First Steps Day Nursery

75 Oakdale Road, Oakdale, Poole BH15 3LD
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50 Reviews
  • First Steps Day Nursery, Poole
First Steps Nursery in Poole provides high quality care and education for children aged 3 months and over in 4 different groups; Teddy-bears for the youngest children, Sunshine's for toddlers and Little Steps and Big Steps the 2 pre-schools as well as the popular holiday club. In addition to their all year round Pre-school, they have flexible term time only sessions available on request. First Steps Nursery is bright and welcoming with large murals painted on the walls.

First Steps have a fantastic team of qualified nursery practitioners who strive to create a bright, safe, secure and stimulating environment for the children in their care enabling them to reach their full potential and ensure their readiness for their next steps to "big" school.

Care Provided by First Steps Day Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • First Steps Childcare Services Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Lauren Cook (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 26
  • Total Places for Children
  • 91
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 2 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:15-18:15
    Tuesday 07:15-18:15
    Wednesday 07:15-18:15
    Thursday 07:15-18:15
    Friday 07:15-18:15
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for First Steps Day Nursery

  • Per session from £36.38
    Per day from £61.79


  • Fees are calculated over the full year and divided into 12 equal monthly payments based on the number of days/sessions your child attends. Fees are inclusive of all meals, drinks, snacks and nappies/wipes where applicable.


First Steps Day Nursery Reviews (50)

Total of 50, showing 21-40

Over all time First Steps Day Nursery has 50 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going to First Steps since she was nine months old, she absolutely loves it. She's always disappointed to see me or her dad when it's time to go home. The staff are great, they give us updates on what she's done throughout the day, face to face as well as on the app. My little girls
speech and motor skills have come on so much since she started.

Reply from Mike Marks, Operations Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thanks, it's nice to know that your daughter enjoys her time with us at nursery.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Steps have been so helpful during this lockdown due to covid-19. My child does not usually attend this nursery but she absolutely loves it here. The manager has gone above and beyond helping me out, as I am a key worker and the staff have helped my daughter settle in, especially one in particular.
My daughter (four) has even asked to stay longer. When I have another baby this nursery would be top of the list to take my child to. Thank you to all the staff here.

Reply from Mike Marks, Operations Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thanks Jess - it has been a pleasure to be of service to you. We look forward to seeing you and your daughter again one day. Kind regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Just wanted to say a big thank you to the First Steps team for the amazing holiday club you put on this Easter.
My child has been coming to First Steps for 7 years now and I can honestly say it's the best nursery, preschool and holiday club we have found.
They have a fantastic manager, always polite,
respectful and happy to help with queries big or small. The team provide excellent opportunities for the children from Baby room all the way through to holiday club.
We have the option of our child going to a holiday club much closer to home but make the decision to travel that bit further due to the excellence of First Steps.
Thank you all for the amazing service and see you all at half term.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children went to First Steps from the age of 9 months and 6 months, the care and attention the staff give all the children are outstanding and you really feel as though they know and understand your child as an individual. They make your children feel at home and both my children loved and
looked forward to going. The activities and effort the staff put into all occasions is brilliant. My eldest also now goes to the holiday club which again keeps her busy and entertained in a fun way. Well done First Steps team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Could not be happier with this nursery. My daughter moved from her old nursery which closed and was so worried about this change for her at 2, a year on and she loves it. All the staff are just amazing with her and all the children and parents. We are kept in the loop about daily events and tasks, even
foods and snacks they have had throughout the day! She attends 4 mornings a week and it is a great setting ready for starting school in September as they do a register and guide from a regular school day. Just love it!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Steps has become part of our family. The best decision we made in 2012 was to send our son here. As a first time mum, going back to work I was understandably nervous and wanted to make the right choice. I couldn't have made a better one. All of the staff are incredible and I know my kids are well
looked after. My daughter now attends the pre school and my son uses the breakfast, after-school and holiday clubs. I honestly don't think there is a better nursery out there!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I love First Steps my younger son settled in the 2 yr old room no problem and loves going. My older son goes to holiday club and can’t wait to get there all the staff are so friendly.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery is warm and welcoming, with excellent security and safeguarding.


My son has attended for over two years and has progressed from the baby room, through to the toddler room and now to the Big Steps room. He had great socialisation opportunities and is developing well in a structured learning

environment. There is a great playground area and as it’s a large setting, the rooms are large and airy with lots of space.


Staff feedback at the end of each day is excellent, so I always know what the children have been doing that day. Food is excellent, cooked fresh on site each day, including special dietary needs.


Located in Oakdale, it’s ideal for me to drop off on my way to work and collect on my way home. Open 7:30-18:00.


Although the fees are not as cheap as elsewhere but I believe that you get what you pay for. The quality of the care and the level of staff training speak for themselves.


