First Steps Nursery School

In June 2025, paper-folding for symmetry and word play with small figures gave First Steps Nursery School a recognisable educational character. This Dore setting has capacity for 40 children aged two to five. At that inspection, practical activities connected language and early mathematics.

At its June 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found that its ambitious curriculum helped children make excellent progress towards their next stage of development. The useful detail lies beneath that judgement: regular encounters with books, conversations during play and activities adapted to individual children.

In June 2025, the nursery occupied a converted school building, and children could explore the indoor learning spaces independently. Its early years foundation stage framework sets expectations for children's learning, development and care; here, the inspection-time examples included reading, mathematical exploration and opportunities to practise everyday independence.

Children folded shapes to explore symmetry. Small figures became prompts for conversations and rhyming, connecting play with the sounds and structure of words. Books featured repeatedly during the day, rather than being confined to a single reading activity. These examples give parents a concrete picture of how early literacy and mathematics were woven into play.

Choosing activities, getting dressed, handwashing and managing toileting were also part of the June 2025 experience. Such routines gave children opportunities to practise doing things for themselves. Staff acknowledged children's achievements, while friendships and shared activities formed part of daily life.

At the June 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and judged support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities exceptional, with individual education plans and collaboration with other professionals contributing to their development.

Settling visits in June 2025 gave staff time to observe children's play and use their interests when planning activities. Parents could contribute to online learning profiles and received information about both learning and daily care. Parents could contribute to these profiles as well as receive updates about nursery life.

Staff meetings also provided time to discuss responsibilities and curriculum activities. Training, reflection and support for staff wellbeing formed part of the leadership arrangements at that date. Consistent boundaries helped children understand expectations in their interactions with others.

First Steps Nursery School is at Dore Old School, Savage Lane, Sheffield, S17 3GW. Its current age range is two to five.

In June 2025, it operated Monday to Friday across 45 weeks of the year, with session times of 8am to 5.30pm. Government-funded childcare places were offered at that date. These are dated operating details, rather than a current booking commitment.

• Attendance and funding. The June 2025 timetable covered 45 weeks, with sessions running from 8am to 5.30pm. Which current booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your family's week, including any additional charges?
• Age range. This is provision for children aged two to five. Families seeking care before a second birthday need a different age offer.
• Learning preferences. June 2025 activities linked practical mathematics, word play and everyday independence. That combination suits parents who want early learning to extend beyond adult-led tasks into play and personal routines.

First Steps Nursery School suits families seeking care for a two-to-five-year-old, with an inspection-era emphasis on language, early mathematics and independence. Its June 2025 Outstanding judgement is backed by concrete examples of teaching and individual support. The strongest reasons to consider it are those everyday practices: using play to develop ideas, learning from children's interests and involving parents in their learning profiles.