STEP Childcare

648 Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, Sheffield S36 1DY
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9.9 115 Reviews
  • STEP Childcare, Sheffield
STEP Childcare is a 52 place nursery, that has been delivering high quality childcare for over 15 years. They offer childcare for children between the age of 6 months to 4 years old.   They achieve this by creating a positive environment in which everyone can feel safe, confident and happy.
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Funding & Fees

A full day 8-6 is £64.60
A short day 9-4 is £47.05
Per session is £19.65

Funded sessions available for children aged 9 months and older.
Sessions, short days and long days are available.

Contact STEP Childcare to get a personalised quote.

Contact STEP Childcare to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Owner

  • STEP Development Trust
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Person in Charge

  • Karen Hibberd (Childcare Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 11

Registered Charity Number

  • 1062058

Total Places for Children

  • 52

Age Range

  • from 0 years 6 months
  • to 4 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • 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

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

STEP Childcare Reviews (115)

9.9

STEP Childcare has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.885) out of 10, based on 47 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time STEP Childcare has 115 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 101
  • 14
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Date Published
  • 115
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  • 47
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Reviewer Connection to STEP Childcare
  • 95
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Review from J A (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My child has attended this nursery for some time now. My child enjoys attending this nursery. They have gained confidence, new skills and made lots of new friends.
They always get time outside to play in the garden area, they do lots of interactive activities. The staff at steps have supported with
my child's potty training journey.
The nursery is clean, the staff are friendly and facilities are good.
However the outdoor area is looking a little tired could do with a refresh, the organisation around the peg area could be better, Also since my child has attended they have had a lot of staff turn around and seem to have agency in a lot which they are always different and my child hasn't built a relationship or trust with them. That's one down fall.
However my child is happy at the nursery and I've never had any concerns.
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Review from Nigel D (Father of Child) published on 12 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been attending this nursery for approximately 1 year. He's developed so much since he has been going to STEP Childcare. The staff are friendly, professional and reassuring, the setting is great and they spend plenty of time outdoors.
Regular updates are provided through an app which is
ideal to see what meals, naps and nappy changes they have had and also to see the activities they have been doing.
I feel comfortable dropping my son off in a morning and knowing he is in safe hands for the day.
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Review from Rachel J (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our twin boys started at this nursery in January, and we honestly couldn't be happier. They settled in so quickly and are absolutely thriving, especially after moving from their previous nursery. It genuinely feels like they've been here forever, which says so much about how welcoming and nurturing
the environment is. The facilities are great, and the staff are just lovely, so caring, and supportive. We feel completely confident knowing our boys are happy, settled, and well looked after here before they start school in September.
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Review from Nicole W (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely nursery and preschool. Really kind and easy to talk to if anyone has any worries regarding their child.
My son has a great time there, hes always coming home happy.
Would recommend for anyone.
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Review from K S (Mother of Child) published on 15 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All of the staff are very friendly. Although they are very professional, you feel like you're with friends. They seem to know every single child well and my son happily goes to them. He loves all of the different activities and the outdoor play. At the end of the day they read books and sing songs.
Sometimes he doesn't want to leave! His speech and knowledge is excellent. I believe this has been further developed by his attendance to Step.


The nursery is always kept clean and tidy. The staff work very hard to ensure this.

