Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School

Old Watling Street, Atherstone CV9 2PA
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8.3 20 Reviews
  • Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School, Atherstone
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Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School offers care to children from the age of six months, and rated Good by Ofsted (May 2018).

Staff help the children to develop their personal, social and communication skills.

The nursery gives children an exciting, fun and stimulating environment in which they can explore and experiment. Parents will find comfort in knowing their child will be nurtured and cared for in a safe and secure learning environment.

Children are encouraged by staff to make their own decisions.

Staff take time to build close links with children and their parents. They liaise daily to keep them informed about their child’s progress.

The nursery's friendly staff are confident that parents know they are available any time for discussions and informal chats.

Freshly cooked healthy meals are prepared every day to help children lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Lisa Stringer (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 26

Total Places for Children

  • 74

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Explore the wide range of childcare funding options tailored for children aged 9 months to 4 years over on our website.
    https://footstepsnurseries.co.uk/childcare-funding

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

Parking

  • They have on-site parking.

Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School Reviews (20)

8.3

Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School has a Review Score of 8.3 (8.260) out of 10, based on 2 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School has 20 reviews.

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Total of 20, showing 1-20
Review from Megan S (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are all lovely and the setting is wonderful, my son loves attending and playing with all the variety of toys. He also loves the different set ups and tray activities they do. The garden is a good size and they regularly go out when the weather is right.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you so much for your lovely comments. We're delighted to hear that your son enjoys attending and is having fun exploring the variety of toys and engaging with the different activity set-ups.…read more
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Review from Sam B (Father of Child) published on 13 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing, friendly and educational. Our daughter is having the best time, learning and developing all the while. After some feedback recently regarding communication this was listened to by the nursery manager, and this has now improved immensely. It’s a pleasure to send my daughter here. The staff are
always so friendly and approachable, and they should all be proud of the operation they run. Advice is always offered and accepted. The activities are fantastic and engaging. The nursery loves to have the parents involved, and we are more than happy to support them in any way we can. We are about to have our second daughter and have already secured her place. We just want to say a big thank you to the staff and all the hard work and commitment they put in. Wouldn’t hesitate for one minute to recommend this nursery, and I do to all I can.
Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for your wonderful review! It's great to know that your daughter is enjoying her time here, learning, and developing. We appreciate your feedback on communication, and we are pleased that…read more
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Review from N M (Mother of Child) published on 17 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has settled very well into nursery and has a great bond with his key worker. He is always happy to be in nursery. The app is great for daily log but could do with a section to reflect on what activities the child has enjoyed during the day.
Since being taken over, the nursery now has a more
corporate business feel with lots of negative policy charges including extortionate fee increases and is less attentive to individual needs and requirements.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for your review which is important to us and we appreciate your feedback, please do contact us at feedback@familyfirstnurseries.com so we can discuss concerns.
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Review from H J (Father of Child) published on 5 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves coming to nursery. He enjoys all activities the preschool room plans for him. He has two hot meals a day and is always talking about the new foods he tries with his friends. We like all the outdoor spaces he has to explore, which are free flow from his room. Our son loves the extracurricular
activities each day and is always learning new skills. We would recommend Ashleigh to all. Thank you.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for the review and great to see your son enjoying all the activities and learning new skills.
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Review from F E (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Atherstone Nursery has been amazing for my little boy since he first started in September. His development has come on so much since he started, and he absolutely loves going as well. I can’t fault any of the staff, they all do an amazing job, and my son is happy to go to all of them. I would definitely
recommend Atherstone Nursery to any parent looking for a place for their little ones. Thank you for all you do.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for the review and saying we are amazing.
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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
There is a very nurturing environment at the nursery, the staff have genuine connections with the kids and I feel that my child is well supported, has lots of exciting activities to get involved in and that learning is made fun! At pick-up, we get updates as to how he's eaten and what he's been up to,
he often joins in, excitedly adding details which is lovely and gives us lots to talk about on the way home. I love the regular photos and updates we get on the app and the number of different activities that are put on (which gives me ideas too). The staff are friendly and approachable and are always willing to go the extra mile. I am really glad that we chose this nursery for our son.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for the review, we love making everyday exciting for the children with lots of activities to get involved in. Glad they help you with new ideas too!
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Review from V S (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Since the nursery has been taken over by the new company there are a few things that I am not happy about but have no say as a client, not having packed lunch options and being forced to pay for food that the children won't eat is the main issue I have but also the extortion of the fees and paying for
days the nursery is closed are also concerns. I would not recommend the nursery due to these two issues. The staff, on the other hand, are fantastic and could not be happier with them and it is a credit to them as to why we are still here.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for your review which is important to us. The staff are doing an amazing job and thank you for choosing our nursery.
Please do contact us at feedback@familyfirstnurseries.com so we can…read more
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Review from B M (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff in the Adventurers room have been amazing settling my little girl in especially 2 members of staff in particular. She absolutely loves it and looks forward to going in so thank you for being so amazing with her.
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Review from Becky E (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fantastic caring child care setting, which has provided a great environment for both my children to learn and grow. My son is definitely "school-ready" thanks to Ashleigh. I would definitely recommend.
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Review from Leanne E (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Ashleigh Nursery school is amazing! My daughter started quite late into the year and didn't know anyone there. All the staff made her feel welcome, special and went the extra mile to make her feel part of the team. I felt comfortable and confident that my daughter was being well looked after but also
having fun. But the time it was time for my daughter to leave and go to school, she had made some lovely friendships and had grown massively in confidence!
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Review from Emma M (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy attended Ashleigh from 4 months to 4 years old. The staff are very professional, yet caring and loving towards the children. You feel that your child is well cared for - good food and lots of activities. My little boy has now left for school but he misses his friends and staff at Ashleigh.
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Review from Sarah B (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found Ashleigh to be warm, caring and professional nursery with exceptional staff. Over the past 5 years my two boys have spent 4 days a week at Ashleigh, and I would have no hesitation to recommend the nursery as such a lovely place for them to learn and play during their early years.