Highly recommended. 5 stars.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Steps has given my children such a good start, my eldest (4 years) has been there for 3 years and has always been so happy there. He has built good relationships with staff, transitioned seamlessly through the rooms as he got older and loves the activities and his friends. My youngest (13 months)
started in the baby room 2 months ago and has had no problems settling in thanks to the great care he receives. He goes in without a second thought and loves the play and opportunities he has to enjoy every day! The staff know them both very well and the activities they do are very different to what I can do with them at home! They love it! We also love the learning book and Facebook page where we get little insights into their day. Thanks First Steps team!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is simply a magnificent nursery. I have been using it for a little over 8 years with my children. The staff are so friendly and caring. The environment is bright and educational and the food also all cooked on site and delicious. I can’t recommend them highly enough! It is possibly a little more
expensive than some other day care providers but you do get a lot for your pennies.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery. The staff are helpful and friendly and always help with any inquiries. They are easily approachable. The facilities are great especially the outdoor equipment for the children. Would definitely recommend to family or friend.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at First Steps Day Nursery aged 8 months. 3 and a half years later we are extremely sad to have to say goodbye as 'big school' is looming! The staff and management at the nursery are first class - kind and caring and my daughter has built some great relationships with her key workers
in particular. She has always looked forward to her days at First Steps, the facilities are fabulous and always clean and tidy. The children are always enjoying new activities introduced by the staff and as parents we have been included in our daughters time at nursery with open days, sports days and stay and play sessions. Could not recommend it enough!

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thanks Natalie it is lovely to hear such amazing feedback from our parents. Sad times as we say goodbye to our school leavers but we hope to see them again in our holiday club!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am happy with the care providing by the staff in the nursery. Our child is enjoying the nursery. She likes to play with the toys and enjoys playing in the garden. Staff are friendly and caring. Thank you.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

We are so pleased your little girl enjoys her time at the nursery and you are happy with the care from our wonderful team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery. Both my girls are very happy there. They really enjoy going and seem to have a lovely bond with the staff who work with them. My eldest is currently rehearsing for the leavers convert, she seems to have really progressed in her learning and understanding this year as she starts to get
ready for school. She loves books and counting and her show and tell time. My youngest is still in the baby room, she loves messy play! They both eat really well and get to enjoy and try a wide variety of foods.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely comments it's great to know your girls have formed close bonds with the team who care for them and have such fun at Nursery.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely fantastic! The staff at First Steps are lovely and are amazing with my daughter. We had a bad experience at another nursery prior to coming to First Steps, but all of the staff have taken time to help my daughter to settle in and have supported her personal development as an individual. I
have nothing but good things to say about First Steps and I would highly recommend First Steps.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely comments, we are so pleased that you are so happy with the care and education for your daughter from our team at First Steps following your bad experience at another nursery. Our team strive to ensure each child feels valued and special whilst they are in our care.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has really enjoyed his time at First Steps. He has really improved in confidence generally and with his learning. He looks forward to going to see all his friends and especially playing outside on the pirate ship. The staff are friendly and I feel confident leaving my son in their care.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

We are so pleased your son enjoys his time at our nursery and that you can see how he has grown in confidence whilst he has been with us - our team pride themselves on the strong bonds they build with the children in their care.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended this nursery since the age of 9 months and has loved it from day one. Nothing has been too much trouble for the staff who go the extra mile to ensure her development and happiness. She does a wide range of activities every day and always leaves exhausted! She has made many friends
and become a very well rounded little girl thanks in no small part to the care received at First Steps. I have no hesitation in putting my second daughter in there too when the time comes.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at First Steps Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely comments, it is so nice to hear that our team have cared for your daughter so well and that she has grown up to be such a confident little girl and we look forward to welcoming her sister soon.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My eldest 2 daughters went to pre school at first steps and absolutely loved it. Now my youngest goes. The staff are really friendly and great with the kids.
They do a variety of activities throughout the day and my daughter especially enjoys the messy play, something you don't always get chance to
do at home.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at first steps for approx 6 months now and she absolutely loves it. She runs in every day excited, and always comes out full of smiles. As a parent I couldn't really ask for more. Based on the daily activities she does she can never be bored. Staff always seem friendly and happy.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my daughters have been going to first steps and both from when they were babies and the staff and bursary are fantastic, I feel that from all levels the staff really care about the children and there enthusiasm is just brilliant, I would recommend this Nursery to all my friends.

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Meet the Team (3)

Lauren

Lauren Cook

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2009

Lauren (Early Years Professional BA honours degree) has the highest level of early years qualification and is an expert in her field, this is reflected in her expert team that she mentors and guides. Lauren is always willing to be hands on with the children and is truly the face of the nursery for our families. As is summed up by some words from our parents ‘Lauren….well words can’t describe the sterling job she does and always with a smile’. Lauren's two children Freddie and Elsie also attend the Nursery.


Chantelle

Chantelle Cornell

Job Title: Deputy Nursery Manager

Joined: 2010

Chantelle (Early Years Professional level 5) has been with the nursery over ten years and has completed her foundation degree and assists Lauren in the day to day running of the nursery. Chantelle has worked in all of the rooms in the nursery and is always around to offer advice and guidance to parents. She also brings her little boy Tommy to nursery with her.


Ella

Ella White

Job Title: Team Leader

Joined: 2011

Ella is our third in command at First Steps and has been with the company since 2011 after initially starting as an apprentice.
Ella now leads the baby room team as well as assists Lauren in the holiday club.