Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

Asda Distribution Centre, Staithes Road, Pattinson Industrial Estate, Washington NE38 8NW
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9.9 33 Reviews
Stepping Stones Washington opened in 1998, and is well-established in the community. Located just outside Washington town centre, it was awarded Good by Ofsted in 2023.

The nursery's warm, homely environment has age-appropriate equipment and resources to create stimulating surroundings where the dedicated team can help your child develop through a wide range of creative and sensory activities.

The large outdoor space is especially popular, with a mix of grass and rubber surfaces and activities from sand pits to mud kitchens and vegetable patches to bug gardens.

Fundraising events throughout the year bring nursery and community together, and the popular stay and play sessions help parents get a flavour of nursery life and the activities your child enjoys.

The nursery also extend children's learning beyond nursery, with homework bags and activities to help their development at home.
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Care Provided by Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Terri Fos (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 29
  • Total Places for Children
  • 98
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:00-18:00
    Tuesday 07:00-18:00
    Wednesday 07:00-18:00
    Thursday 07:00-18:00
    Friday 07:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays

Funding & Fees Guide for Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

  • Available Sessions
    Full Day (10 Hours)
    Option 1; 7.30am to 5.30pm
    Option 2; 8.00am to 6.00pm
    Short Day (7.5Hours)
    9.00am to 4.30pm
    Morning (5 Hours)
    8.00am to 1.00pm
    Afternoon (5 Hours)
    1.00pm to 6.00pm

  • Funding is available for children aged from 9 months, subject to availability.
    A full list of our fees is available in our nursery prospectus.
  • Parking

  • Free Parking Onsite


Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington Reviews (33)

Total of 33, showing 1-20
9.9

Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.856) out of 10, based on 33 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington has 33 reviews.

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Review from Beth T (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at the nursery back in 2022 not long after her 2nd birthday. She built great bonds with the staff where her communication skills and personality were able to grow and grow. She loved every second of her time at the nursery and was sad to leave when it was time to start school. Since
then, my son has started at the nursery when he was 17 months. Again, he absolutely loves the nursery and gets excited to go. He is developing so much and we have noticed a big difference in his talking and his ability to eat independently.
Overall, we have always had a great experience with both children in all rooms within the nursery. Our kids have both loved it and I would always recommend.

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Review from Leah H (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Stepping stones has been an amazing nursery for our little boy! He has attended since may 2024 and I was very anxious at the start but the staff have been brilliant! The nursery itself is a great space and offers the children lots to do, we love that when the weather is good the staff take the children
out for walks and to the park. The staff are brilliant and our little one has developed lovely relationships with them. The nursery are very accommodating if your child has dietary requirements etc and been very accommodating when we've needed extra sessions!

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Review from Rebecca H (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had our little boy at Stepping Stones for the last few years now. He started off in babies and is now in Preschool and he has loved every single day at nursery. We have never had any issues with him going in each day; he has loved all the staff members and now he is talking. He tells us how
much fun he has with all his friends and teachers. The staff at Stepping Stones are second to none; the care and attention they give your little ones is incredible and the bond they build makes it so much easier to leave your child in their care. Our little girl has recently started in the baby room and she was a little more hesitant, but she has the best relationships with all the staff now and settles really quickly. The staff go above and beyond to make your little one feel as comfortable as possible and they really help bring them out of their shell. I couldn't recommend Stepping Stones enough to anyone looking to put their child into nursery.

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Review from Amy M (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have two daughters who attend Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington. Our eldest is now 4 and has been attending since she was 11 months old. Our youngest is 15 months old and has been at Stepping Stones for 6 months. Both girls have come on so much since starting nursery. It's been lovely to see
our eldest flourish there and to see our youngest going the same way is fantastic. Our eldest daughter has multiple allergies, and the staff at Stepping Stones have been very vigilant in keeping her safe while at nursery. It's a pleasure to collect them and hear about what a lovely day they have had, especially when we hear it first-hand from our 4-year-old.

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Review from Suzie C (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended this nursery since he was 9 months old (January 2023). From the minute I visited the nursery I knew it was the right fit. Every member of staff have been absolutely amazing in every way. They have made the transition from my son starting the nursery to moving up into the toddler
room extremely easy. I have felt supported during this whole process. Every member of staff has welcomed my family. Extremely professional, and extremely informative and I know they take extra care when looking after my son and all of the other children. They have supported myself and my son when he has been poorly, upset, meal times and potty training! My son has developed skills throughout his journey at this nursery since starting and he absolutely loves it. I find it incredible that the staff adapt to each individual child and I feel they are all so caring. My mind is at total ease when my son is there. Could not recommend this nursery enough.

