First Steps Nursery

Albury Road, Merstham, Redhill RH1 3LS
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9.3 51 Reviews
  • First Steps Nursery, Redhill
First Steps Nursery offers excellent care and education for babies, toddlers and preschooler’s from three months to five-year-olds in a fun, stimulating learning environment.

The nursery building has been specifically designed with children in mind, complete with a purpose-built preschool. They have four bright and modern age-specific play rooms and the nursery boasts a large outdoor area with plenty of outdoor space allowing the children lots of room to explore their outdoor learning environment.

Care Provided by First Steps Nursery

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • First Step Nursery Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Jacqui Tidey (Director)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 20
  • Total Places for Children
  • 60
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for First Steps Nursery

  • We offer 15 and 30 hours funding. We have a minimum of 2 days attendance.


    Please contact us for more information.


    Please contact the nursery for fees.


  • Parking
  • They have parent parking down their driveway at the rear of the nursery.


Total of 51, showing 1-20
9.3

First Steps Nursery has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.309) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time First Steps Nursery has 51 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our daughter loved going to First Steps Nursery! She has such fun every day and we love getting photo updates throughout the day. The thematic weeks keep things interesting for the babies. Our daughter has become more confident since going to the nursery. We have our key worked and the team to thank!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My daughter currently attends First Steps Nursery. She is so happy there and I am pleased with her development progress. The staff are all lovely, efficient and professional. Through an app, I get to see what she is up to throughout the day. I highly recommend First Steps.

Reply from Jacqui, Owner at First Steps Nursery

Thank you for such a nice review, we are so glad to hear how happy you are with the nursery.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The best nursery for your baby in all of Reigate/Redhill. Closest and the most competitively priced. Also one of the few nurseries that picked up the phone and replied to emails. Visiting was easy and they were transparent about fees, compared to some nurseries who rarely answer the phone, don't disclose
fees and fob you off from enquiring about a space. Easy access with little to no traffic. Plenty of parking/street parking is available. Settle days were a delight, and they have an app with Golden Moments and sweet photos etc, compared to other Nurseries, FirstSteps is consistent with this and works tirelessly to update the app. As well as a monthly newsletter, nature walks and trips, they also have Sing and Sign. We even got a Christmas Card from the staff. They've put on a Summer Fair, a Mother's Day and Father's Day Breakfast and a Summer Stay and Play for the adults to join in. Couldn't be happier and truly grateful to all staff/management for everything, including how well-fed our little one has been once home.

Reply from Jacqui, Owner at First Steps Nursery

This is such a lovely review and so nice to hear how happy you are with First Steps, thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I shop around before I chose First Steps. It is such a lovely nursery. perfect size and not overly big (which can be quite overwhelming for a young child). The staff have been absolutely amazing and we will be sad once our little one leaves in September this year. They supply healthy food options, they
teach the children Spanish amongst other things and have just been great through and through. Cannot fault it at all!

Reply from Jacqui, Owner at First Steps Nursery

Thank you for such a lovely review, we are so happy that your child enjoyed First steps so much.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been at First Steps for 7 months now and we only have positive things to say. She started at 11 months and from her first settle session knew we'd picked a gem. Her key person is so lovely, caring and genuinely invested in our daughter's daily happiness and development. This is our
first child so not sure what to expect from a nursery, but we would recommend it to anyone wanting a personal, relaxed yet professional family vibe for their children. All the staff are warm and welcoming and we trust they all have the children's best interests at heart. We are invited in for special events which is wonderful to catch a glimpse of their environment and watch them interact with the other children. We also love the updates on the app including photos of their playtime, outings and info on food/naps/nappies etc. Big thanks to all at FSN!

Reply from Jacqui, Owner at First Steps Nursery

This is such a lovely review and so nice to hear how happy you are with First Steps, thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has attended First Steps since she was 14 months old and has been going to nursery for the past 4 months. Since starting nursery she has developed so much and we couldn’t be happier with the care she has received. All the staff are great, no question is too much trouble (and I had a lot
of questions when our daughter first started), the staff are patient, caring, kind and I couldn’t be happier with the choice we made to send our daughter here. The range of activities is extensive, from trips to see the ducks, to messy play and outdoor activities. Their outdoor space is very impressive and weather permitting the babies spend a lot of time outdoors, our daughter loves being outside so thrives here and after taking a bit of time to settle given she started at a later age, leaves nursery happy and content each day. As our first child, choosing a nursery was a huge decision for us and we are very grateful to First Steps for such a positive experience.

Reply from Jacqui, Owner at First Steps Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review, i'ts so nice to hear she has settled so well.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Steps Nursery has been nothing but fantastic for my son. My son has been attending since July 2023 and has developed quickly since then. All of the staff in the baby's room are fantastic, in particular, his key worker, who he has developed a lovely bond with. I have absolutely no worries at all
when he is at nursery and he comes home having thoroughly enjoyed every day.