The

staff have always been exceptionally caring and put the children first. They have also been exceptionally flexible to me as working mum which has allowed me to carry on with my career safe in the knowledge that my boys are safe and happy.


Many of the staff that looked after my eldest have also cared for my second little boy, always a good sign and so nice to build up a connection to the wonderful team who are Ashleigh.


We will miss them but are so grateful that they have set our boys off on the right path as they move on.

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Review from Yanina S (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Ashleigh Nursery is a lovely nursery school. My daughter started there when she was just over 3 years old and, thank to all the caring teachers, she adapted very well and rapidly.
My son is 1.5 years old and joined Ashleigh when he was 6 months old. He also loves going to school every day.
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Review from Natalie S (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended this nursery for over 2 years now. All the staff make an effort to make the child and parents feel welcome to the nursery. The use of there tapestry system is amazing, makes me feel more involved in my daughters progress at nursery. Receiving a daily sheet at the end of each
session to know what has happened in the day is really helpful. It's amazing to know all of the people at the nursery have helped my daughter become who she is now.
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Review from Louise W (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at Ashleigh for 3 years & I honestly can say it's an amazing place.
The staff are wonderful & truly want your child to thrive and develop and they focus on doing what they can to help them achieve that.
The feedback to parents also is outstanding not only verbally and through daily
sheets of what your child has done & eaten etc but by the interactive tapestry - you get to see pictures & write ups of what they've been doing in the day. We love adding our own things from home too.
The various rooms and outdoor areas are filled with exciting things to really encourage your little ones imagination.
My son has just started school and I had no worries at all about whether he's ready or not as everyone at Ashleigh have helped him become the confident, friendly, polite little boy he is and prepare him for his next big adventure.
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Review from Chloe G (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is fantastic! My 2 daughters attend and they have improved massively. Nothing is ever too much for the staff here. My girls love it here and get very excited! Excellent facilities and staff!! So happy my girls get to attend here!
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Review from Julie A (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is outstanding. All 3 of my children have attended over the past 9 years. The owners are really lovely people who genuinely care about the progress and well being of your child.
The staff are excellent - many are long serving (which I think is unusual in this industry) and all are pleasant,
professional and well trained.
I have recommended this nursery to many work colleagues and wouldn't hesitate in recommending again.
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Review from Susan T (Grandmother of Child) published on 2 September 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Consistently good communication between the nursery staff and home, offered verbally, also via a daily sheet and best of all, the tapestry. Our granddaughter has really enjoyed the activities, which despite the length of time she has attended, do not seem to have been repeated. We loved the idea of
celebrating Notting Hill Carnival at nursery, along with the new garden and play equipment, which the rainy weather still didn't spoil. The interaction via the tapestry, with staff commenting on comments and activities of what we have done at home is excellent. They have even followed up with questions for her at nursery to embed the learning at home.