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Review from Paul B (Father of Child) published on 27 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very happy with nursery provision provided by Steps. Our child enjoys the meals provided, the out door play area. The parents evenings and postings on line provide very useful review of our child's progress at nursery.
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Review from Ann H (Grandmother of Child) published on 21 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My experience with this nursery has been very helpful to my grandson and myself. Helping my grandson to settle down after most mornings of him getting upset and not wanting to stay , they help to distract him and help calm him down on my leaving. Then inform us with up to date details of him settled
down and how he gets involved with activities. Many thanks to all at steps nursery.
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Review from A C (Father of Child) published on 21 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter who is currently 3 years old has been attending early steps since she was 6 months old. She's progressed from the baby room through little crawlers and tremendous twos into pre-school so we've now experienced all on offer. Having also had three other older children who have attended other
nurseries I feel I can confidently recommend this provider to others. The staffs positive and proactive culture is what really stand out with a blatantly obvious wealth of experience and genuine interest in your child's education, welfare and life experience and this shines through at all levels from management down to grass routes including even the cleaning staff (if you're the last to pick up like I am that is).
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Review from Angela D (Grandmother of Child) published on 20 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great nursery with great staff. Lots of activities. My granddaughter has lots of fun while learning, and amazes us with her numbers, singing and actions. She also loves the outside play time when she can get her wellies on. She is very independent and has even been trying the potty there.
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Review from Keeley F (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great staff and lovely facilities. I feel at ease leaving my little boy at nursery, knowing he is in excellent hands. They have supported him with all sorts (including fussy eating and toilet training), keeping us in the loop and listening to our concerns at every step.
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Review from Samantha N (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I've had my children in this nursery for the last 7 years. They are amazing, all of my 3 kids have loved going and have been/are excited for their nursery days. The manager goes above and beyond, always helpful and trying to do her best for her children, their families, and her staff. The staff are
all great with the kids, and my children have always bonded really well with their primary carer.
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Review from S S (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Early Steps is a warm and welcoming nursery. My daughter attended from age 1 until she started school, and settled so well, she still talks about her time there now! Her little brother now attends, he took a lot more settling in, but the staff were amazing with him, sending me updates to keep me reassured
that he was fine. He now goes into his room happily and has the best time. The app is updated with learning plans so we know what he has been doing. I would not hesitate to recommend Early Steps Nursery. It's a lovely place and my son has plenty of things to entertain him throughout the day.
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Review from Eleanor H (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery - wouldn't use anywhere else. They have looked after both of my children and my youngest is currently really enjoying his time there. It has brought on his development in many ways; his eating habits, teeth brushing, social development and general learning. The staff are all really
friendly and go above and beyond to ensure the children are happy, safe and stimulated. I feel reassured knowing my child is left in safe hands here. Can't fault it in any way.
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Review from S S (Father of Child) published on 6 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fantastic nursery, where my child feels extremely cared for. Receive daily feedback from support staff who are also always on board when trying to help develop your little one whether it's toilet training or dietary requirements. Couldn't have chosen a better nursery to attend.
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Review from Charlotte H (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending and loving Early Steps since she was 9 months old. The staff create a nurturing home away from home, which has seen our daughter thrive in the last 20 months. Observations and updates are always prompt and thorough and staff are incredibly approachable should we have
any questions, comments or concerns.
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Review from Jade M (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been going here for over a year now and has come on leaps and bounds. I was so before to leave my child in a place where I didn't know anyone but step put me at ease instantly. The staff are all so friendly and welcoming. They will go above and beyond to make sure you and your child are
happy.
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Review from H H (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Early Steps for 20 hours a week since just before her 1st Birthday, and I honestly wouldn't pick any other nursery provider. As a first time mum I was nervous about leaving her in a new environment, but the staff at Early Steps were so caring, supportive and reassuring,
and they took time to learn her schedule to make the transition as easy as possible. Very quickly my daughter created strong bonds with the staff and other children, and we could see how much she enjoyed being there because she didn't want to leave! After being at Early Steps over a year, she has some great friends, she's constantly learning something new and she loves to tell us what she's done at nursery. All of the staff are so welcoming and you can see that they genuinely care for the children they look after. I'd recommend Early Steps to anyone.
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Review from Emma R (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one has been going to STEP since he was 11 months, now nearly 4. He's loved going and all the staff have always been so caring towards him. He's learnt so much in the time he's been there, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
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Review from R A (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff are so welcoming and supportive of children, any siblings at drop off, and parents. There is fantastic communication within the team and with families. The children grow like a family, learning to support and praise one another with such calm, nurturing and positive role models within the nursery
staff. They have a lot of fun and growing confidence every single day. Both our small people have enjoyed their time at nursery so much that we've stayed on even though we're no longer based nearby. Well done and thank you to everyone who who works here.
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Review from Jiajia L (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been going to this nursery since she's six months old and now she's nearly three. We have had the most amazing experience with every single staff, and our child comes home every day with big smiles on her face. She's been telling us (and showing) how much she's been learning at nursery,
from playing, social skills, movement to logic and maths and music! The activity plans are well thought out and varied on a daily basis, giving every children a wonderful experience and development gain in all aspects. I believe our daughter will be well ready for school before she's four and this is all thanks to Early Steps!
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.885)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.885) out of 10 for STEP Childcare is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 47 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 47 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 4.885 for STEP Childcare is calculated as follows: ( (494 Excellents x 5) + (58 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 555 Ratings = 4.885
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for STEP Childcare is based on 47 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 52 number of registered child places is 10.4, which has been reached with 47 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  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)

Karen

Karen Hibberd

Job Title: Childcare Manager Joined: 2007

My Name is Karen Hibberd, I am the Childcare Manager at Early STEPS Nursery. I have been working with children for over 15 years.
I joined Early STEPS Nursery in 2007 as a Senior Nursery Nurse. As the Nursery expanded I was promoted to Deputy Manager, and was based in the two year old room. In 2010 I began managing the Nursery.
The staff team at Early STEPS Nursery are a pleasure to work with, they put the children first and care about all the children and families in our care. I am very proud of Early STEP's Nursery, and how well the children are prepared for their next steps in education from their time spent with us.

Frequently Asked Questions about STEP Childcare

What is the Age Range of Children that STEP Childcare accepts?

STEP Childcare accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 4 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is STEP Childcare Open?

STEP Childcare 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 STEP Childcare have capacity for?

STEP Childcare has capacity for a total of 52 Children.

How far is STEP Childcare to the centre of Sheffield?

9.0 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 STEP Childcare to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. STEP Childcare has an Enhanced Service - more info.