that
they offer a school day type session which as a parent of older siblings is perfect and is mostly covered by the 3 year old funding. I cannot recommend this nursery highly enough and all the staff at first steps should be commended for their hard work to make sure that each and every child is cared for independently throughout their time and involved with all activities.
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Review from Rebecca (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are extremely friendly. I have 2 children there in Little Steps and Baby room and I couldn't recommend it more highly. The staff are brilliant and the place itself is fantastic. Always organised activities with plenty of free time play. Both children are really happy here. Wouldn't send them
anywhere else
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Review from Natalie C (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so pleased with First Steps, all three of our daughters have attended at different times and have absolutely loved it. The staff are so friendly and approachable and really care for the children. I would definitely recommend this day nursery.
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Review from Emily B (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can not express enough how happy I am with this nursery, they have made both my children very happy and have helped with their development. The staff are incredibly polite and keep you up to date at all times. My children feel very safe and happy to be their 100% satisfaction.
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Review from Dean M (Father of Child) published on 5 May 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to the nursery 4.5 days a week since the age of 2.5 and will be starting school this year. It is amazing to see how confident and independent she has become after attending the nursery. She is always very happy to go as she has made lots of friends. There are times I have
picked her up and she didn’t want to leave as she was having so much fun! Other children always come out happy and look like they have been well stimulated with activities. The manager and staff are extremely flexible and accommodating to requests. They arrange various parties and stay and play sessions throughout the year as well as have parent evenings where you get to spend some time going over their development and achievements. The nursery feels safe and friendly and I would highly recommend.
Reply from Caroline Marks, Owner at First Steps Day Nursery
It is so lovely to hear such glowing reports of the time you have spent with us at First Steps and we are fortunate to have such an excellent team. We hope you will continue to use our services either…read more
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Review from Kerrie G (Mother of Child) published on 15 April 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has attended first steps since she was 2 years old and now attends the after school and holiday club as a 5 year old. She absolutely loves it there and looks forward to Thursdays when she gets to go to the after school club. The facilities are fantastic and staff are incredibly friendly, they
will go out of their way to help in any way they can. I would highly recommend First Steps to any one needing child care or a place at pre school. I will be continuing to use First Steps until my child is too old to attend, which will be a sad sad day.
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Review from Janine Y (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Ensuring our son had the right nurturing environment was a huge pressure on me and my husband so based on other parent recommendations we decided to visit first Steps - and haven't ever looked back. The staff have a clear passion for the work they do and for the children they care for and our son was
coming home every day with a new project to show us, a new skill he had learned, a story to tell about his friends or just eager to go to sleep so he could go back there again the next day! Due to my work commitments I was never able to participate in the drop offs and pick ups as much as my husband could but the staff always kept me up to date with my son's progress whenever I needed it so that I could feel involved with them (very important for an emotional mother just returning to work from maternity leave!). My son went through an extended period of painful physiotherapy to help him learn how to walk and I can honestly say that without the professional way in which the staff helped him go through his exercises on a daily basis, he probably would have taken much longer to reach his goals. Each and every member of staff working there is a credit to their profession.
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Review from Claire N (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the moment I walked into the Nursery I knew this was the one!! Staff are always happy and looked after my son with such care!! They helped him grow into a confident young man and they were a big part of our family for 4 years!! I would have no hesitation in using them again ... it truly is, along
with everyone that works there,a beautiful Nursery!!
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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.532)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.532) out of 10 for First Steps Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.5 out of 5 from 10 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 4.983 for First Steps Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (116 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 118 Ratings = 4.983
  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 4.549 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for First Steps Day Nursery is based on 10 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 91 number of registered child places is 18.2. 10 Positive Reviews ÷ 18.2 = 0.549
  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

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (4)

Caroline

Caroline Jepson

Job Title: Managing Director Joined: 1997

Caroline has been a Nursery owner for 28 years and is passionate about providing the best nurturing environment for every child at First Steps.

Lauren

Lauren Cook

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2009

Lauren (Early Years Professional BA honours degree) has the highest level of early years qualification and is an expert in her field, this is reflected in her expert team that she mentors and guides. Lauren is always willing to be hands on with the children and is truly the face of the nursery for our families. As is summed up by some words from our parents ‘Lauren….well words can’t describe the sterling job she does and always with a smile’. Lauren's two children Freddie and Elsie also attend the Nursery.

Chantelle

Chantelle Cornell

Job Title: Deputy Nursery Manager Joined: 2010

Chantelle (Early Years Professional level 5) has been with the nursery over ten years and has completed her foundation degree and assists Lauren in the day to day running of the nursery. Chantelle has worked in all of the rooms in the nursery and is always around to offer advice and guidance to parents. She also brings her little boy Tommy to nursery with her.

Ella

Ella White

Job Title: Team Leader Joined: 2011

Ella is our third in command at First Steps and has been with the company since 2011 after initially starting as an apprentice.
Ella now leads the baby room team as well as assists Lauren in the holiday club.

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