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Review from W W (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Washington Nursery Team has been great with our child's development and keeping us informed of various development stages and daily activities. Daily activities vary and our child has an opportunity to do something different each day, whether it is the music room, sensory play, books toys, singing
a song, outdoor play etc. The illness notices are available when necessary and of course, the staff call when necessary for non-standard updates. The full team including admin staff are amazing, friendly and always helpful. No phone call from a parent to check if their child is ever too big or small. The daily rate is reasonable and affordable for working parents. Staff are very helpful with administration advice. Big thank you to all the staff working at The Washington Nursery.

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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My one-year-old has been going to Stepping Stones Washington for 7 months now and I couldn't be happier. The staff are wonderful, so attentive and caring. It's clear they genuinely care about your child's well-being and development.
It's amazing to see how much my girl has developed through all the
activities and fun they have. The food is also brilliant and the menu has loads of variety.
She absolutely loves going to nursery and I love it too, highly recommend it!

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Review from Z D (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Stepping Stones provides a loving, caring and stimulating environment for my little girl who is in the toddler room. She enjoys going in every day and has built really strong relationships with the staff and other children. She has learnt so much and continues to develop every day. We are excited for
her to start in the preschool room soon.

Reply from Terri Fos, Manager at Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

Thank you for the lovely words, this means a lot to the whole team and it has been fantastic watching your little grow and develop through the rooms with ourselves.


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Review from B M (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended Stepping Stones since the end of last year, he does two full days per week and I can honestly say he absolutely loves it. It is such a safe environment for our son which is very important to us. The staff are amazing, so bubbly and kind-hearted and you can genuinely tell they want
to be there. My little boy's confidence has grown so much since starting the nursery and I can't wait to see him grow more in the future while at stepping stones. The only thing I would say is a letdown for the nursery is they don't update parents on what children have done during the day, it would be nice to have an app where photos of my little boy can be shared with me and his dad so we can see what he is during throughout the day.

Reply from Terri Fos, Manager at Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

it has been amazing seeing how your little one has developed in confidence with us, the girls are honoured to have been part of his development, thank you.


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Review from Alexandra P (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My boy has been with the Stepping Stones Nursery since he was only 7 months old. He is now in preschool and he just loves to go back every day even if sometimes he would prefer to stay with me (the mother) or his father at home. He has learned so much and it's all thanks to the amazing staff at the
nursery. All the learning activities and the fun he is having there are contributing immensely to his development and we are glad we've chosen this nursery for him. The outside space and the trails in nature are really great as well.

Reply from Terri Fos, Manager at Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

Thank you for the review, it is amazing to hear and the whole team have loved being part of your little one's learning and development with ourselves as we prepare him for his next adventures.


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Review from H F (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so glad we placed our son in this nursery. He wasn't very social/didn't have good speech at the time, however, since he's been here in September he's progressed massively. The staff are amazing and always give us a good rundown of everything that's happened whilst he's been there. My son has
also completed potty training with the help of the nursery staff whilst being there, can't fault the nursery at all. They are absolutely amazing!

Reply from Terri Fos, Manager at Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

This is lovely to hear and the team will love the feedback, thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review.


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Review from L G (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery. My daughter started at Stepping Stones Day Nursery in September 2024, I was really nervous going back to work and having to leave her. But I had nothing to worry about the staff are lovely and friendly, always comfort her when she was upset with drop offs. My daughter now puts her
arms out to go the nursery staff now which is great!

Reply from Terri Fos, Manager at Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

Thank you for your lovely review, this means a lot to the team and we are so happy we have been able to make your return to work a smooth one.


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Review from Alex R (Father of Child) published on 17 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Stepping Stones has been great for our child since we started taking him, he has learnt a lot and we are grateful for the friendly, welcoming staff and key worker who are there every week for him. Highly recommended.

Reply from Terri Fos, Manager at Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

This is fantastic to hear the girls will be very happy to receive your lovely feedback thank


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Review from Rachel T (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I personally found returning to work from maternity leave an incredibly stressful time, but the staff at Stepping Stones made the transition as smooth as possible. The staff have gone out of their way to make sure my son felt comfortable and always keep me up to date with how he spends his days there.
They seem to do so many fun activities with the kids and my son has built wonderful connections with many of the carers there, the environment is clean and engaging and my son and I both love it!

