The Key Steps approach
Our passion is providing the very best care and education to every child. Our nursery curriculum is based on the Key Steps Approach. Developed by Early years specialists and following the Early Years Foundation Stage. We have taken elements from Marie Montessori, Emilio Reggio, Rudolph Steiner and Forest School teaching methods that we feel fit with our own approach.
From the moment they arrive at nursery every child will be fully immersed in stimulating environments that are warm and inviting, whilst building confidence, independence and having a positive impact on their physical, social and emotional development. We will encourage all children to respect and care for each other whilst nurturing positive behaviour and manners.
Our graduate lead knowledgeable compassionate staff team will encourage each child to take the lead in their own learning.
Exceptional attitudes to learning
Ofsted 2023
Our play based environments give children the opportunities to entirely submerge themselves in a world of exploration, experimentation and discovery that is right for their own age and stage of development.
All babies and children will be supported to practice and develop ideas, concepts and skills, without fear of failure, whilst having access to the very best facilities care and education.
At Key Steps Day Nursery, we offer the highest of family friendly service that exceeds your expectations. Communication is key and we will be on hand when ever needed, offering commitment, transparency and flexibility to everything we offer.
Nutrition
Fresh, Healthy Food at Key Steps
We believe that good food plays an important part in giving children the best possible start in life.
We understand the value of fresh, nutritious food and the importance of helping children develop healthy eating habits from an early age.
Our meals are freshly prepared on site each day, using carefully selected ingredients to create delicious, balanced and nutritious food that children can enjoy.
Following guidance from the Soil Association and Eat Better, Start Better, we're passionate about helping children build a positive relationship with food.
From planting seeds and growing their own fruit and vegetables to cooking and tasting what they've grown, we encourage children to get involved, explore new flavours and discover where their food comes from.
We also take pride in sourcing our ingredients responsibly, using British farm-assured meat, free-range eggs and organic milk.
Our commitment extends to the fish we serve, following the Marine Conservation Society's guidance to avoid species on its Fish to Avoid list.
For us, food is about more than simply mealtimes. It's an opportunity for children to learn, explore, develop healthy habits and enjoy good food together.
Emotional wellbeing
Through everyday experiences Key Steps Day nursery supports all babies and children to fully realise their feelings, behaviours and the impact these can have on others around them. Being able to understand their emotions and talk openly about how they are feeling allows children to create positive social interactions with others and gives children the ability to make friendships throughout their lives.
Key Steps recognises the importance of close meaningful connections in allowing children to feel secure and confident to explore the world around them, therefore all children from the moment they start at the nursery will have a key person who takes care of them daily ensuring all of their needs are met.
Our family
Recognising the strong link between highly qualified, enthusiastic staff and outstanding quality care and education for your children. Our staff are committed and many have been with us since we opened.
We employ for passion, meaning that when choosing staff we look not just for their qualification and experience, but also for that extra enthusiasm for working with children and the desire to see them learn and succeed. We have a mixture of staff with one of our apprentices being over 50, it's never too late to find a career you love!
Key Steps exceed all requirements as we go above and beyond the standards set from Ofsted. The nursery always aims to overstaff allowing us to ensure the smooth running of the children's day.
We are committed to our staff and have a large emphasis on completing further training, health and safety and safeguarding courses, not only for their own career but to expand the opportunities that we can provide to the children.
Safety first
Keeping all babies and children safe and secure whilst they are having fun is of paramount importance to everyone at Key Steps and we take it extremely seriously.
Working closely with a renown early years health and safety expert we have developed a bespoke handbook which covers every aspect of health and safety within the nursery setting, when on trips and visits. Regular audits, training and reviews ensure that we stay up to date with all regulations and staff feel confident in dealing with any issues that arise.
For additional peace of mind, the nursery has CCTV throughout the building, gardens and entrance areas and our video entrance systems ensures only those permitted entry will be allowed into the nursery.
Millie's Mark
At Key Steps Day Nursery we always go above and beyond this. All staff within the nursery that have key children are qualified and in addition to this we are very proud to be taking part in Millie’s Mark.
Millie's Mark is a special endorsement for childcare providers that go above and beyond minimum requirements by having 100% of staff trained in paediatric first aid.
Passionate staff that are happy and motivated are our greatest resources and that is why we empower them to continually develop themselves and their careers through a wide range of training initiatives from online learning to completing a new qualification or degree.
Mother nature and the great outdoors
Being outside in the fresh air, feeling the wind on their cheeks and watching the clouds drift by is a wonderful experience for any child or baby.
Our outdoor environments are seen as an extension of the indoors and all children will be encouraged to be outdoors as much as possible whilst at nursery whatever the weather.
In addition to this children will naturally take part in regular trips within the local community which further enhances their experiences and develops important skills, for example road safety.
Going the extra mile
At Key Steps we always strive to continually improve and provide opportunities that the children might not experience at home. No two days are the same, whether these are activities set up and created by our Early Years practitioners or professionals we invite in as guests.
Some examples of the activities our children get to experience are visits from the Emergency services with Police or Fire Brigades or a Dentist to help make their first trip to the Dentists something to look forward to. We go on days out to local outdoor spaces such as Westonbirt Arboretum or bring in farm animals such as Alpacas, Lambs or Chicks for the children to meet.
We also run a ready for school programme to prepare our older children for the transition from nursery to primary school, including a mini graduation to celebrate their time here.
We know it can be daunting leaving your child for the first time. That's why we offer a comprehensive settling in period, including tea and cake for parents to enjoy whilst their child is having fun.
Communication
Our relationship with you as parents is crucial to ensuring your child’s time with us is as fulfilling as possible for everyone and we know communication is key to this.
All parents will have access to Famly, an online learning and communication portal. Famly allows you to quickly and efficiently see how your child is progressing while allowing you to book extra sessions or keep up to date with key events within the nursery.
Our staff are always on hand to answer any questions you may have, regular parent events will keep you informed with an array of subjects including weaning, phonics, dealing with behaviour changes and what to expect when starting school.
Key Steps Day Nursery is one big happy family and our social get togethers give all our families the opportunity to meet and socialise whilst making new friends.
Charlotte
Owner
Having been in the childcare industry for over 20 years, Charlotte has worked across the whole Early Years sector. After having her own children she moved back to Wiltshire but struggled to find good quality childcare for them to develop at their own pace in a nurturing environment. Together with her husband Matthew they decided to set up Key Steps Day Nurseries. Charlotte and her team never compromise and strive to constantly improve their offering of a child led environment.