First Steps Day Nursery

Farm eggs, letters to care-home residents and a visiting snow plough give First Steps Day Nursery a recognisable character. In December 2025, these experiences connected children's learning with people and work beyond the nursery, while stories provided a quieter thread through the day.

At its 3 December 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged all six evaluated areas to be at the expected standard and safeguarding standards to be met. This was an area-by-area assessment, rather than an overall grade.

The nursery has capacity for 69 children aged 0 to 60 months in Carlton Miniott, Thirsk.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the December 2025 examples included stories, singing and mathematical play. Familiar books encouraged children to supply missing words, while counting and discussion of shapes brought mathematics into everyday activities.

In December 2025, outdoor games included using stop watches. Farm visits involved collecting eggs and learning about milk production; emergency-service visitors introduced other aspects of working life. Children also wrote letters to care-home residents and visited the local care setting regularly. These experiences gave them concrete subjects to talk about.

There were limitations alongside those opportunities. In December 2025, some activity materials demanded skills children had not yet acquired, including paper that babies were expected to peel. Questions too often invited a single word rather than an extended exchange. Older children also needed more help to negotiate sharing and settle small disagreements themselves.

At the December 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that children made typical progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and that staff used professional advice to support individual needs. Speech and language guidance informed intervention work, connecting specialist recommendations with children's daily experiences.

In December 2025, babies sought comfort from familiar practitioners and their key person. Staff soothed upset children with individual stories or singing, and sought permission before nappy changes. Older children practised managing handwashing and toileting themselves.

Support also involved conversations with parents about developmental concerns, a period of monitoring and referrals to external agencies where needed. In December 2025, communication helped staff keep track of changes in children's health, diet and learning needs. Specific dietary requirements were accommodated at mealtimes.

The address is Unit 2, Carlton Miniott Business Centre, Carlton Road, Carlton Miniott, Thirsk, YO7 4NF. The nursery operates across the year, closing for bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

In December 2025, its opening hours were Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm. Those hours describe the inspection-time operation, rather than a particular session package.

• Opening hours. The December 2025 hours were 7.30am to 6pm, while the separate operating schedule gives 7.45am to 7.30pm on weekdays. Which opening window and booking arrangement would apply to your child?
• Conversation and activity planning. In December 2025, adult questioning and the match between materials and children's abilities needed refinement. These are relevant considerations for families prioritising language development and appropriately pitched activities.
• Sharing and independence. Older children sometimes relied on adults to settle disagreements in December 2025. Learning to negotiate with other children remained a next step alongside established practical routines.

First Steps will appeal to families drawn to stories and experiences beyond the nursery. Its December 2025 picture combined familiar-adult relationships and practical learning with clear work still needed on conversation, activity planning and sharing. Judge that combination against your child's developmental needs and your required attendance pattern.