Reply from Terri Fos, Manager at Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

Thank you for your lovely review, this means a lot to the team and we are so happy we have been able to make your return to work a smooth one.


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Review from A P (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter absolutely loves coming to nursery, which is a reflection of the excellent relationships she has developed with the staff. She enjoys the variety of the provision of activities provided and has continued to thrive as a consequence.

Reply from Terri Fos, Manager at Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

Thank you for the lovely review, the team will be happy to receive the wonderful feedback it really means a lot.


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Review from L L (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our child has progressed through the nursery from the baby room and recently moved in to preschool. She has made very strong relationships with a variety of staff members and more recently staff have fully supported things like dropping naps, potty training etc. We have seen so much confidence and friendships
developed over the past couple of years.

Reply from Terri Fos, Manager at Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

This is lovely to hear there is nothing more rewarding to see when a child's confidence has flourished with the support of our care. Thank you for the lovely review this means a lot to the whole team.


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Review from Kerry M (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Stepping Stones are a wonderful nursery that considers the needs of our son. They have supported him with his milestones and provides a great package of care. Thank you for all that you do.

Reply from Terri Fos, Manager at Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

Thank you for your lovely review this means a lot to the whole team and we are so happy to be part of your son's development.


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Review from Emily O (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy attends Pre-School here and has struggled to transition having not attended a childcare provision before which was not family.
The staff identified his struggle and came up with practical solutions to support him and ultimately make him feel safe, secure and happy.
Home/Nursery communication
is excellent. All staff are friendly, approachable, professional and show a genuine interest and level of care.
Facilities are clean, safe and interesting to the children with a range of activities being carried out and linked to local, national and worldwide events/celebrations.
Would highly recommend Stepping Stones in Washington.

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Review from Jenny C (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Stepping Stones since he was 7 months old and is now 3 years old. He absolutely loves his nursery days, excited to go in and see his friends, enjoys the food and activities and always smiling when we collect him. His confidence is growing more and more and he is learning new
skills all the time. This week he has been showing us the days of the week in sign language. He loves the outdoor space, the crafts and seems so content and comfortable there.

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Review from Sarah B (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started Stepping Stones in August 2022, joining just before her 1st birthday. As a first-time mam, I had never left her for longer than an hour or two and only ever with family, so the prospect of leaving her for 10-hour days on my return to work was very daunting. Although it took her a
number of weeks to adjust, I needn’t have worried as it was clear from the start she was in good hands. The staff quickly established bonds with her and before long she was running in for drop-offs, and now 18 months down the line she doesn’t even look back when I drop her and asks to go to nursery on days she isn’t scheduled to attend. Her development has been phenomenal and I put almost all of that down to the support she has received at nursery. I’d have absolutely no qualms recommending the nursery to others and have already signed my 6-month daughter up when my current maternity leave ends.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.856)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.856) out of 10 for Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington 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 33 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 33 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 4.856 for Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington is calculated as follows: ( (342 Excellents x 5) + (51 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 396 Ratings = 4.856

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington is based on 33 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 98 number of registered child places is 19.6, which has been reached with 33 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • 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

Awards / Recognitions (1)

Top 20 Mid-size Nursery Groups 2024

Recipient: Stepping Stones Nurseries Ltd

Date: Thursday 28 Mar 2024 More details

News (0) & Events (0)

News

Upcoming Events

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Meet the Team (2)

Terri

Terri Fos

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2019

Hello

My name is Terri and I have been at Stepping Stones as Manager for the last 5 years.

I am an early Years Teacher and hold a wide range of early years qualifications and experience in working with children.

Our team at Washington aim to create a warm, caring, home-from-home environment for your child to thrive and feel safe as they learn and develop with us!

... Read more
Lisa

Lisa

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2013

Hello there,

I have been at Stepping Stones for 11 years, starting as a supply and quickly working my way up through the roles to Preschool Senior and Deputy Manager of which I am very proud!

I have a level 4 SENDCo qualification and am trained in strategies to support and develop children’s early speech and language.

... Read more

Frequently Asked Questions about Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington

What is the Age Range of Children that Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington accepts?

Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington Open?

Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington is open: Monday 07:00-18:00, Tuesday 07:00-18:00, Wednesday 07:00-18:00, Thursday 07:00-18:00, Friday 07:00-18:00.

How many Children does Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington have capacity for?

Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington has capacity for a total of 98 Children.

How far is Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington to the centre of Washington?

0.8 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 Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Stepping Stones Day Nursery - Washington has an Enhanced Service – more info.