Small Steps Day Nursery & Pre-School

A purpose-built setting for two- to four-year-olds, a garden and a connection with Southville Primary School give Small Steps a clear identity. This Bedfont Lane nursery in Feltham has capacity for 33 children. Its offer centres on the preschool years rather than care for babies.

At the 26 May 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall, with Outstanding personal development and effective safeguarding. That dated assessment gives particular weight to children's independence and relationships, alongside an improvement priority around mathematical language and skills.

Families can choose attendance across the year or term-time places. That choice matters for parents balancing childcare with school calendars.

The building is designed for children aged two to four, with a garden giving them outdoor space alongside indoor learning. Small Steps is working towards Let's Talk Together accreditation. In May 2022, the nursery was participating in an accreditation programme aimed at children's communication and language development. Accreditation is an aim here, rather than an achieved status.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. In everyday terms, this brings play, communication, physical development and early learning together rather than treating childcare and education as separate jobs.

In May 2022, children used a pretend kitchen, dolls and play food indoors, while outdoor play included obstacle activities, climbing, sliding and balancing on bikes. These were different ways to practise movement and imaginative play. Outdoor activity took place across the day, giving physical development a regular place in the routine.

Small-group experiences in May 2022 included books, singing, dancing, name writing and creative work with materials. There was practical tool use too: children tapped pins into cardboard to construct houses and made patterns in firm vegetables. These concrete tasks gave them opportunities to practise coordination and sustain their attention.

Mathematics needed more development. In May 2022, counting featured in play, but staff were asked to extend children's mathematical vocabulary and skills further. For parents, the useful distinction is between having counting activities and helping children build their understanding through them.

At its May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that children settled readily through affectionate key-person relationships, and that assessment and work with speech and language therapists and health visitors supported individual needs and early intervention. The practical strength was the connection between noticing a child's needs and planning a response.

In May 2022, staff carried out the progress check for children between two and three. Additional early years pupil premium funding paid for extra staff support and resources matched to children's needs, including a shape spiral for coordination. Those arrangements belong to that inspection period.

Independence also had a practical shape in May 2022. Children served themselves snacks, poured drinks, washed their hands ahead of meals and helped clear away. Helping friends with water and taking turns made social learning part of ordinary routines, rather than a separate activity.

Communication with families in May 2022 covered children's experiences at nursery. That connection matters because a key person's knowledge is more useful when parents can understand and contribute to what is happening during their child's day.

Sessions and Attendance

Small Steps operates on Bedfont Lane, Feltham, TW14 9NP. Opening hours are 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates for 50 weeks, with closures for bank holidays, the October half term and Christmas week; term-time attendance is also offered.

Enquiries can be made on 0208 751 4200 or through the contact form by selecting Small Steps Nursery. The distinction between an opening window and the attendance arrangement matters when planning a working day.

Funding and Paid Extras

Funded and privately paid places are offered for two-year-olds. For three- and four-year-olds, funded childcare includes up to 30 hours a week. Families should obtain a current written quotation for their chosen attendance arrangement.

Moving on to School

The nursery describes a close working relationship with Southville Primary School, including taking children to and collecting them from its nursery. This can help families using the 30-hour funded entitlement. Small Steps sits to the front left of the school, giving that connection a concrete geographical basis.

Attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families still apply through the local authority admissions process, so the childcare link should be considered separately from the school application.

• Mathematical learning. Extending mathematical vocabulary and skills was the May 2022 improvement priority. A visit is an opportunity to ask how staff now develop these through everyday play.
• The annual calendar. The 50-week offer includes an October half-term closure as well as bank holidays and Christmas week. Families needing continuous cover should plan around those breaks.
• Funded attendance costs. Small Steps offers funding alongside paid childcare. Before committing, ask for a written breakdown covering the attendance pattern, meals and non-food consumables.

Small Steps suits families seeking either attendance across the year or term-time care for two- to four-year-olds. The purpose-built environment, garden and practical connection with Southville Primary School give parents clear reasons to consider it.

The May 2022 assessment adds a strong personal-development judgement to that practical offer. Mathematical learning deserves attention when visiting, while the closure calendar needs to fit the family's childcare plans.