Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Stirling Road, Clifton Moor, York YO30 4TU
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9.6 44 Reviews
  • Blue Sky Day Nursery (York), York
Blue Sky Day Nursery York is the second in a small chain of local family owned and run day nurseries, the first opened in 2005 and has been going from strength to strength ever since.

As parents themselves they understand the difficulties balancing being a parent with running a home, work and other commitments so they aim to offer childcare that is not only of the highest quality but fits in with what you need!

Therefore they try to offer services that will meet your every childcare requirement.

When looking to expand the business the factors most important to them were team, location and facilities. They wanted a bright, warm and friendly space filled with love, colour and light, where children and parents can feel at home, comfortable and safe.

They believe they have found all of that and more in their York branch where fantastically flexible care is provided by an amazing team of loving, caring, qualified, childcare professionals who want to care for your child as they would their own.

The outdoor play area is a huge bonus to the setting and they utilise this daily, allowing the children as many hours as possible to enjoy the opportunity for fresh air, exercise and learning in a secure, fun and sometimes messy outside environment.

Meals are prepared on site fresh each day and aim to cover a wide range of healthy balanced meals.

Their menu is based on the ‘eat well plate’ which is low in salt and sugar but high in fruit, vegetables and lean meats.

Staff never force a child to eat anything but the caring team will encourage children to try and experience new and exciting foods to widen their taste palates which all adds to their learning experience. They happily cater for allergies, food intolerances and religious or special dietary needs.

Care Provided by Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Chelsie Jones (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 14
  • Total Places for Children
  • 45
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 2 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 & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

  • Full day 7:30 - 6pm - from £69.75.
    Half day 7:30 -12:30 / 1pm-6pm - from £42.50.


  • For more fee information on ad hoc care, creche sessions, or funding, please contact the office.


Blue Sky Day Nursery (York) Reviews (44)

Total of 44, showing 21-40
9.6

Blue Sky Day Nursery (York) has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.595) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Blue Sky Day Nursery (York) has 44 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Can't believe how well tuned the staff are to the needs of the children. I was very impressed at the settling in session. They were very creative with the paints and even used objects and toys to paint with, for example, car tracks. My daughter has never laughed so much since she got there and she even
said goodbye to all the staff. A very excellent little nursery tucked away and doesn't always get the publicity it deserves. They have a massive play area outside which includes real play mud kitchen equipment. They get regular snacks here which include fruit as they promote healthy eating and always have water to hand. I look forward to sending my little boy there too when he's older. If you're looking for a nursery for your child then look no further, send them here, they even take the free government funding. They even provide a creche service at £6 an hour and the staff are so down to earth and chilled out, I feel very safe and happy to leave my child/children in their care.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Steps Nursery has such a lovely family feel. All the staff seem to know our child really well even though she only attends twice-weekly Creche sessions. She is so happy and content to be left here and literally comes out bouncing up and down with joy. The activities are varied, I love how they
go outdoors as much as possible and utilise the gym facilities and the freshly cooked meals smell yummy. All of the staff are really caring and nurturing and seem to get to know the children individually, they have been great at encouraging our fussy eater and have also been enthusiastic about potty training. I feel totally confident leaving my child in their care.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely fantastic nursery.
My child’s key worker is amazing as are all the other staff. My son was very quiet and shy when he first attended but this nursery has brought him on leaps and bounds. I would definitely recommend this nursery and have done so previously.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An absolutely amazing nursery. After relocating to York and looking for a nursery for my little boy I couldn't be happier. The staff are amazing they went above and beyond to help my little boy settle into his new environment. Cannot recommend this place highly enough. Seeing my little boy waving me
off with a smile on his face shows to me that he loves it and I made the right choice.

