Step Start Chelmsford

Station House, 27 Railway Street, Chelmsford CM1 1QS
Review Us
9.1 6 Reviews
  • Step Start Chelmsford, Chelmsford
Step Start Chelmsford opened in October 2024 and has been purpose built to offer the very best childcare and early years education in the heart of the city of Chelmsford. The nursery is located right next to the train station, ideal for those who commute!

The nursery features a large outside area, with separate areas and lots of different resources. Inside, the nursery has spacious modern and homely rooms, including two baby rooms, a toddler room and a preschool room.

Please book a visit to see it for yourself!
Show Step Start Chelmsford on the Map

Funding & Fees

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

Contact Step Start Chelmsford to get a personalised quote.

Contact Step Start Chelmsford to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Sandi Lovell (Head of Early Years Education)

Total Places for Children

  • 59

Age Range

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

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

  • Car park is located at the back of the 'Original Plough' car park on Railway Street. Parents can park in the pub car park if their car park is full.

Step Start Chelmsford Reviews (6)

9.1

Step Start Chelmsford has a Review Score of 9.1 (9.058) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Step Start Chelmsford has 6 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 6
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 6
  • 0
  • 0
  • 6
  • 0
Reviewer Connection to Step Start Chelmsford
  • 6
Total of 6, showing 1-6
Review from G B (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My almost 15 month old attends 3 days a week and absolutely loves it!
The nursery are always doing fun activities with the children and they send updates to the app regularly so we can see what they've been up to.
The setting is nice and modern and always looks clean when I do drop off/pick up. The
team are really nice and I feel comfortable leaving my child there knowing they're in safe hands
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Shannon R (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started early this year and really is enjoying it, settled very quickly and all the staff are so lovely and friendly. I'm updated on everything throughout the day. They are amazing! Wouldn't go else where now.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Samantha W (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely wonderful nursery, have done brilliantly settling my little one into their setting. Throughout the day, they provide updates and photos, allowing me to be at ease that my child is well taken care of. My child always begins and ends his day there with a smile. Throughout the day, he is engaging
in activities the staff set up, enjoying independent play or having cuddles with staff.
The facilities themselves are extremely clean, well maintained and modern.
I would highly recommend to everyone!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Janani N (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to Step Start Chelmsford from last December. She was teary at the start but now she loves going to the nursery. The staff are really friendly. They provide free settle sessions at the start which helped my daughter to get used to the environment.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from E G (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A lovely little nursery so conveniently located for anyone commuting into or out of Chelmsford.
The staff are so warm and welcoming and have got to know my little boy so well - they've made him very comfortable and he definitely looks forward to going to nursery now. I've been so pleasantly surprised
by how well they seem to get him and all his little quirks.
Even on emotional days, they soon cheer him up and he has a fantastic time there. Activities are creative and varied, providing lots of enrichment for my 17 month old and definitely capturing his imagination.
He has only been attending since December, but I've seen him come on so much. The manager is lovely and every member of staff I have met has made me feel reassured that we picked the right place (thank you 3 staff members in particular for always welcoming my little one with a cuddle and a smile!).
And a final note would be that the place is always immaculately clean and that the meals are varied and nutritious.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Hannah T (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Step Start is a fantastic nursery! My 22 month old son has been attending since January and is loving it. He has never attended a day care setting of any type before so Step Start have had to support him with being left from myself and they are fantastic with giving updates and re-assuring both sides.
He is learning so much and his confidence is growing daily. I would highly recommend.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.1 (9.058)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.1 (9.058) out of 10 for Step Start Chelmsford 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 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.1 out of 5 from 6 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 Chelmsford is calculated as follows: ( (72 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 72 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 4.058 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Step Start Chelmsford is based on 6 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 = 3.55
    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 59 number of registered child places is 11.8. 6 Positive Reviews ÷ 11.8 = 0.508
  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 (6)

Sandi

Sandi Lovell

Job Title: Head of Early Years Education Joined: 2023

I’ve worked in childcare for 23 years, starting out as a volunteer and working my way through every role to become a manager - something I’ve proudly done for the past nine years. I’ve always had a passion for Early Years and have raised three children of my own, so I understand just how important these early experiences are. Step Start is such a supportive place to work, and our nursery is filled with beautiful resources and an incredible outdoor space. I love building strong bonds with families and watching the children grow in confidence from Starting Steps to Big Steps.

Holly

Holly Thompson

Job Title: Deputy Head of Early Years Education Joined: 2025

I have a BA (Hons) in Early Years, which is equivalent to a Level 6 qualification, and over 10 years’ experience across all areas and roles within a nursery setting. What I love most about Step Start is the strong team spirit; everyone supports one another, and the children thrive in such a positive environment (especially when they’re out in the garden!). I’m passionate about encouraging independence and being each child’s personal cheerleader, because with the right support, they really can achieve so much.

Amy

Amy Dordoy

Job Title: Starting Steps Room Leader Joined: 2024

I’m Level 3 qualified in childcare and have 8 years of experience working across different nursery settings. I really enjoy working with a variety of teams and environments, it keeps things fresh and exciting! I’m especially passionate about helping babies build confidence from the very beginning and watching them thrive as they grow.

Georgia

Georgia Scully

Job Title: First Steps Room Leader Joined: 2025

I began working in childcare nearly six years ago and have since gained a Level 3 Distinction as an Early Years Educator. Working in Early Years allows me to support children during such an important stage of their development, helping them to build confidence, curiosity and a love for learning. I find it incredibly rewarding to watch children grow, reach new milestones and develop their own unique personalities, and I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing and engaging environment where every child feels valued and supported. I also enjoy being able to express my creativity through children’s activities and being involved in the events team, and I’m definitely known for loving messy play!

Sophie

Sophie Diffley

Job Title: Little Leaps Room Leader Joined: 2025

I was a Primary School Teacher for 11 years, spending most of that time in Reception and Year 1. Early Years has always been my passion. I love creating fun, engaging spaces where children feel safe and excited to learn. My specialism is phonics, and I’m all about helping little ones build strong foundations in reading and writing through playful, hands-on experiences. Step Start is a wonderful place to work - supportive, creative and full of joy.

Nicole

Nicole Tuckey

Job Title: Big Steps Room Leader Joined: 2025

I first took a chance on childcare without knowing it would become the best decision I ever made. I started as an apprentice and worked hard to earn my Level 3, now I can’t imagine doing anything else! Working at Step Start gives me the freedom to create exciting, playful learning experiences, and I love helping children express themselves through messy play, music, and creativity. I’m fun, energetic, and always singing (there’s a song for everything!).

Frequently Asked Questions about Step Start Chelmsford

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

Step Start Chelmsford accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Step Start Chelmsford Open?

Step Start Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford have capacity for?

Step Start Chelmsford has capacity for a total of 59 Children.

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

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