Stepping Stones Day Nursery

Chelsea is an experienced and highly qualified Nursery Manager who leads Stepping Stones Day Nursery with warmth, professionalism and a strong commitment to children’s wellbeing, learning and safety. She has worked in early years since 2007 and joined Stepping Stones in 2023, bringing extensive expertise in curriculum development, safeguarding, SEND, staff training and parent partnerships.

She holds a Level 5 Early Years Lead (Triple Distinction), Level 4 Early Childhood Studies, BTEC National Diploma Level 3, and is currently completing her MA in Early Education. Chelsea has completed substantial CPD in safeguarding, SENCO practice, behaviour support, communication and language development, health and safety and leadership.

As Designated Safeguarding Lead, she ensures robust safeguarding practice across the nursery and leads on safer recruitment, staff training and compliance. As SENCO Support, she oversees early identification, Learning cycles, multi- agency work and inclusive provision for all children. Her specialist area is Safeguarding and Communication and Language, where she has embedded a rich, high-quality curriculum where talk, interaction and relationships are central to children’s learning.

Chelsea is passionate about creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where children feel safe, confident and curious. She is known for her reflective leadership style, strong parent relationships, and her commitment to supporting staff to grow, develop and deliver outstanding practice. Read less

Amy is a highly knowledgeable and dedicated Early Years Practitioner who brings warmth, professionalism and exceptional attention to detail to her role at Stepping Stones Day Nursery. She is particularly skilled in supporting children with SEND and is known for her calm, reassuring approach and her ability to build strong, trusting relationships with both children and families. Amy is Level 3 SENCO qualified and is undertaking her Level 5 in Early Years Leadership and has a Level 3 Early Years Educator Qualification. Amy leads our Big Bears (3-4 years)

Amy’s strengths lie in her deep understanding of child development, her ability to recognise and respond to individual needs and her commitment to inclusive practice. She communicates confidently with parents, offering clear guidance, sensitive support and consistent updates that help families feel informed and involved in their child’s learning journey.

Her planning and paperwork are completed to an excellent standard, demonstrating thorough knowledge of the EYFS and a reflective approach to children’s next steps. Amy supports the team by modelling high-quality practice, maintaining routines and ensuring expectations are clear and consistent across the room. Amy is based in our 2-4 years room (Cubs and Bears)

Amy is a valued member of the Stepping Stones team, recognised for her reliability, professionalism and her unwavering commitment to providing nurturing, high-quality care for every child. Read less

Leah is an experienced and highly capable Early Years Practitioner who plays a key leadership role across Stepping Stones Day Nursery. She holds a full Level 3 Early Years qualification and is currently completing her Level 5 Lead Practitioner qualification, further strengthening her expertise in curriculum leadership, child development and high-quality practice.

Leah leads the Cubs/Bears (2–4 years) room whilst being Senior Leader for Teddies Room (0-2 years), demonstrating exceptional adaptability, organisation and consistency. She is skilled at creating nurturing, calm environments for babies while also delivering rich, fun, engaging learning experiences for older children. Her ability to manage routines, support staff and maintain high standards across two age groups is a testament to her strong leadership and professionalism.

As an ECAT-trained practitioner, Leah has a deep understanding of early communication and language development. She embeds high-quality interactions, modelling, and language-rich experiences throughout the day, ensuring every child is supported to become confident communicators.

Leah is known for her warm, caring nature, her reliability, and her commitment to inclusive practice. She builds strong relationships with families, communicates clearly, and ensures parents feel informed and reassured. Her reflective approach and dedication make her a valued senior member of the Stepping Stones team. Read less

Demi is a skilled and confident Early Years Practitioner who achieved her Level 3 qualification with an overall Distinction, reflecting her strong knowledge of child development and her commitment to high-quality practice. She has experience working across both the Cubs (2–3) and Babies (0–2) rooms, giving her a well-rounded understanding of children’s needs at different developmental stages.

Demi is now the Base Baby Room Leader, working under the guidance and support of Senior Room Leader Leah. She leads the room with calmness, organisation and a nurturing approach, ensuring routines run smoothly and that every child receives warm, responsive care. Her interactions are consistently high-quality, and she is particularly strong in communication, emotional support and building secure attachments with babies.

Demi also plays an important role in supporting the wider team. She mentors apprentices, modelling best practice, offering guidance, and helping them develop confidence and professional skills. Her positive attitude, reliability and reflective approach make her a valued member of the Stepping Stones team. Read less

Grace is an experienced and highly capable Senior Early Years Practitioner who brings a wealth of practical childcare knowledge to Stepping Stones Day Nursery. She is Level 3 qualified and has a strong background in professional nannying, giving her a deep understanding of children’s individual needs, routines and emotional development.

Grace is Forest School trained, and she uses this expertise to enrich children’s learning with outdoor exploration, nature-based experiences and opportunities for independence, resilience and curiosity. Her practice blends calm, nurturing care with purposeful, child-led learning.

Across the nursery, Grace is known for her reliability, friendliness, professionalism and her ability to create warm, secure relationships with children and families. She supports high-quality provision through thoughtful planning, strong communication and a reflective approach to practice.

Grace is a valued senior member of the Stepping Stones team, recognised for her steady leadership, her outdoor learning expertise and her commitment to providing safe, engaging and inclusive experiences for every child. Read less

Abi is a dedicated and talented Early Years Practitioner who is due to complete her Level 3 qualification in December, with all coursework already completed to an exceptional standard. Her strong academic performance reflects her deep understanding of child development and her commitment to delivering high-quality, reflective practice.

With two years of experience in the Baby Room, Abi has developed excellent skills in supporting the youngest children in the setting. She is calm, nurturing and highly responsive to babies’ cues, ensuring they feel secure, comforted and confident as they explore their environment. Her interactions are consistently warm, attentive and child?centred.

Abi is also the nursery’s Sustainability Lead for Teddies, having completed her Level 1 Sustainability training. She champions eco-friendly practice across the setting, promotes environmental awareness, and supports staff in embedding sustainable habits into daily routines, activities and provision.

In addition, her creativity shines through in her play ideas, sensory experiences and room enhancements, making her a valued and inspiring member of the Stepping Stones team. Read less