About Small Steps Day Nursery
Small Steps Day Nursery is situated right in the heart of Kidlington and makes full use of the local community around us. We aim to provide experiences that will develop the children's natural sense of curiosity and exploration.
We provide a learning environment that uses many natural and authentic resources. These not only give children the opportunity to explore different resources, but also to develop language and personal, social and emotional skills.
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We place a high value on the holistic development of each individual child. Through our key person system we focus on the strengths and interests of each child to build upon their skills.
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We use the Early Years Foundation Stage and Development Matters as the basis of our curriculum. For more information on these please take a look at them here.
Our Daily Routine
Nurturing at every step
Children can arrive at 8 am for Breakfast Club and enjoy some breakfast and free play time.Â
Children who are attending the morning session will arrive between 8:45 am and 9:15 am. The day will start with a range of activities planned for the children and some free choice activities. The children will have a snack time and take part in group times, such as singing time and story time. Older children will also begin learning about phonics and maths skills.
Lunch time will begin at 11:45 am. The children from both rooms will join together to make meal times a communal event. After lunch some children will sleep or rest, while older children will enjoy playing outside.Â
At 3:45 pm children who are on an Early Finish afternoon session will leave to go home.Â
Children who are on a Late Finish afternoon session will continue to play and explore, until 4:15 pm, when they will come together for tea time.Â
After tea time the children will play inside and outside, until it is home time.
Small Steps Day Nursery Team
All our staff hold appropriate early years qualifications and have First Aid and Safeguarding training.
Please feel free to speak with any of them about our nursery.
Becca
Manager
Becca has worked with children, of all ages, for over ten years and has a first class Degree in Early Childhood Studies. She has had training in Special Education Needs, Behaviour Management and Phonics.
Karen
Deputy Manager
Karen has much experience of working with early years children of all ages. She holds a Level 3 Diploma in Pre-school Practice and is our Nursery SENCO.
Suzanne
Nursery Practitioner
Suzanne has a level 3 childcare qualification and has worked within the childcare industry for many years. She has a wealth of experience with children of all ages.
Camilla
Nursery Practitioner
Camilla has worked with pre-school children for over 12 years and loves to develop her practice and learn new things. She holds a Level 3 Diploma in Pre-school Practice.
Carly
Nursery Practitioner
Carly has a level 3 childcare qualification and has experience working in different settings. She is working in Butterflies room full time.
Lia
Lunch Time Assistant
Lia has experience of working with babies, toddlers and pre-school children. She supports the children at lunch time and helps them to learn through play.
Gemma
Nursery Practitioner
Gemma is a Level 3 qualified practitioner, who is based in Bumble Bees room. She has experience of working in nurseries and working as a nanny. Gemma is currently on maternity leave.
Hatty
Nursery Practitioner
Hatty has recently completed her level 3 in childcare and has enjoyed working in lots of different settings as part of her training. She will be supporting the children in both Bumble Bees and Butterflies room.
Emily
Nursery Practitioner
Emily is currently on maternity leave and is usually based in Bumble Bees room and has a level 3 in childcare. She has experience of working with children under 4 in nursery settings.
Iona
Nursery Assistant
Iona has worked with children in both pre-schools and in schools. She brings lots of experience as she has 5 children of her own. She is currently studying for a childcare qualification.
Faith
Apprentice Nursery Assistant
Faith has a Level 2 Childcare qualification and is currently studying for her Level 3.
She has been a t Small Steps as a student and now as a member of our team. She is based in Bumble Bees, but also works in Butterflies.
Jess
1:1 Support Worker
Jess is a 1:1 support worker at Small Steps. She works in Bumble Bees room.
Erin
Nursery Assistant
Erin joined us in November 2023 and works in the Bumble Bees room.
She has experience of leading Forest Schools within nurseries.
Holly
Nursery Assistant
Holly works in the Bumble Bees room with our pre-school children.
She is new to early years, but has lots of experience with adults with learning difficulties.
Amy
Nursery Practitioner
Amy works in the Bumble Bees room. She has a level 2 qualification and has worked in day nurseries with children aged 2-4 years old.
