First Steps Junior Academy

66a Gilford Road, Portadown, Craigavon BT63 5EF
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9.9 61 Reviews
  • First Steps Junior Academy, Craigavon
First Steps Junior Academy offers a loving homely environment for your child. First Steps has been a vital part of the community for many years. The large house has been renovated and extended to provide a high standard of care and facilities for children aged 3 months to 4 years. Every day at First Steps is fun filled and stimulating with age appropriate resources and activities in every room.

They have a variety of visitors coming to the nursery throughout the year including Jo Jingles, the police, the fire brigade, a nurse and many more. They believe this helps to compliment learning through play and the Pre-School Curriculum.

The garden is securely fenced, allowing the children the opportunity to explore outside and enjoy the large climbing frame. The nursery also provides after school care within the setting. Afternoon collections and summer schemes are available for children attending the local schools.

The cook provides a wide variety of nutritionally balanced meals for every child’s individual dietary requirements. At First Steps, carers strive to deliver a high standard of care ensuring they meet the needs of every individual child.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Lisa May Heron (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 22

Total Places for Children

  • 65

Age Range

  • from 0 years 6 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Full Times - £247
    Full Day - £58
    Half Day - £41
    Two children – Full time - £453.50
    Afterschool - £29.50
    Morning & Afterschool - £35.50

  • Fees applicable from April 1st 2025.

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

  • Public Holidays

First Steps Junior Academy Reviews (61)

9.9

First Steps Junior Academy has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.904) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time First Steps Junior Academy has 61 reviews.

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Review from R J (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm very pleased with the work that has been put in with my child at the day care. They're very good at looking after my child and helping him come out of his shell.
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Review from Karen P (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend this nursery enough! My 2 kids love it, one is in the baby room and the other is in the preschool room and I have to say these ladies have been fab getting them settled in. They are so loving and kind to all the children and nothing is ever too much trouble. It makes going to work
every day that little bit easier knowing our kids are in safe hands.
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Review from Ana F (Mother of Child) published on 28 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot thank enough the staff of First Steps! My boy was there when he was a baby and I have loved it ever since. Came back a couple months ago and the way he was welcomed back was fantastic! The staff is great, you can really see they love and care for the children. We are able to go to work peacefully
knowing our child is in good hands. Highly recommend!
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Review from Sarah M (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As the foster carer of two young boys, I needed to find day care that would be understanding to the boy's unique needs and circumstances. First Steps have proven to be invaluable in providing the boys with a safe and caring environment and a structured routine to their day. The standard of care is excellent
and I feel that First Steps have partnered me and allowed the placement with me and my family to continue and progress more smoothly. I can't praise the staff and management highly enough.
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Review from D C (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The summer activities were very varied. There was outdoor fun and outings to enjoy. The staff were helpful and attentive and lots of sun cream was applied during the hot weather when the children were outside. Lunch and snacks were appetising and delicious. The staff did their best to accommodate all
age groups with activities in the after-school group. It was the world cup so lots of activities revolved around is al all the older children were interested in it. The staff did their best to provide topical activities and a caring, safe environment.
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Review from J W (Mother of Child) published on 13 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The standard of care received by my son is of a high standard. He always looks forward to going every morning and has always a positive reaction to first steps when talking about he time there.
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Review from Joanne D (Mother of Child) published on 3 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Extremely pleased with the care of our two daughters at First Steps Junior Academy. Each being in the baby room and also in preschool/after school. Our inductions were excellent and very gradual for my return to work. There are a lot of faces to get to know throughout the nursery but each and every
member of staff is charismatic, friendly and caring. On drop off and collection I never feel rushed or hurried. They take the time to listen. Care and attention to detail is fantastic. It's a busy place but never once have I felt that the girls are just a 'number'. Its a place full of fun and personality and the girls are very happy there!
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Review from Emma O (Mother of Child) published on 2 August 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended First Steps Junior Academy from September 2016. He has really come out of his shell with the interaction with staff members and other children.


The staff here are all so friendly and extremely accommodating of last minute plans when my son's school changes things.


Over the

Summer months, management are continually introducing new activities to get the children out, should it be a trip to the shop with their own money or a visit to the local Fire Station.


The nursery uses a security pin code system to enter the building ensuring the safety of the children and update this often.


My personal circumstances have changed and therefore no longer require the place for him at the nursery but I would have no hesitation in recommending to friends or colleagues.


When in work I am not left worrying about how he is getting on and I have full trust and faith in the staff at First Steps Junior Academy.

