Our Story

Stepping Stones was founded in 1991 following requests from local families who wanted a nursery where all children could learn, play and grow together, regardless of their individual needs or abilities. More than three decades later, that vision remains at the heart of everything we do.

We are a fully inclusive nursery where mainstream children and children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) learn alongside one another in an environment built on acceptance, respect and belonging. We believe every child brings their own unique strengths, perspectives, and we celebrate these differences every day.

Our aim is to create meaningful opportunities for all children to develop confidence, independence and positive relationships through play. By learning together, children develop empathy, kindness and understanding of others, helping to build values that often remain with them long after they leave our nursery.

Many families choose Stepping Stones because they want their child to be part of a community where inclusion is lived rather than simply promoted. Parents of children with additional needs value our experienced and knowledgeable team, while parents of mainstream children frequently tell us how the inclusive environment has helped their children develop compassion, acceptance and respect for others.

What makes Stepping Stones unique is our commitment to responding to the needs of the children and families who use our service. We do not follow a rigid model. Instead, we listen, adapt and evolve. As a parent-led organisation with parent representation on our committee, we recognise that family circumstances change and that flexibility is essential in providing meaningful support. Our services continue to develop in response to the voices and experiences of the families we serve.

We provide care and education for children aged 2 to 5 years within our fully integrated nursery, as well as offering a summer holiday respite. We operate five days a week during school term time from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Every child is supported by a dedicated Key Person and Key Buddy, ensuring strong relationships and continuity of care. Our enhanced staffing ratios enable us to provide personalised support and high-quality learning experiences throughout the day.

We work closely with families and a wide range of professionals, including Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Specialist Health Visitors and Early Years Inclusion Teams. This collaborative approach helps us ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Our team has extensive experience supporting children with a broad range of needs, including autism, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, developmental delays, complex medical conditions and genetic syndromes. We use specialist equipment, such as standing frames, walkers and adaptive resources, to ensure every child can participate fully in nursery life.

Communication is central to our practice. We provide a total communication environment where all children are encouraged to communicate in ways that work best for them. Staff are trained in Makaton and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), enabling children to express their thoughts, feelings, choices and needs. Families regularly tell us how these communication strategies have positively impacted life at home as well as within the nursery.

Our staff receive ongoing specialist training to support a wide range of health, development and care needs. This enables us to confidently support children who may require medication, tube feeding, oxygen therapy, catheter care, stoma care and other specialist interventions.

Mainstream children benefit enormously from learning within this inclusive environment. Through shared play, sensory experiences, communication-rich interactions and collaborative learning opportunities, they develop confidence, empathy and an understanding that every child learns and experiences the world differently.