Well done to all staff, we shall be sorry that she will be moving up to school soon, but feel sure that she has been well prepared, socially and emotionally for transition.

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Review from Dawn M (Mother of Child) published on 24 August 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Ashleigh since 18months old and is extremely happy there. When she started she was quiet, especially in large groups and with the help of the staff she is now very confident. The facility is superb especially the new inventors room and provides lots of activities for the children.
Knowing your child is happy and settled at nursery makes all the difference to me as a parent. The online tapestry tool is excellent and the staff give regular feedback and share what the children have been doing. This is a brilliant way for me to know what activities my daughter has been doing and I can add comments from home too. I feel Ashleigh Nursery has fully prepared my daughter for school and I would not hesitate to recommend to any other parent.
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Review from Melissa P (Mother of Child) published on 11 August 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy attends 2 full days per week, he is currently in the Explorers room (babies). The staff are fabulous, with over 20 years combined service at the nursery I was extremely confident that he was in good hands. They are very attentive to all of his care needs and to mine as a parent also. As
an early years teacher I am really impressed with the educational experiences he is exposed to, his electronic learning journal allows me access to his nursery day from my iphone and I can keep in regular touch with his key person about any new learning moments! We shared his first steps together and they supported him in gaining his confidence! Now there's no stopping him! The room is set out lovely with beautiful wooden furniture. It is clean and safe. They have a wonderful covered outdoor area which is a little decked area and then a grassed area with toys and equipment for physical development. There's also a sleep room and he loves falling asleep to the classical music we play at home!
I couldn't ask for any better and soon he's moving to the next room...I can't wait!
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Current Review Score: 8.3 (8.260)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.3 (8.260) out of 10 for Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School 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 2 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.3 out of 5 from 2 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 5.000 for Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School is calculated as follows: ( (24 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 24 Ratings = 5
  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 3.26 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School is based on 2 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 = 3.125
    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 74 number of registered child places is 14.8. 2 Positive Reviews ÷ 14.8 = 0.135
  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 (3)

Meet the Team (1)

Lisa

Lisa Stringer

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2006

Hi, my name is Lisa, I have worked at the nursery for 18 years and am currently the Nursery Manager.


I started as a student on a college placement. I was offered the position of Nursery Practitioner before becoming Head of Preschool, a role which I held for over 8 years before stepping up to Deputy Manager in 2018.


I love working at the nursery because I am passionate about helping children and giving them the best possible start in life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School

What is the Age Range of Children that Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School accepts?

Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School Open?

Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School 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 Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School have capacity for?

Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School has capacity for a total of 74 Children.

How far is Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School to the centre of Atherstone?

0.4 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 Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Footsteps Atherstone Nursery & Pre-School has an Enhanced Service - more info.