First Steps Day Care

An Achievement Tree and take-home storytelling resources give First Steps Day Care a recognisable character: in March 2022, children's perseverance earned a special leaf, while families could borrow materials to encourage stories at home. These were practical ways to celebrate effort and connect learning with family life.

At its 14 March 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall and Outstanding for behaviour and attitudes. First Steps Day Care accepts children aged 12 to 60 months at Unit 7, Roseberry Court, Middlesbrough, TS9 5QT.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and developing skills into the same daily experience.

In March 2022, babies chose their own resources and activities, and children had time to finish exploring rather than being hurried through the timetable. The garden included a protected area for babies, giving younger children space to explore outdoors alongside the older children's opportunities for exercise.

Writing developed through mark-making and attempts to write names. There were clear next steps, too: in March 2022, staff needed a consistent method for developing early writing, including pencil grip. Practitioners working with younger children also sometimes missed opportunities to build on their thinking and existing skills. These points matter because enjoyable activities need to stretch learning as well as occupy children.

At the March 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and assessed that curriculum planning supported good progress, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with additional funding used for individual support.

In March 2022, the key person's special sharing box helped new families get to know the adult caring for their child through photographs and personal objects. Children built close relationships with their key person and other staff, making settling a relationship-led process.

The learning library lent story boxes and story spoons for storytelling at home. Staff also discussed children's next learning steps with parents and offered ideas for continuing them beyond nursery. Emotion toys supported conversations about feelings. Together, these examples show how communication extended beyond a daily account of activities.

The nursery opens Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm, across the year, with closures for Bank Holidays and Christmas. Its address is Unit 7, Roseberry Court, Middlesbrough, TS9 5QT.

In March 2022, funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-old children. That is a dated funding position rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Early writing. In March 2022, pencil grip and consistency between practitioners needed attention. A useful visit question is how staff now support children as they move from marks to writing.
• Challenge for younger children. March 2022 observations identified missed chances to extend younger children's learning. Ask how practitioners build activities around what a child can already do.
• Attendance and funding. Opening hours are 8am to 5pm on weekdays. Which booking patterns and funded arrangements would fit your child's age and your working week?

First Steps Day Care merits consideration for families seeking care across the year who value relationships and practical links between nursery learning and home. The March 2022 picture gives substance to that appeal through the special sharing box, storytelling loans and children's independence. Its age makes the two teaching priorities useful starting points for a visit, rather than grounds for assuming today's practice.