First Steps Nursery

Making toast, serving vegetables and experimenting with paint gave everyday independence a practical shape at First Steps Nursery in January 2023. At its 31 January 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found rapid learning progress, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

First Steps Nursery is at 129 Medway, Great Lumley, Chester-le-Street, DH3 4HU, and accepts children aged 3 to 60 months. The strongest inspection examples connected small responsibilities with learning: pouring a drink or handling a spoon gave children opportunities to practise skills they could use beyond nursery.

In January 2023, babies experimented with brushes and paint, while older children mixed colours from powder. This gave the different ages related activities with different levels of challenge. Children directed their play, with adults extending their ideas rather than simply setting tasks.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. The January 2023 activities made that concrete through conversation, physical exploration and practical play: herbs and cinnamon accompanied dough, and children experimented with tools and cutting leaves.

Language received deliberate attention that January. A 10-second pause gave children time to answer, while stories, rhymes and unfamiliar vocabulary prompted conversation. The pause mattered: children had space to form their own response.

Outdoor experiences in January 2023 included balancing and climbing, local walks and castle exploration. Children also built dens at forest school, an example of learning through an outdoor task. A Christmas party at a community centre gave them another opportunity to meet people beyond the nursery.

At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective, with staff recognising possible harm and understanding how to act on concerns. Children also practised staying within sight of adults during woodland visits, connecting safety guidance with an actual outing.

In January 2023, practitioners used calm explanations and clear limits to help children understand the effect of their behaviour on others. Staff knew individual interests and needs, identified learning gaps and responded to them. Children settled quickly and formed friendships.

Communication that January combined conversations with written updates about development and next steps. Families received individual suggestions for home activities, including baking, songs and nature walks. Managers worked alongside practitioners and used supervision and shared training to develop teaching practice.

Home-made food featured in January 2023, with children taking part in serving and eating independently. Adults stayed nearby to help, allowing children to attempt manageable tasks themselves.

The nursery opens Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm, across the year, closing for bank holidays and one week at Christmas. This opening window helps families assess whether the day fits their working hours.

In January 2023, funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-old children. That is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise about a family's entitlement today.

• Attendance and funding. The opening day runs from 7.30am to 6pm, and funded education featured in January 2023. Which booking patterns and funded arrangements would apply to your child now?
• Outdoor participation. January 2023 activities included climbing, walking and den-building. These experiences will interest families who value physical exploration alongside indoor play.
• Inspection timing. The Outstanding judgement dates to January 2023. It gives a strong account of practice at that time; use a visit to explore how those experiences are delivered today.

First Steps suits families seeking weekday childcare within its opening hours who value practical independence, conversation and outdoor exploration. The January 2023 examples give that judgement substance: children handled food, experimented with materials and tackled physical challenges, with adults helping them take the next step.