Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

18 Newport Road, Stafford ST16 1BA
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9.7 58 Reviews
  • Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School, Stafford
Footsteps Stafford has excellent transport links by road and train and is open 52 weeks of the year.

Based in a large period property with beautifully landscaped gardens, the nursery offers children lots of space to explore and have fun whilst promoting their creativity and curiosity.

Staff at Footsteps are committed to ensuring that each child can learn and develop in a safe and stimulating environment whilst supporting them to reach their true potential.

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Care Provided by Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Catherine McElroy (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 25
  • Total Places for Children
  • 81
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays

Funding & Fees Guide for Footsteps Stafford 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 on-site parking for easy drop off/pick up.


Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School Reviews (58)

Total of 58, showing 1-20
9.7

Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.667) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School has 58 reviews.

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Review from R B (Father of Child) published on 12 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An award winning nursery and you can understand straight away why that is. The staff are all professional and the facilities are out of this world. It is worth mentioning the leadership, the managers are exemplary and very warming and understanding of a parent's questions or feelings. You won't find
better in the area in my opinion. My daughter always comes home well mannered (but sad she's leaving) and also growing in education exponentially here. Please don't feel hesitant to visit and meet the team here, you won't be disappointed at all.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you so much! We are glad your daughter is making such great progress here with us.


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Review from P D (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are lovely, and friendly and keep you informed on how your child's day has been, what they have eaten and what they have been learning today. My child struggled at first but they were so lovely and helpful with getting him settled in. They follow the curriculum and my child often comes home
having learned something new. They post regular photos and updates which is lovely. They also spend lots of time outside which my child loves! The meals they prepare are excellent and they are very mindful of allergies! They are incredible compared to the childcare provider my child used to attend!

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for this and we are so happy your child enjoys nursery so much!


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Review from Kelly-Rhian H (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My children have been attending Footsteps Nursery since they were 10 months old, having started during the lockdown period. From day one, the support provided by the nursery has been exceptional, not only for my children but also for our entire family. I've seen tremendous growth and development in
both of my children, and it's been amazing to watch them flourish during these early years.


Footsteps has created an environment where my children feel safe, happy, and supported. This nurturing atmosphere has allowed them to thrive, and I truly believe that a happy child makes for a happy parent. The staff have been incredibly attentive to both the children's needs and ours as parents, ensuring that we feel confident and reassured.


I highly recommend Footsteps Nursery, not just for their excellent child development programs but for their holistic approach to supporting families. The care and dedication they offer have made a huge difference for us, and I couldn't be more grateful.


Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for your review! We have loved being part of that journey.


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Review from L W (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been so pleased with our son's experience at Footstep's Nursery, Stafford from age 1 right up to starting school. The staff have been engaging, enthusiastic and caring. They know our son very well, have catered to his interests and contributed significantly to his learning and development. We
would recommend Footsteps.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

We are so happy your son made such good progress while he was with us!


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Review from A W (Father of Child) published on 12 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery and preschool that we would highly recommend. Our elder son has been through every room over the past 3.5 years and has been well cared for; from the babies' room, all the way through to preschool. Our younger son is now at the nursery and has settled in very well. Staff are excellent
and the nursery is very well run.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you so much for your lovely review! we are glad you have been happy for the last 3.5 years


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Review from Andrew W (Father of Child) published on 10 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been going to Footsteps Stafford for over three years and is now leaving to start school. We have been delighted with the care and attention he has received from all of the staff, from the baby room through to preschool. Our younger son is currently in the baby room and has bonded very well
with the staff too. We think Footsteps Stafford is a fantastic nursery and would highly recommend it.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for your lovely recommendation, we are so happy your older child enjoyed their time here!


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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 10 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot speak highly enough about Footsteps Nursery. My little one has been there for almost 4 years (from when he was 10 months old, and I am very pleased to say that he learned so many things.
The teacher's dedication and enthusiasm create a nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages
children to explore, learn, and grow. It strikes the perfect balance between structured learning and creative play. Our child has developed a love for learning, thanks to the engaging activities and lessons that are tailored to be both fun and educational. Communication with parents is also a top priority at Footsteps Nursery. We were regularly updated on our child's progress. Footsteps it's more than just a nursery; it's a place where children are encouraged to be curious, kind, and confident. We are so grateful to have found such a wonderful place for our child and highly recommend Footsteps Nursery to any parent looking for a nurturing, educational, and joyful early learning experience.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you so much for this! we are so pleased to have been such a big part of your child's early years!


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Review from Natasha G (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our son has attended Footsteps since the age of 1. He has always received the warmest of welcome from all the staff members and developed such lovely bond with them all. My son always arrives excited to attend.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for your lovely review! It is lovely to see the children happy.


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Review from F C (Father of Child) published on 6 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The team at Footsteps have built a strong positive relationship with my child, they are supportive, adaptive and encouraging towards her development as an individual and socially with her peers. My daughter enjoys the activities, and friends she has made and is responsive to the team. She also loves
the food.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for your lovely review! The food is always a big hit.


