Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery & Pre-School is a small nursery in the picturesque village of Waverton, on the outskirts of Chester. Located in a charming Grade II listed former school opposite St Peter’s Church, the setting offers children from birth to five years a peaceful, nurturing environment in which to learn, play and grow.
The nursery combines Montessori principles with the Early Years Foundation Stage, encouraging children to become confident, curious...
Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery & Pre-School is a small nursery in the picturesque village of Waverton, on the outskirts of Chester. Located in a charming Grade II listed former school opposite St Peter’s Church, the setting offers children from birth to five years a peaceful, nurturing environment in which to learn, play and grow.
The nursery combines Montessori principles with the Early Years Foundation Stage, encouraging children to become confident, curious and independent learners. Children are supported to follow their interests and develop at their own pace through a mixture of individual, small-group and child-led experiences. Montessori learning helps develop practical skills, concentration, coordination, language, early mathematics and an understanding of the world.
Outdoor learning is central to nursery life. Children have access to a secure courtyard with an outdoor classroom, role-play, construction, sand and water play and wheeled toys. They can also enjoy a dedicated garden and forest school area, where they explore nature, take part in physical challenges and develop resilience, confidence and problem-solving skills. The nearby farm, canal and countryside provide further opportunities to discover the local environment.
Children’s wellbeing is a priority, with nutritious meals prepared by an on-site chef. Children also take part in growing and cooking vegetables, helping them understand healthy food and care for the environment.
Experienced practitioners build strong relationships with children and families, creating a warm community where every child is valued as an individual. The nursery also maintains links with local schools and community organisations, helping children develop a sense of belonging and supporting a positive transition to school.
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Type of Service
Day Nursery
Opening Schedule
Open all year
Attendance patterns offered
All Year
Minimum attendance
2 days per week
Full days available
Yes
Owner
Little Acorns Nursery Group Ltd
Private Owned
Person in charge
Lisa Roberts (Manager)
Number of Childcare Staff
16
Total Places for Children
55
Age Range
from 0 years 0 months
to 5 years 0 months
Meals Provided
Yes
Meal Types Provided
Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks
Consumables provided
Yes
Consumables provided include
Nappies, Wipes
Opening Times
Monday08:00-18:00
Tuesday08:00-18:00
Wednesday08:00-18:00
Thursday08:00-18:00
Friday08:00-18:00
When Closed
Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas
Parking
Car Park
Funding & Fees
Accepts government fundingAccepts tax-free childcare
Typical monthly cost for a 3-days place
£419/ month
Calculated from data given to us by this nursery. Your final quote may vary slightly.
Averaged monthly figure. Actual billing varies; some nurseries bill weekly or by use.
Defaults shown
9 months to 2 years • 3-days • 30 hours funding • all year
How this price scales (per month)
2 days per week
£128
3 days per week
£419
5 days per week
£1,141
Adjust for your situation
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What this price covers
Standard chargeable day 8:00am to 6:00pm (10 hours)
22.4 funded hours used per week. Remaining hours charged privately.
Included in this price: Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks, Nappies and Wipes
Price without government funding: £1,084 / month (£85 / day)
If you're not eligible or haven't claimed funded hours.More info
£665/month more than the funded price.
This is what you'd pay if your child is under 9 months, or if you're not eligible for or haven't claimed funded hours.
About this price
How funding is applied, how the monthly figure is calculated.More info
Working parents of children aged 9 months to 2 years can usually claim up to 30 funded hours a week. The working-parent hours depend on each parent meeting the minimum earnings rules and earning under £100,000 a year. This nursery stretches funded hours across 51 weeks of the year. You've selected 30 funded hours.
This nursery applies up to 10 funded hours per day, stretched across 51 weeks of the year. With your selected funding, 22.4 hours are covered each week. Hours beyond this, including the early and late parts of the day, are charged at the standard rate.
We work out the total cost across the year and divide by 12, so the figure shown is a smoothed monthly average. In practice, nurseries bill in different ways. Some bill monthly at this average. Others bill weekly, or charge for what happened that week or month, which can vary across the year. Confirm billing details with the nursery when you enquire.
Contact Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool to get a personalised quote:
Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool Reviews (7)
Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool has a Review Score of 9.2 (9.176) out of 10, based on 7 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool has 7 reviews.
Reviewer Connection to Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool
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Showing 7 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from G B (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Our daughter has absolutely loved her time so far at Stepping stones! All of the staff have been welcoming and show great levels of care. It is lovely getting the daily update of everything they have been up to. All in all we are very happy with our choice of nursery.
Our daughter has absolutely loved her time so far at Stepping stones! All of the staff have been welcoming and show great levels of care. It is lovely getting the daily update of everything they have been up to. All in all we are very happy with our choice of nursery.
