Step Start Braintree

John Ray House, Bocking End, Braintree CM7 9AA
Review Us
8.4 21 Reviews
  • Step Start Braintree, Braintree
Step Start Braintree opened in September 2020 and is set in the historic John Ray House in Braintree, Essex. They offer childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old.

The nursery itself provides a homely learning environment, carefully decorated with natural colours and furniture made from natural resources, designed to give children a sensory and calming place to play and learn.

Age groups are organised into Starting Steps, First Steps, Little Leaps and Big Steps, with each group having their own age-appropriate playroom.

There is a large outdoor area where children can play, climb and take part in gardening. They will also explore the surrounding area.
Show Step Start Braintree on the Map

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Sarah Goddard (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 24

Total Places for Children

  • 76

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Please contact the nursery for information on their latest fees.
    15 and 30 hours funding accepted including the new funding.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:00-18:00
    Tuesday 07:00-18:00
    Wednesday 07:00-18:00
    Thursday 07:00-18:00
    Friday 07:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • Parking available in Step Start parking bays. Drop-off and pick-up zone at the front of the nursery.

Step Start Braintree Reviews (21)

8.4

Step Start Braintree has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.447) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Step Start Braintree has 21 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 19
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 1
Date Published
  • 21
  • 0
  • 0
  • 3
  • 18
Reviewer Connection to Step Start Braintree
  • 17
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 21, showing 1-20
Review from Cristina R (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Highly recommend! Staff is amazing, they know how to deal with child needs, keep children clean and welfare at high standards, assuring they have been fed and hydrated, also they have amazing activities and games to offer on-site. We’ve had a bad experience with the previous nursery but since we started
at Step Start Nursery I felt safe and confident to leave my child in their hands. From manager to cleaner, they are all brilliant. I do appreciate that they keep you updated with everything via the app and ask you for your opinion prior to making decisions towards your own child which is so nice as you are always in control. Awesome nursery!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lauren D (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son attended in 2021 when he was 2.5 years old for four to five months before attending preschool and our daughter currently attends at the age of 2. Our experience with the nursery has been nothing shy of excellent. We have great relationships with the team members who look after our daughter directly
and also other members of staff across the nursery. Through her learning journey at Step Start, we have seen so much development in a short space of time and it’s testament to the effort and imagination of the staff in her room. Her days are filled with lots of free play, seasonal activities and structured play/circle time. She has made strong bonds with both staff and peers alike and goes to nursery happy and returns home covered in paint, mud and food - all signs of a fun-filled day! Communication between us as parents and staff is at the correct level and we are very happy our daughter has a place at Step Start. Huge appreciation to all the members of the Starting and First Steps rooms.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Michelle H (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son attended Step Start Braintree from Dec 2021 until September 2023.
Our son is a SEN child who is autistic, nonverbal and has developmental delay and sensory processing disorder.
Step Start have been amazing! SEN leads (room lead and son’s key worker) worked very closely alongside our son's
special needs school which he attended 3 days a week and Step Start 2 days a week.
We had regular meetings with them where our son's One Plan was updated and written. The care and dedication of the staff is exceptional.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M E (Mother of Child) published on 1 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been at Step Start for just over two years, and his progression in his development has been fantastic. They have always been very supportive when it came to naps and toilet training in the past and now when dealing with fussy eating and school preparation activities. I feel they listen
when parents make any suggestions or requests. For example, I asked if the nursery could help my son in learning how to write his name before starting school in September. He has gone from not even trying to now write some of the letters! Thank you, Step Start Braintree.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Darren K (Father of Child) published on 11 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Step Start Braintree has always been great. I’ve had nothing but good experiences with dealing with the members of staff at Braintree. My son is always happy to go to nursery and play with his friends and always speaks very highly of the teachers. I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone that
asks.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from H P (Mother of Child) published on 4 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
Do not send your child here! Especially if they have any additional needs. My daughter was neglected and she turned from a happy bubbly little girl to a very frustrated and sad little girl. She would scream as soon as we got there. Her nappy wasn’t changed as it would be hanging down upon pick up, her
clothes were filthy, I was told she was only crying because she kept asking to be picked up and was looking for mummy. (My daughter is nonverbal) I picked her up and could hear her in distress from the car park. She would drag me away as soon as I picked her up. Honestly, my heart breaks! She is now in a loving preschool where she was embraced and not just a dummy put in her mouth to quiet her (my daughter had stopped using a dummy at age 1 and this was a constant battle as I saw pictures with her having one when I didn’t even pack one!) staff have no idea of any additional needs and I’m fuming that my daughter was allowed to be treated this way just because she has additional needs.
Reply from Sophie England, Area Manager at Step Start Braintree
Thank you for sharing your concerns about your experience with Step Start Nurseries Braintree. As a senior nursery representative, I am disappointed to hear about your dissatisfaction and want to…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Nathan J (Father of Child) published on 2 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been attending this nursery for a few years now. He was 6 months old when he started, this was when the nursery first opened. He is now 3 and getting ready for school. The staff have been welcoming and approachable, and we all have an excellent relationship with both practitioners and management
team. We love seeing and hearing about his days there, we get daily photos, great handovers and the app tells us everything else we need to know. I have had great experiences with parent days, stay and plays and other events that have been held there, and we always look forward to joining in. We would like to thank the nursery for taking care of our son and being a large part of his development and supporting him to be the happy little boy that we know. So thank you very much to everyone involved.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from N G (Aunt of Child) published on 21 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can’t speak highly enough of this nursery. I regularly pick my nephew up and he absolutely loves being there. He can’t wait to let me know what he has been up to during the day and the staff are fantastic at keeping us up to date throughout the day. The facilities are amazing and the staff are so
friendly.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from T P (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child learns so much at Step Start.
I appreciate having their guidance on his development.