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Hi Rachel, Thank you so much for you kind words. We are so pleased to hear how happy you are with your choice. Your child is a real joy to look after. Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both our sons went to First Steps; they still go to Kids Camp during the school holidays too! The staff are extremely caring, they obviously love their jobs too and are always happy to see the boys. The newer purpose built nursery is fantastic. So many toys and activities for the children to do and
a kitchen where they prepare fresh healthy food. The boys always came home with tales of the fun things they'd done when at nursery and had a brilliant time at kids camp during half term too. I have already recommended First Steps @ Roko to my cousin and her little boy goes there now too. A lovely outdoor play area that is very safe and secure.

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Thank you so much for your lovely review. It is so lovely that even through the boys have left nursery we still get to see them in kids camp and watch them grow and develop. Thank you


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has only just started nursery and the staff were so supportive during the initial transition offering additional settling in sessions to ensure my daughter and myself were happy before I returned to work.


Since properly starting nursery my daughter is always smiling when I collect her

and laughing with the staff showing that she enjoys her time with them and they look after her.


If ever I have any requests the staff always follow through with them and update me on the situation when I collect her.


The staff are friendly and fun and the facilities are lovely. There is an extensive outdoor play area and this was a selling point to me when I was choosing a nursery.


I know I'm new to first steps but I am very happy with the service they provide and would recommend them to prospective parents.


Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. We are so pleased that your child has now settled into nursery routine, she is a real joy to care for.
It is lovely to hear that by offering you the additional settling in sessions, this has helped with both your transitions.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl has really thrived during her time at First Steps and has become more confident in exploring lots of activities and experiences. The Manager and her team have supported her learning and have helped her develop, gently introducing her to lots of different experiences which have prepared
her for school and become much less anxious when met with new experiences. The parents evenings were always informative and captured my little girl's personality. The staff team were all friendly and kind and they will be missed by my daughter as she moves to school. Thank you, everyone, for helping prepare for and her transition into school .

Reply from Mike Marks, Director at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Thank you for your lovely comments. We will all miss her and hope that she has a great time at school (but hope can come back to see us at Holiday Club soon!).
From the Manager and all of the nursery staff.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A fantastic nursery with a warm and caring family feel. Like most parents, I really struggled leaving my child on his first day at nursery but have never looked back - all the staff are absolutely lovely & so supportive. My child has been going for nearly 3 years - he is so confident and loves all of
the staff, the yummy homemade food and the wide variety of activities, he especially loves playing in the cabin and the big outdoor garden most days. He is ridiculously excited to be starting kids camp in the holidays. We recently had a new baby & Amanda went above and beyond to help prepare my little boy for the arrival, I was so touched. Such a super nursery and team that go above and beyond - I couldn't ask for more!

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

I am so pleased to hear that you feel our nursery has a family feel, this is exactly the atmosphere that we wanted to create. Your child has been a real pleasure and joy to care for and watch him grow and develop and we will continue to support all the children in the best possible way that we can.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Steps @ Roko is a hidden gem! We wanted to send our child to a small nursery with a real family feel and First Steps @ Roko is just that! The baby room has an environment which is cosy and loving with great space for sleeping and playing outdoors. The toddler room is bright and welcoming, bustling
with activity. The nursery management is impressive- good communication with parents and lovely staff ethos (staff turnover seems extremely low- and we know all the staff by name!) We looked at very many nurseries in York before choosing First Steps @ Roko for it's caring feel and engaged staff. We couldn't recommend it enough!

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Hi M M,
Thank you so much for your lovely comments and feedback, I am glad that you feel that nursery has a family feel this is just the atmosphere that we wanted to create. Your child has settled into nursery life really well and has started to make some excellent relationships.
Thanks
First Steps Team


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl attends First Steps Nursery and has done from being 9 months old. She really enjoys her nursery days as they are filled with fun, creative and interesting activities. The facilities are brilliant with a great outdoor area she loves to play. Her older brother and sister also attended the
nursery as babies -to 4 years and left to start school as confident happy children with thanks to First Steps Nursery their great team and management.

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Thank you so much Emma for your lovely review, it has been so lovely to watch all your 3 children grow and develop into the confident children they are today.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful and vibrant day nursery. The staff have worked hard to enhance both the indoor and outdoor provision to extend children's learning wherever possible.
They also run a fantastic school holiday club for older children.