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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Both of my girls went to First Steps and they had a very enjoyable time both in the nursery and after school. The staff were really good at settling my girls into their new environment with a friendly and professional manner. All the staff in every room my girls were in were lovely and friendly and
helpful. The nursery has a wide range of activities going on every day and the girls loved their dinners. I would highly recommend the nursery.
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Review from J G (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child went to First Steps until last Sept before starting school. He loved it, was a very friendly place, all staff lovely and management brilliant. Couldn't do enough to help you.
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Review from L L (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff at the nursery are friendly, helpful and caring. They go out of their way to ensure that all children are happy. The after school staff are brilliant and go the extra mile for the children. They ensure that they have loads of fun activities and outings for the children over the summer
months so they don't get bored. My son loves all the staff and is always welcomed with a smile.
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Review from Patricia C (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have 2 children currently going to First Steps Junior Academy, and we have been with them for over 2 years. The youngest started in the baby room and is now in Juniors. My kids love going and get along well with both the nursery assistants and the other children. I highly recommend this place.
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Review from Barbara H (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attended First Steps Junior from March 2014 to January 2017. He loved coming to nursery and he formed great relationships with children, staff and management.
Every evening he had to say "Bye, Bye" to the managers. Even though he no longer attends the nursery he still talks about the children
and all of the staff.
I would not hesitate in recommending First Steps Junior Academy to family and friends.
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Review from Nicola F (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter who is 10 and my son who is 6 have both attended the After Schools since they started in Primary 1. They both enjoy the spacious accommodation next to the park and the many activities on offer. There is an excellent summer scheme with exciting themed weeks and a weekly trip which they love.
The staff are always approachable and helpful and are quick to inform you of any issues that may arise from time to time. The staff clearly put much time and effort into organising the summer scheme and other holiday times, and meals are provided then. The school collection service is very good and flexible enabling the children to attend after school activities. The staff listen to the children's suggestions with regard to activities. The children have enjoyed football, gymnastics, badminton, tennis, cooking, painting and other creative activities. I am very pleased with the standard of care.
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Review from Helen M (Mother of Child) published on 14 December 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have 2 children attending First Steps, my eldest who is coming up to 3 has attended since he was 6 months old, my youngest who is now 8 months has attended since he was 6 months. I have no complaints regarding First Steps this entire time, the staff are friendly, open, encouraging and my children
feel so at home there. The staff have been great with me as a new mum, working with me at each stage a child is at e.g. weaning, toilet training etc. The boys learn so much and they have confidence and have progressed so much at first stage and interacting with all the other children. They enjoy the play, activities, food and love and attention from the staff.
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Review from Zhaneta D (Mother of Child) published on 8 December 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter settled in very quickly in the nursery. The staff are helpful and friendly. My child is enjoying her time in the nursery.
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Review from Nathlie M (Mother of Child) published on 24 November 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have used first steps for both my daughter and son and cannot recommend them highly enough!! The standard of care is excellent but even more importantly they offer a homely environment for your children to play and learn. Every mother knows the struggle you go through leaving your little ones to go
to work especially when they are very small and feeling confident they are well looked after and happy makes leaving them that little bit easier!
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Review from L W (Father of Child) published on 19 May 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our two kids have attended 1st Steps for two years so far and we have been more than happy with the love and care they have received. There is an excellent manager and very approachable. The team are very friendly and it's obvious that they genuinely love the kids. We would highly recommend 1st Steps
to anyone.
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Review from Vandana G (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child is going there from last year and I am looking amazing changes in him. When he started, he was almost 3 and didn't speak much and now the situation is absolutely opposite. Lol. He is learning a lot over there. I am quite impressed from the activities arranged by nursery, especially different
themes for every month is really works to teach them along playing. Apart from this, outside area for playing is quite big and my little one enjoys to play there. It's always difficult for parents to leave their child while going for work but this place is absolutely amazing where I know my child is safe and have loads of fun and cuddle. Thanks first steps!
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Review from Diane W (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl started in First Steps at 9 months old, we were given lots of time to help her settle in and the staff were all very caring and helpful. As she has moved through the rooms I am very happy with how she is progressing and the development leaps she is making. Her key workers always seem
very aware of what they can do to help her develop the areas she has more difficulty with. Most importantly she is happy to go to nursery and tells me all about what she has been doing when I collect her.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.904)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.904) out of 10 for First Steps Junior Academy 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 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 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 4.904 for First Steps Junior Academy is calculated as follows: ( (141 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 156 Ratings = 4.904
  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 First Steps Junior Academy is based on 13 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 65 number of registered child places is 13, which has been reached with 13 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 (14)

Meet the Team (1)

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Lisa May Heron

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2006

Lisa May has worked with us in First Steps Junior Academy since 2006.

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