I also know that he's really well-fed there.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from W G (Grandmother of Child) published on 17 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Picked up my grandson from nursery this week for the first time and was amazed initially at the beautiful building and then at the wonderful outside space for the children. I was then greeted by a member of staff who took time to discuss the days activities and engaged my grandson in telling me what
they had been doing. He is clearly very content at the nursery and thoroughly enjoys his time there. The staff were wonderful and clearly love working with children. What a fabulous nursery!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 16 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been with Step Start from the very first room, the staff always keep you updated which is very reassuring when you’re leaving your little one. My child has gone from a little baby that was just sitting up to a confident little toddler who goes in with a smile and a wave. The staff are caring,
attentive and want to support you with developing your child. They do such a range of activities with the children and we love looking at the photos each day to see what they’ve been up to!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 16 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love this nursery. The staff are thoughtful, communicative and observant, and everyone seems to know everyone else, even though it's a big setting and there are multiple rooms and different staff in each room. The settling in process was well-planned and managed. Since we've been attending the nursery,
the resources available to the children in the outside play space have increased, and it looks more inviting every time we turn up! The nursery has been transparent about its Ofsted journey which inspires faith and confidence in their ability to respond to feedback. Our son is happy, stimulated (with regular messy and creative play, singing and stories) and well-cared for by the team in Starting Steps. The nursery uses the Family app which is an excellent tool for monitoring your child's day as it unfolds, and they use it to communicate with us regularly. We couldn't be happier or more confident in our decision to place our little boy here.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Sara T (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
This nursery has been practically excellent with the care of my child. I love the communication amongst staff and how anyone is able to competently update you on how your child is doing. Then also the benefit of the family app updates with pictures and reports on your child’s general development really
assures you that they have your child’s interest at heart. I appreciate the care and time they take in being creative with the activities and that it is child led which is evident to see and how the staff always have time to hear any concerns and also offer advice. Overall it’s been a really great experience.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Patricia R (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are really kind to the children, and they create an environment of confidence and independence for them. Since my daughter is in Steps Start, she is more autonomous and she has improved her curiosity about what's around her. She settled in pretty well. Via the app, we have lots of updates on the
daily routines, and the staff share new improvements and weekly share some sign-language words to practice at home. They also do a lot of activities and baking with the little ones, which they then give us when collecting. When possible, children spend time in the garden with different toys and trails to get more knowledge. They also organise some "stay and play" days for parents to stay a couple of hours playing in the nursery, and they have recently created a forum with parents to work with in new activities and receive feedback.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 14 July 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Step Start for a few months now, and in that time, he has grown in confidence and is so excited and happy arriving each morning. Staff know him well and always welcome him in. We get regular communication, so we know how he is getting on and how to help him at home. I am confident
he is well-cared for, and his needs are met. I value the detailed handover when I collect him as well as photos and updates from his key person. My son benefits greatly from attending Step Start Braintree, and I cannot thank the staff enough for all they do!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Claire H (Mother of Child) published on 13 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending the nursery for over a year now. She loves it. She has made so much progress; she has the support and care of the staff. The nursery is spotless, and the equipment for the children to play with is great. I am so happy we signed up to Step Start Braintree, and I always
recommend the nursery to any of my friends. My daughter loves the staff and has made some special bonds.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Nikita T (Mother of Child) published on 20 December 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has taken some time to settle in, but the team have worked hard to make her feel at home. The team always greet us with a smile, and my little girl now leaves with a smile. The team and management are also very accommodating when we require extra days, and overall, very responsive. Really
nice team.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Michelle L (Mother of Child) published on 27 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I had my little boy during Covid. Looking for a nursery on my return to work was daunting, and I had a real worry - how not just he would cope, but myself and my husband also. However, I had no reason to worry, as Step Start Braintree has been the absolute best. My little boy has thrived into a confident,
happy, secure toddler. My mind is at ease during work, knowing how well-loved and cared for he is. An amazing nursery without outstanding, loving, caring employees! Thank you.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J M (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has only been here for a week. She thrives and plays happily. The staff are friendly and welcoming as soon as the kids arrive. You can tell there is a strong bond between staff and kids. The nursery has modern facilities, the best toys and a great open space. I highly recommend this place
to any nervous parents wondering where to send their child.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Gemma M (Mother of Child) published on 6 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 14-month-old has been going to Step Start Braintree for a couple of months now on a part-time basis. From the initial contact and tour to the settling in sessions up to now, the staff have been fantastic. My little one is a sensitive soul and has taken some time to adjust, but the staff have been
great, understanding and flexible. They have worked with us and him to make it a positive experience, especially as he has only known lockdown due to the pandemic. The staff really do care about him, his interests and his progress. It feels like a collaboration. The communication between staff and parent is amazing. The Famly app allows you to keep in touch whenever needed, and to get updates throughout the day is so reassuring. The staff have all been really warm and welcoming. They are lovely and are great with him. They're also fantastic with his dairy and soy allergies, which is so reassuring. We feel like he is in safe hands. The building, garden and facilities are fab. Very happy.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.447)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.447) out of 10 for Step Start Braintree 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 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.4 out of 5 from 3 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 Step Start Braintree is calculated as follows: ( (36 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 36 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 3.447 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Step Start Braintree is based on 3 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 = 3.25
    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 76 number of registered child places is 15.2. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 15.2 = 0.197
  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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (5)