Reply from Jacqui, Owner at First Steps Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review; this is so nice to hear.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery and couldn’t fault it even if I tried! All Staff and manager extremely efficient and professional.
I have one child currently there and one that’s just left for school and they have been more than happy there the entire time.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at First Steps since he was ten months old and has absolutely thrived there. Being born during Covid and having limited contact with people in his early months, I was worried he would struggle to settle but the staff are brilliant at what they do, they keep you well informed and obviously
care a lot.
He has now moved to the Toddler room and he absolutely loves it, they do plenty of engaging activities and the facilities are great. We are really happy we chose the nursery and would highly recommend it!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending First Steps Nursery for just under a year since he was 12/13 months old. He has absolutely thrived in the baby room and the staff in this room are fantastic. Especially his key worker (who is also the room leader I think) - she is incredibly experienced and really helped our
little one settle when he was finding it very hard at first. The baby room team are very warm and understanding and supportive of the newer parents.


We love our updates on the app and seeing how our son is getting on. The nursery is professional, nurturing, caring and have used a lot of common sense when it's come to Covid rules and regulation which have reassured parents. I'm looking forward to our son moving into Toddler Room as the staff there seem just as kind and nurturing. They seem younger in the toddler room which I think will also be good for him as he learns to be more independent.


The facilities and garden are great. I'm really pleased we picked First Steps and would recommend it to friends/family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Cannot fault First Steps. Really lovely and attentive staff. My son has had absolutely brilliant key workers in babies and toddler rooms which made and feel very at ease to leave him there. I have also been very impressed by the management and how situations such as Covid has been managed.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have both our boys at First Steps for 2.5 and 0.5 years and we are really happy with everything about them. There is a mix of very experienced staff that have been there a long time and some newer members and we feel that they all act in a very professional manner and are very warm and welcoming.
We are pleased with the development we have seen with our boys and the activities they do and the updates we get. Thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter really enjoys the nursery. She always has a lot of fun and the staff comes up with a lot of various activities for the babies. We enjoy the pictures that we get of our little one having fun at the nursery and the key person looking after her is absolutely amazing. It is also very easy to
communicate with the manager and the office in case we have any queries.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one started from Baby Room and she’s now at preschool. She loves the variety of activities - singing, drawing and painting, dancing dressing-up etc. All the teachers are amazing too. I’ll be sad when the time comes for her to move on, but I’m also confident she’ll be ready for big school by
then.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son has started nursery when he was 8 months and absolutely loved it from day 1. He absolutely adores his keyworker and made amazing progress. Staff fills in learning books regularly so I can check what he has been up to during the day. Good communication from staff, lots of different learning activities,
varied menus...The nursery is spot on. Currently expecting baby number 2 and hoping he will be able to attend this nursery too!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son is currently in the toddler room following on from the baby room. All the staff are incredibly friendly and genuinely seem to care about him, he loves his days there and has settled in very well. I'm extremely happy with First Steps and would highly recommend it.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started here almost a year ago and he is doing very well. As a first time parent, I was very anxious about sending him to nursery but I had nothing to worry about. The owner and manager helped to reassure me before he started and he has thrived since attending here. All of the staff are wonderful
and I cannot fault any of them. He has a really good relationship with all and really likes his key person. My son is excited to get to nursery and enjoys it so much he doesn't want to leave sometimes. The nursery has adapted really well since Covid-19 and I feel that my son is in a safe environment.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In the last year and a half, this nursery definitely feels like a home away from home for my little one and I am impressed daily by all the things she learns and all the personalised support she gets. The staff are warm, welcoming, adaptable and clearly very experienced; and the environment provides
my daughter with so many creative and engaging activities. I am extremely pleased with the service provided by the First Steps Nursery and would highly recommend them. At this nursery I feel my daughter is constantly learning in a fun environment, eats well, is supported, comforted and is safe… I simply couldn’t ask for more.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Steps is an amazing nursery. All three of my children have been there and they have bounced in every day with a smile on their face. They are amazing at supporting children learn to form friendships and get prepped for school and the staff are brilliant. I would 100% recommend this nursery and
will be sad when my last children will leave, as I have absolute confidence that they are being well looked after and cared for!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended First Steps Nursery since he was 10 months old and the team of qualified staff have supported and encouraged his development all the way through the various rooms ahead of him starting reception. The rooms are bright, spacious and full of resources. I am constantly impressed with
the range of activities and topics they cover within the nursery. I would recommend this nursery to anyone and I’m so pleased with it my second son will be joining when I return to work.

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Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.309)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.309) out of 10 for First Steps Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.5 out of 5 from 8 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.842 for First Steps Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (81 Excellents x 5) + (13 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 95 Ratings = 4.842

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 4.467 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for First Steps Nursery is based on 8 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 3.8

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 60 number of registered child places is 12. 8 Positive Reviews ÷ 12 = 0.667

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

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Meet the Team (2)

Ashleigh

Ashleigh

Job Title: Manager

Joined: 2022

I joined First Steps in 2022. I enjoy my job immensely and no two days are the same; I look forward to seeing the children engaged and motivated in their daily activities. I feel proud to be part of their learning journey and rewarded by seeing them achieve their full potential


Alice

Alice

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2015

I am Alice the deputy manager, I started working at First Steps in 2015 as an Early Years Practitioner. Over the years I have worked my way up to room leader and now deputy manager. I can't wait to see what each day brings and what amazing learning experiences we can have.


Frequently Asked Questions about First Steps Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that First Steps Nursery accepts?

First Steps Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is First Steps Nursery Open?

First Steps Nursery is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does First Steps Nursery have capacity for?

First Steps Nursery has capacity for a total of 60 Children.

How far is First Steps Nursery to the centre of Redhill?

1.7 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.