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Review from Natasha H (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As an anxious mum who finds it hard to trust anyone with their baby, Footsteps has gone above and beyond for my boy since he started. He has come on leaps and bounds and comes home with a new skill every day! He goes in happy and comes home happy. The staff love him like he's their own family and I
can see the bonds he's created there.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

This really is lovely! thank you so much and we are happy he feels like family.


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Review from Jennifer R (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son attended from the age of 9 months until he turned 3. We had a good experience at Footsteps. He was happy throughout his time there, the staff were all caring and attentive and clearly knew my son and the other children well. It did feel at times the days could be a bit more structured - but ultimately
I knew he was safe, well looked after, had good outdoor space to play in, and lots of toys and friends.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

We are glad you enjoyed your time at nursery and especially our outdoor space!


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Review from Frankie W (Father of Child) published on 6 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending this nursery since around 5 months old and he is now approaching his 4th birthday, there is yet to be a day when I question our decision to place him in this nursery.
All staff are extremely attentive and my son developed considerably when moving through each room/stage of
his learning. I would thoroughly recommend Footsteps to anyone considering a nursery in the Stafford area.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for this! it's great your son has enjoyed so many years here and continues to make such great progress.


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Review from Robyn W (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so grateful to the staff at Footsteps, especially those in the toddler and rising 3' rooms. The room senior really understands our little boys and we've been lucky enough for him to have had her for a couple of rooms now. She takes her time to understand the child's development level and caters
for that need via play/education/conversation. Out boy loves nursery and that is down to the environment provided in the setting.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for your kind words! we are glad your son loves nursery


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Review from Sian-Louise S (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My children always receive the warmest of welcomes from all the staff teams. The staff capture wonder wow moment observations; highlighting all the fabulous activities the staff provide for our children to enjoy thought out their time at nursery. The management team are always on hand to support parents
and show just as much care for the children as the staff that work directly with the children.
Staff teams in both the toddler room and preschool room work closely with us as parents to support us with reaching milestones and show a true passion for what they do.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for our lovely review, we are glad you enjoy the wow moments!


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Review from Jade B (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves preschool, he really bonded with a few of the staff members when he started last year, and he has kept that connection, lovely staff, who are always friendly, do observations on a regular basis which is nice to see.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Lovely to hear you like to see the regular observations we send!


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Review from F W (Father of Child) published on 9 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely amazing staff, they are a credit to Footsteps! My son turns up every day excited and I have great confidence that he is looked after every second he is there. From activities to food, everything is great! I have also noticed significant development in my son and credit goes to the staff for
that.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Glad your son enjoys nursery so much and thank you for your review!


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Review from Maya L (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn't be happier with this nursery if I tried. The girls in the Mover's room are absolutely brilliant and go above and beyond daily for the children here. We have noticed a huge boost in his development since starting. He has built valuable relationships with the staff (especially one member of
staff who is just absolutely amazing) and the facilities and the whole atmosphere of the nursery is really good. Would definitely recommend and I'm going to be heartbroken when we have to take him out and send him to school!

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Sounds like your child has a great time! Thank you for such lovely feedback.


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Review from Amanda P (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children go to Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School and they both love it. My eldest walks herself into class in the morning and is always excited to go to nursery. She has learnt so much in the 18 months she has been going, the staff take great care and always informed me of everything.
My seven month has just started and so far he is settling in well and isn't having issues.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for your lovely review! So pleased your children are happy here.


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Review from T C (Father of Child) published on 5 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Footsteps have been really supportive and helpful with our daughter's first nursery experience. We are really grateful.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for your review, we are happy to help both you and your daughter!


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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

So far we have had a very positive experience. Our little boy enjoys attending. The activities they do look great. The only shame is that we can not go into the rooms to see them, we have to wait outside but this might change.

Reply from Cath McElroy, Nursery Manager at Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

Thank you for your review, we will send a plan soon for you to be able to go into rooms!


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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.667)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.667) out of 10 for Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 13 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 4.865 for Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School is calculated as follows: ( (135 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 155 Ratings = 4.865

  • 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 4.802 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School is based on 13 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 + 0.1 = 4

    • 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 81 number of registered child places is 16.2. 13 Positive Reviews ÷ 16.2 = 0.802

  • 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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Meet the Team (1)

Cath

Cath McElroy

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2019

Hello, my name is Cath, I completed my level 3 qualification in 1999 and then went on to complete my Foundation Degree in Early Years in 2013. I have been a Nursery Manager since 2013 and I joined Footsteps in March 2019.


Here at Stafford, we are proud of our partnerships with parents, and the team work closely with our families to ensure the nursery is a home-from-home environment, as well as a learning environment that encourages the children to explore and become confident before their next adventure of school.


I am passionate about early years and while no two days are ever the same there is nothing better than seeing the children engaged in activities and having lots of fun!


Frequently Asked Questions about Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School

What is the Age Range of Children that Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School accepts?

Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School Open?

Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School have capacity for?

Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School has capacity for a total of 81 Children.

How far is Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School to the centre of Stafford?

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

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Footsteps Stafford Nursery & Pre-School has a Platinum Service – more info.