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Review from Emma S (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My son has been attending Stepping Stones since he was one and I am thrilled with the care they give him. It really is like leaving him with a big family. The staff are amazing, so kind and patient. The activities they do are amazing, they visit the farm next door, daily I am left wondering what...
My son has been attending Stepping Stones since he was one and I am thrilled with the care they give him. It really is like leaving him with a big family. The staff are amazing, so kind and patient. The activities they do are amazing, they visit the farm next door, daily I am left wondering what they will come up with next, from pamper parties with cucumber on their eyes to cleaning pretend insects and baking. The meals which Lisa cooks for them are varied and nutritious. I'm so pleased I chose Stepping Stones. It's a lovely community where we are often invited to go and visit to see them dress up, enjoy a bonfire or raise money for charity. When I collect him at 6pm I struggle to get him to leave, that says something he loves it there.
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Review from E W (Mother of Child) published on 30 September 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I wholeheartedly recommend this preschool! The childcare here is top-notch-my daughter goes there with a big smile on her face, which is the best proof for any parent that she feels safe and happy.
The range of activities organized for the children is fantastic and keeps them genuinely engaged...
I wholeheartedly recommend this preschool! The childcare here is top-notch-my daughter goes there with a big smile on her face, which is the best proof for any parent that she feels safe and happy. The range of activities organized for the children is fantastic and keeps them genuinely engaged every day. A special mention also goes to the communication with the staff and management-they are always extremely helpful, approachable, and professional.
If I had to point out one tiny downside, it would be the somewhat limited space for running around outside-it would be wonderful if there were opportunities for more frequent walks to the forest or nearby nature spots. However, this is truly the only small flaw, and the teachers' wonderful approach, exciting activities, and warm atmosphere more than make up for it. Huge thanks to the entire team for all their heart and dedication!
↩Reply from Lisa Roberts, Manager at Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for such a lovely review. I am so glad your daughter enjoys Preschool so much and I am happy to hear how well the staff have engaged with you as a family. We have a wonderful outdoor space with a courtyard, fairy garden and Forest School area which the children access regularly...
Thank you for such a lovely review. I am so glad your daughter enjoys Preschool so much and I am happy to hear how well the staff have engaged with you as a family. We have a wonderful outdoor space with a courtyard, fairy garden and Forest School area which the children access regularly throughout the day. We also are so very lucky to access the Forest School at the local primary school on Friday mornings, the children do walk there each week and visit the park and the canal, feeding the ducks and visiting the cows in the farm next door.
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Review from L N (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Stepping Stones Montessori is an outstanding nursery that provides a warm, nurturing, and inspiring environment for children to thrive. From the moment you walk through the door, you can feel the sense of care, kindness, and community that makes this place so special.
The staff are dedicated,...
Stepping Stones Montessori is an outstanding nursery that provides a warm, nurturing, and inspiring environment for children to thrive. From the moment you walk through the door, you can feel the sense of care, kindness, and community that makes this place so special. The staff are dedicated, compassionate, and genuinely invested in every child's wellbeing and development. They take the time to get to know each child as an individual, building confidence, independence, and a love of learning through thoughtful support and encouragement. The Montessori approach is beautifully embedded throughout the setting, giving children the freedom to explore, discover, and develop at their own pace. The learning environment is calm, engaging, and carefully designed to spark curiosity while fostering important life skills such as resilience, responsibility, and creativity.
What stands out most is the nurturing nature of the nursery. Every child is made to feel valued, safe, and supported.
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Review from Parisa R (Mother of Child) published on 17 September 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
We are beyond delighted that we chose stepping stones for our children. My oldest started in 2023 at 2 years old and despite my initial nerves about him being apart from me, the staff were so reassuring and he settled in so quickly.
My two youngest are still attending and all three have...
We are beyond delighted that we chose stepping stones for our children. My oldest started in 2023 at 2 years old and despite my initial nerves about him being apart from me, the staff were so reassuring and he settled in so quickly.
My two youngest are still attending and all three have absolutely thrived. They have such happy days and the staff are amazing at following the children's lead and adapting to their individual needs.
The team nurture their independence and creativity and encourage their love of outdoor play and learning, which often incorporates the children's current interests. As a bonus the children absolutely love their meals here and often ask me to cook the same things at home!
The staff truly understands each child for who they are and we are so grateful for everything the team has done for our kids!
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Review from Gareth S (Father of Child) published on 7 September 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Our first son attended Stepping Stones from the age of 2 till just starting school this September. We moved across the country and Stepping Stones helped him adjust to his new surroundings. The nursery has been brilliant for him. He has developed incredibly and is very much ready for school.
Our...
Our first son attended Stepping Stones from the age of 2 till just starting school this September. We moved across the country and Stepping Stones helped him adjust to his new surroundings. The nursery has been brilliant for him. He has developed incredibly and is very much ready for school. Our second son started at Stepping Stones when he was 1 and is thoroughly enjoying it. Again, his development and the caring environment provided has been excellent.
