Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Hawthorn House, Walsall Road, Lichfield WS13 8JL
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9.4 76 Reviews
  • Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School, Lichfield
Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School, rated Good by Ofsted (October 2022), is a leading childcare provider for children under five.

The highly trained staff are dedicated to providing the best start for all in their care by creating opportunities that enable children to flourish during their time at the setting.

Carefully planned rooms form a stimulating and safe and educational environment coupled with a large outdoor area for all ages to access.

Forest School is a key part of this outside experience; promoting sensory experiences and encouraging child-led play. This helps inspire and stimulate children's curiosity whilst letting them experience the natural world.

Footsteps is committed to continuous improvement, to ensure both families and children get the best start in life by always being ‘One Step Ahead in Childcare.’

Care Provided by Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Rebecca Clarke (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 27
  • Total Places for Children
  • 89
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays, Christmas & New Year

Funding & Fees Guide for Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

  • Nursery fees are dependent on the age of your child and your specific childcare requirements. Funding options are available, including the government’s 30 hours funded childcare, for working families with 3-4-year-old children and we also accept the Government Tax Free Childcare Scheme and childcare vouchers.


    To request pricing and availability, please call us or visit our website.


  • Parking
  • The nursery has a large dedicated on-site car park for easy drop off/pick up located next to the neighbouring Three Tuns Gastropub.


Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School Reviews (76)

Total of 76, showing 21-40
9.4

Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.378) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School has 76 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have never once worried about our child at nursery, she loves it and the staff are amazing. The support they give is brilliant. She loves all of the activities, especially drawing, painting and yoga.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for your kind comments and taking the time to write a review. I will ensure that I pass the comments on to all of the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Hawthorn nursery has outstanding facilities and excellent staff, each member of the team is warm and welcoming and goes above and beyond for each child, from making sure they settle into their new environment, to playing and helping them grow. they cover a large range of activities and my child absolutely
loves attending nursery. I wouldn't send them anywhere else.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you so much for taking time to complete a review for us. I will ensure that I pass the wonderful comments on to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A great nursery! They always have interesting, stimulating activities, such as themed weeks and outside organisations coming in, e.g. Spanish lessons, music, and sports lessons. I especially think the rising threes and preschool rooms have been particularly beneficial for my daughter.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review for us, we really do appreciate it. I will ensure that all of the staff are aware of your lovely comments.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child really struggled socialising before starting at Footsteps. But she is thriving now thanks to every single member of staff we met. They have all helped and had an influence in her last year of nursery. Could not fault it.

Reply from Sophie Jones, Deputy Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for your kind comments and taking time to review us, we really do appreciate it. I shall pass your kind words on to the staff team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

At a time when my daughter was not feeling too well, her key worker looked after her so well and stayed with her to comfort her until I was able to pick her up. Thank you for always being so understanding and caring.

Reply from Sophie Jones, Deputy Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for your kind comments and taking time to review us, we really do appreciate it. I shall pass your kind words on to the staff team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are always very friendly from the moment we enter in the morning. Even when my child has a bad morning, and isn't keen on leaving us, the staff are always on hand to help - taking him from us calmly and helping him to settle. Very reassuring and always happy for us to call and check. Lovely warm
and friendly atmosphere in all rooms. Management is approachable when I have queries or questions. Outdoor space is the best thing about this nursery (aside from the staff) - fantastic that the children have so much space and different areas to explore.

Reply from Sophie Jones, Deputy Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you so much for your kind words. I will ensure that I pass them on to the staff team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Outstanding response and observations to any and all issues. Plenty of positive feedback is given (learning, thriving) as well as negative (illness, injury, etc). Plenty of attention to detail and a new app provided for helpful correspondence.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you so much for taking the time to review us and for your kind words, we really do appreciate it. I will ensure that I pass your kind comments on to the staff.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since our son has started nursery, he has become more sociable and confident and this is no doubt due to the wonderful staff and the activities they create in the baby room. We are delighted with the care and time they give our son and couldn’t ask for anything more. We are convinced he loves nursery
more than home! We would recommend this nursery to anybody for the top-class service and level of care they offer.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for taking the time to review us and thank you for your kind words, they really do mean a lot. I will ensure that the baby room staff are aware of your review. Thank you


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery, staff genuinely care and take an interest in your child. Good communication and lovely facilities. Nice variety of food for children
Easy to park the car as well. Always a bonus when dropping off in rush hour.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I will pass your kind words onto the staff. Much appreciated.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic setting, caring staff, a wide range of activities and generally a lot of fun.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for taking the time to review us. I will share your kind words with the staff.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A fantastic nursery. My son has spent nearly four years here, and we have been so happy with the care he has received. The staff are extremely welcoming and supportive. The facilities are excellent, particularly all the wooden toys and the outside spaces. Would highly recommend.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for taking the time to review us; it is much appreciated. I will ensure that the staff are made aware of your kind words.
Kind Regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really lovely nursery, with excellent staff and facilities. My daughter has been very happy there since she was 18 months, and will be leaving preschool shortly very ready for school. Great outside space, including forest school, for all children.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you so much for your lovely comments, they mean so much to all of our team here.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at Footsteps Nursery Hawthorns for 4 years now (since she was 10 months old). The staff at Footsteps were amazing at ensuring she settled in as a baby to her now being ready for school. She has loved going to Footsteps and has made some great connections with the staff and children,
and most importantly had a safe and happy environment to play and learn. We recommend Footsteps Nursery Hawthorns to all our friends. The outdoor facilities are great with such an array of things for the children to do and learn. Our daughter loves the meadow, pirate ship and Forest School. The staff plan out great activities for learning and encourage children to use their imaginations during ‘free play’. My daughter will never forget Footsteps Nursery Hawthorns and that’s down to the wonderful staff and management. Thank you