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Hi Karina,
Thank you so much for your review and your positive comments. It is lovely that you have recognised how hard all the staff work, to ensure that the children get the best out of their day.
Thank you
First Steps Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really friendly staff who show real interest in my children and their development. They give separate feedback to me when I am unable to go in person to pick my children up. Lovely environment with home cooking and great facilities.

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Hi Emily,
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really value your positive comments and feedback. Both your children are lovely, a pleasure to care for. All staff put a lot of effort into ensuring that they know all children at nursery well, this allows us to ensure that we are meeting every child's and families needs at all times, it is great that you can identify this too.
Thank you
First Steps Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My girls have been here about 5 times for the Summer Camp and they absolutely love it! They hate it when I turn up to collect them as they want to stay all day! A special thanks to the Manager, the deputy manager and everyone else who have made my girls feel welcome. Keep up your excellent work!

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Hi Caroline,
Thank you so much for your lovely review. I am so glad to hear that your children enjoy attending the school holiday club and the activities that we provide. We try really hard to ensure that we provide a range of activities for the children during the day, to make their day as stimulating as possible.
Thank you
First Steps Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am exceedingly pleased with First Steps nursery for my daughter (21 months old).
The staff are so thoughtful and attentive to all the children. They spend considerable time preparing activities for the children that are not only fun but also help them learn about specific topics.
My daughter
loves going to nursery and that is thanks to the staff and management creating such a welcoming place for her to attend.
Thank you First Steps, great job :-)

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Hi Roharna,
Thank you so much for your positive review. We are so glad to hear that you are happy with nursery, your child has settled in so well and is a joy to care for. We are also glad that you value the activities that she takes part in during the day, we spend considerable time planning activities for each child's individual interests and next steps, it is great that you recognise this.
We are glad that you find our nursery and staff welcoming, this is just what we want to achieve.
Thank you
First Steps Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Steps York is an excellent nursery. The management and staff are all dedicated, hardworking and caring professionals. It gives me such peace of mind knowing that my daughter is safe and well cared for while at nursery.


The management and staff are all so caring, dedicated, enthusiastic

and provide stimulating fun. There is also excellent learning facilities/activities for the children. The outdoor space is also brilliant and is used by the nursery most days which I think is great for the children.


My daughter has learnt so much and grown so much in confidence over the 3 1/2 years she has been there. I rate First Steps York and the management of it so highly and am very grateful to the management and staff that my daughter was so happy there for the first few important years of her life.


Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Hi Claire,
Thank you so much for your positive review. It is really positive to hear how professional and hardworking you think the staff are, because they all put great passion into what they do on a daily basis and for this to be recognised is super.
We work really hard to develop the outdoor area, ensuring this is on offer for the children daily because we are able to see the real benefits of the outdoors to children's development.
Your daughter has been a joy to care for, it has been lovely watching her grow and develop over the time she has been here, we will really miss her when she goes to school, but she is definitely ready for this new chapter in her life.
Thank you
First Steps Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly/homely feel to the nursery. My little one has been attending since Sept 15 she settled in with no issues. I felt supported by the nursery in settling her in there. I firmly believe her interaction and development at nursery has really accelerated her learning and social development.
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very flexible with any extra sessions required.

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Hi Karen,
Thank you so much for your feedback, it is great to hear that you feel the nursery is homely, that is just the atmosphere that we want to create.
I am also glad that you have seen a difference in her learning and socialising since she has been at nursery this is really positive to hear. This feed back really means a lot to staff to know that they are doing a good job.
Thank you
First Steps Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have found the staff to be friendly, caring, approachable and responsive to my daughter - without exception.
When I speak about the manager to others I say she's like a 'baby whisperer' as on the few occasions either of my children has been upset on entering nursery or holiday club she has immediately
calmed, soothed and skilfully welcomed them into the setting.
The booking and billing is efficient and both the manager and her deputy always do their best to accommodate requests, even when they may be at very short notice.
The setting is always clean, the food variety is good and the activities are varied. My children come away happy every single time.