The staff make Stepping Stones - their engagement and establishment of close relationships with the kids is great (and feels fairly unique in comparison to other nurseries). They care about them as individuals and us as a family.
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Review from Rachael M (Mother of Child) published on 4 September 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
We cannot recommend Stepping Stones Nursery highly enough. Our daughter has received the warmest welcome every morning, without fail, and the team have an amazing ability to manage every mood she arrives in with patience, love and kindness. She feels safe, happy and understood there.
We have been...
We cannot recommend Stepping Stones Nursery highly enough. Our daughter has received the warmest welcome every morning, without fail, and the team have an amazing ability to manage every mood she arrives in with patience, love and kindness. She feels safe, happy and understood there. We have been so impressed by the balance of learning, care and experiences. French lessons, phonics, reading and writing sessions have given her a strong foundation and prepared her brilliantly for starting school. The many trips and outings have built her confidence, independence and curiosity. The healthy, freshly prepared food each day is another example of the care that goes into everything they do.
Most importantly, she absolutely loves Stepping Stones and everyone in it. She has made so many lovely friendships and talks about nursery with such happiness. We are incredibly grateful to the whole team for giving her a special start and would wholeheartedly recommend Stepping Stones to any family.
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Child Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
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Awards / Recognitions (0)
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Meet the Team (5)
Lisa RobertsJob Title ManagerJoined 2018
Lisa is the manager of Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool. Lisa began her childcare journey 25 years ago whilst bringing up her three...
Lisa is the manager of Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool. Lisa began her childcare journey 25 years ago whilst bringing up her three children living in the beautiful village of Waverton. Working in nurseries and schools, she has built up a wealth of experience within the childcare field, especially within Early Years.
Lisa joined the nursery in March 2018 and oversees the day-to-day running of the nursery alongside her management team. Lisa is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and has implemented high standards of care across the whole nursery. Lisa is qualified to Level 5 Leadership Management and believes in delivering excellent and varied activities to enable all children to develop at their own pace. Lisa is very passionate about working with children and believes that each child deserves to be treated as an individual in a safe and stimulating environment, thereby helping them to develop to the very best of their ability.
Rose HolmesJob Title Deputy ManagerJoined 2016
Rose is the Deputy Manager and Room Leader of the Pre-School at Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery. Rose started at the nursery as an apprentice, and...
Rose is the Deputy Manager and Room Leader of the Pre-School at Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery. Rose started at the nursery as an apprentice, and when she qualified, she began to progress through the nursery, gaining valuable experience in all of the classrooms. Rose now has 10 years' experience within the nursery and is Level 5 qualified. Rose is integral in helping to support and develop the staff within the setting to ensure high standards are maintained within the nursery at all times.
Mathew RobertsJob Title Third In ChargeJoined 2018
Mathew is Third in Charge at the nursery and is a Senior Practitioner working in the Preschool classroom. He began his career as an Apprentice and...
Mathew is Third in Charge at the nursery and is a Senior Practitioner working in the Preschool classroom. He began his career as an Apprentice and has worked at the nursery for 8 years. Mathew is the Finance Administrator and works in the office as well as the classrooms.
Beth DuttonJob Title Room LeaderJoined 2025
Beth is the Toddler Room Leader at the Nursery and is a Level 6 Practitioner. She works in our Little Gems Classroom and joined the nursery in 2025....
Beth is the Toddler Room Leader at the Nursery and is a Level 6 Practitioner. She works in our Little Gems Classroom and joined the nursery in 2025. She has worked in various Primary Schools as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, as well as embarking on a Play Therapy qualification. She is responsible for all 2-year checks and assessments and parent partnership within the 2-year-old room.
Kirsty FraserJob Title Room LeaderJoined 2026
Kirsty is our Baby Room Leader and manages both Precious Stones and Little Stones Rooms. Kirsty is Level 3 qualified and joined the nursery in 2026....
Kirsty is our Baby Room Leader and manages both Precious Stones and Little Stones Rooms. Kirsty is Level 3 qualified and joined the nursery in 2026. She is our point of contact for all our new baby families joining the nursery, offering them support and comfort when they embark on this new chapter in their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool
How much does Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool cost?
Typical fees at Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool are £85 / day (without govt. funding), calculated from data given to us by the nursery. Your final quote may vary.
What is the Age Range of Children that Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool accepts?
Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.
What Days & Hours is Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool Open?
Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.
How many Children does Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool have capacity for?
Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool has capacity for a total of 55 Children.
How far is Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool to the centre of Chester?
3.9 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 Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Stepping Stones Montessori Nursery and Preschool has an Enhanced Service -what an Enhanced Service includes.