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Than you so much Helen, for your lovely comments, they really do mean a lot.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has just left Footsteps Nursery & Forest School for school, having been there since he was a year old. We've been so happy with every room over the years; the indoor and outdoor settings are large, well equipped and beautifully maintained (forest school, in particular, is wonderful), the air
conditioning has been a blessing every summer, and he eats well (apparently the chef makes the best salsa in the world!). The staff are supportive and friendly and have all made the effort to know my son well and to meet his needs. He's emerged from nursery a very happy and confident boy who is more than ready for school. The manager and the team had an excellent response to covid restrictions; safety and wellbeing were paramount at Footsteps.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you so much for your lovely comments, it is much appreciated.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery/preschool is outstanding. My daughter has now left preschool and she has loved every second of it. The staff have managed to get my daughter to eat different variety of foods that she wouldn't normally eat at home. When she comes home from preschool she tells me all about her day, what
she's been learning and how much fun she has had. We can not fault this nursery at all and we will be looking at getting our son in once he turns 1. Thank you so much for everything you have done!

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you Chloe for your lovely comments, they really mean a lot.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our son has been really happy at Footsteps. He settled in quickly and his confidence has come on leaps and bounds thanks to the staff in the pre-school room and the support from the office staff. He has made new friends and learnt a range of new skills which will set him up nicely for the transition
into school in September.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for your lovely comments, they are much appreciated. I will ensure that I pass them on to the staff.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been at Footsteps Nursery Hawthorns since she was 9 months old, currently 2 years and we couldn’t be happier with her development, safety and support from all the staff. The facilities are good, the staff are all incredibly engaged and have built a wonderful relationship with her and
us as parents. My daughter's development has really come on leaps and bounds due to the variety of learnings, activities, and the mix of staff and children. We couldn’t recommend this nursery enough.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you, Lucy, for taking the time out to submit a review. I will ensure that I pass your kind words on to the staff in the toddler room, kind regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We’ve had a child at Footsteps Nursery & Forest School (Hawthorn) for over 6-years now and there are a small amount of people who have been there all of that time. There are some really great staff who obviously care about the children and want to help them develop. We’re very thankful for all of their
efforts and care for our top priorities in life. Their development and happiness is paramount and can’t wait to start going back in and talking to the staff more! Eldest loved his time at Footsteps and youngest is now coming along nicely and making some good friends. There have been some challenging times, but together with the management team we’ve so far been able to find the answers jointly or boys benefit. Very happy to have chosen the nursery and got to know so many of the staff! Keep up the good work!

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you James for taking the time to review us and for the lovely comments. It really does mean a lot.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery, my daughter has settled in well and enjoys going. It’s been so good to see her learn new things too (like putting her coat and shoes on) feel like she’s learnt more in this nursery than her other one already.
The only “better If” would be is that very little is entered into her learning
book - there’s only been one entry and that was when she first joined, I would love to see more entries, pics, and videos. I feel other nurseries are much better at this.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for your kind words. I will make sure that these get passed on to your daughters room.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Footsteps Hawthorn is a great establishment. My daughter has thrived since attending and enjoys her time there. In particular the staff are a real asset who seem to have genuine care for the children.

Reply from Rebecca Clarke, Manager at Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for taking the time to review us and for your lovely words.


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Current Review Score: 9.4 (9.378)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.4 (9.378) out of 10 for Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.4 out of 5 from 9 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 4.972 for Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School is calculated as follows: ( (105 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 108 Ratings = 4.972

  • 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 4.406 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Footsteps Lichfield Nursery & Pre-School is based on 9 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 + 0.1 = 3.9

    • 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 89 number of registered child places is 17.8. 9 Positive Reviews ÷ 17.8 = 0.506

  • 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

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Meet the Team (2)

Rebecca

Rebecca Clarke

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2017

Hello, my name is Becky, and I have been working in the early years since 1996. I have been a Nursery Manager since 2014 and joined Footsteps in 2017.


I am level 5 qualified in early childhood and level 3 forest school.


I am passionate about the outdoors and believe that outdoor environments are essential to a child’s learning and development.


Our nursery offers activities, experiences, and opportunities for children to thrive, and our dedicated staff team cater for each child’s individual needs.


Sophie

Sophie Jones

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2017

Hi, I’m Sophie the Deputy Manager here at Lichfield Nursery. I have worked for the company since 2017.


When I started working here at Lichfield Nursery, I was employed as a level 2 qualified nursery nurse, however, over the years I have developed my professional career within the company.


I have worked my way up to become a level 3 qualified nursery nurse, level 3 SENCO officer and Deputy Manager.


I am very dedicated to my job; I have a strong passion for planning challenging activities daily and watching children thrive in their learning and development.