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Hi Fiona,
Thank you so much for your review, we really value your feedback and positive comments.
Your daughter is a pleasure to look after and is progressing well in all areas, she has formed some great relationships with staff and peers.
We are glad that you find the billing and booking system easy, we try to be as efficient as possible to make things as easy as we can for parents.
Thank you
First Steps Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been in full time care with First Steps from 7 months old to 4 years from when he went to school. He now insists that he attends Kids Camp in the school holidays with First Steps, as he misses the team that have made him so happy over the past 4 years. His skills, both socially and academically
that he learnt with First Steps, have meant that he is doing extremely well at school and has fitted in very well despite not knowing anyone else where he started.
I am very grateful to First Steps and would never hesitate in recommending them to anyone.

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for your review and your positive comments, your child is a joy to care for. It is great that we still see him when he comes back to the holiday club, so we can see how he is developing further.
I am also pleased to hear that your child has settled well into school and that you believe that this is due to the skills that he has learnt while at nursery, this is really positive.
Thank you
First Steps Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended this nursery for the last 18 months. She loves going here and I have been extremely pleased with the staff and the facilities. My daughter especially loves the role play cabin and playing outside and always comes home full of stories about what they have been doing. Highly recommend!

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Hi Katie,
Thank you so much for your positive comments, it is very clear to see that when your child goes outside they love to access to role play cabin, it is a massive part of their day.
The staff really value your positive comments and feedback.
Thank you
First Steps Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy absolutely loves nursery and all the staff. He is so excited to arrive in the morning and doesn't want to leave at the end of the day!!
I feel confident to leave him with the staff and know that he will be well looked after and entertained for the day.

Reply from Amanda Cordingley, Nursery Manager at Blue Sky Day Nursery (York)

Hi Laura,
Thank you so much for your positive feedback and comments, it is a great sign that your child does not want to leave at the end of the day. He is a joy to care for and has formed excellent relationships with all staff especially his key person.
Thank you
First Steps Team.


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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.595)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.595) out of 10 for Blue Sky Day Nursery (York) 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 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 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 4.906 for Blue Sky Day Nursery (York) is calculated as follows: ( (88 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 96 Ratings = 4.906

  • 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 4.689 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Blue Sky Day Nursery (York) 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 45 number of registered child places is 9. 8 Positive Reviews ÷ 9 = 0.889

  • 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 (8)

Vivienne

Vivienne Pooleman

Job Title: Nursery Owner

Vivienne purposely built Blue Sky in 2005, she takes an active role in the nursery and has a degree in Working with Children and Young People.


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Jo Watson

Job Title: Area Manger

Jo is Blue Sky's Area Manager, she works across all our sites and has a BA Hons in Early Childhood studies.


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Chelsie Jones

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2021

•   Childcare Level 6
•   Qualified Teaching Status
•   First Aid
•   DBS checked
•   Safeguarding Level 3
•   Setting SENCo
•   Food and Hygiene Level 3


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Mary

Job Title: Deputy Manager

•   Childcare Level 3
•   First Aid
•   DBS checked
•   Safeguarding Level 3
•   Food and Hygiene Level 2


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Kim

Job Title: Room Leader

Joined: 2020

•   Baby Room leader
•   Childcare Level 3
•   First Aid
•   DBS checked
•   Safeguarding Level 2
•   Food and Hygiene Level 2


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Emma Reynolds

Job Title: Room Leader

Joined: 2022

•   Toddler Room leader
•   Childcare Level 3
•   First Aid
•   DBS checked
•   Safeguarding Level 2
•   Food and Hygiene Level 2


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Morgan

Job Title: Room Leader

Joined: 2023

•   Preschool Room leader
•   Childcare Level 6
•   First Aid
•   DBS checked
•   Safeguarding Level 2
•   Food and Hygiene Level 2


Spencer

Spencer Hodgson

Job Title: Caretaker

Spencer is our handyman and caretaker