Step By Step Nursery

Reassurance for babies and conversation for older children characterised Step By Step Nursery at its January 2022 inspection. At its January 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good, found safeguarding effective and judged support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities positively. Those are dated judgements, rather than assurances about today's practice.

The nursery has 52 places in total for children aged 3 to 59 months. Its address is 15 Chandler Street, London E1W 2QL.

In January 2022, babies explored materials and enjoyed close interaction with staff, while toddlers had space to practise walking and became familiar with daily routines. Older children discussed their ideas and extended their vocabulary. Resources were accessible both inside and outdoors, giving children opportunities to make choices about their play.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: here, the January 2022 examples included movement, conversation and exploration. Preschool children contributed to group discussions, practising speaking with confidence. A sports session also supported physical activity.

The limitations matter. In January 2022, older children's activities sometimes needed greater intellectual challenge, and adults occasionally completed everyday tasks that children could manage themselves. Independence and deeper thinking were the two improvement priorities.

In January 2022, children formed close bonds with their key person. Babies received comfort when needed, and staff responded to hunger and tiredness. For parents of very young children, those examples give substance to the account of settling.

Regular information exchanges kept families involved in nursery life that January. Staff also helped children talk about feelings, consider the effect of their behaviour and share resources. Support for additional needs involved assessments, collaboration with parents and other professionals, and help shaped around children's strengths.

Staff development was part of the January 2022 arrangements: leaders reviewed practice, identified development needs and provided training. These observations describe how care was organised at that time.

Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates throughout the year and closes on bank holidays. That calendar is relevant for parents whose working year extends beyond school terms.

In January 2022, the nursery operated from Wapping Children's Centre and provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That funding information describes the offer at the time of the visit.

• Independence. In January 2022, adults sometimes took over tasks such as handling drinks or coats. Look for opportunities for children to practise these skills themselves.
• Challenge for older children. January 2022 activities did not consistently stretch children's thinking. Examples of open-ended problems would help demonstrate how preschool learning develops.
• Attendance pattern. The year-round opening calendar may fit working families. Which booking patterns can accommodate your intended days and hours?

Step By Step Nursery suits families seeking year-round childcare, with an inspection-era picture of attentive baby care and communication-rich learning. The Good judgement provides a useful starting point. For older children, the decisive consideration is how everyday independence and more demanding thinking activities now shape their experience.