Sophie

Sophie England

Job Title: Area Manager Joined: 2017

Working in the Early Years is a true passion, I have had the pleasure of teaching children aged 6 weeks to 5 years since leaving college and loved every moment. I am qualified as level 5 in Early Years Education and Management to inspire the next generation. I have proudly worked with Step Start since the opening of the first nursery and moved from Nursery manager to Area manager.

Emily

Emily Martin

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2020

I have been working within the childcare sector since 2017. After graduating with a degree in the Early Years of 2020, I started working at Step Start Braintree. It has been amazing to grow alongside the company and be part of the children's everyday life. Alongside being a parent to my wonderful son, my passion is working alongside babies and supporting them to achieve all their firsts and important milestones! Overall, I aspire to one day become a Step Start deputy, so I look forward to more personal growth and development.

Ben

Ben Smith

Job Title: Starting Steps Room Leader Joined: 2021

I have been in childcare for 8 years now. I started as an apprentice at another nursery and slowly worked my way up from bank staff, and nursery practitioner and now I am a fully qualified room leader at Step Start Braintree. I have always loved working with children as I am the biggest of seven from my mum's side so I have always been surrounded by children. I just love how happy, calm and innocent they are, they always find fascination in the smallest things.

Jessica

Jessica Rowland

Job Title: Big Steps Room Leader Joined: 2020
Millie

Millie White

Job Title: Little Leaps Room Leader Joined: 2022

Frequently Asked Questions about Step Start Braintree

What is the Age Range of Children that Step Start Braintree accepts?

Step Start Braintree accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Step Start Braintree Open?

Step Start Braintree is open: Monday 07:00-18:00, Tuesday 07:00-18:00, Wednesday 07:00-18:00, Thursday 07:00-18:00, Friday 07:00-18:00.

How many Children does Step Start Braintree have capacity for?

Step Start Braintree has capacity for a total of 76 Children.

How far is Step Start Braintree to the centre of Braintree?

0.0 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 Start Braintree to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Step Start Braintree has an Enhanced Service - more info.