First Steps
OutstandingBirth to 8+Open for decades
A day nursery in Chester-Le-Street for children from birth to 8+, open 8am to 6pm. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in January 2023. Open since 2010, with 44 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
DH3 4HUWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 31 January 2023 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children are wonderfully enthusiastic, confident and happy at the nursery. They constantly practise their independence and develop many impressive skills. Children are extremely well prepared for their future learning. For example, at mealtimes, young children delight in making their own toast, pour drinks carefully and serve their own vegetables using scoops. Children relish the nutritious home-made meals. Babies feed themselves confidently with spoons. Staff are close at hand to guide children expertly, should they need any help. Children develop the strength and knowledge during their play that they need to tackle everyday activities. For instance, staff show them how to tip jugs of water little by little into a tray.
Children are eager to try hard and concentrate for long periods of time relative to their ages.
Staff are marvellous role models and have very high expectations of children. They are consistently calm, patient and engaged with each child. Staff build a comprehensive and well-designed curriculum so that children face challenges that help them to achieve their very best. For example, babies relish making marks with paint and brushes, while older children move on to mixing their own colours using powder. Children's behaviour is exemplary. Staff explain to children how their actions impact on others, and they set clear boundaries. Children make firm friendships and cooperate very well together.
- 31 January 2023Outstanding
- 16 May 2017Good
- 29 May 2015Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for First Steps
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Day nurseries within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.