First Steps Junior Academy

66a Gilford Road, Portadown, Craigavon BT63 5EF
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9.9 61 Reviews
  • First Steps Junior Academy, Craigavon
First Steps Junior Academy offers a loving homely environment for your child. First Steps has been a vital part of the community for many years. The large house has been renovated and extended to provide a high standard of care and facilities for children aged 3 months to 4 years. Every day at First Steps is fun filled and stimulating with age appropriate resources and activities in every room.

They have a variety of visitors coming to the nursery throughout the year including Jo Jingles, the police, the fire brigade, a nurse and many more. They believe this helps to compliment learning through play and the Pre-School Curriculum.

The garden is securely fenced, allowing the children the opportunity to explore outside and enjoy the large climbing frame. The nursery also provides after school care within the setting. Afternoon collections and summer schemes are available for children attending the local schools.

The cook provides a wide variety of nutritionally balanced meals for every child’s individual dietary requirements. At First Steps, carers strive to deliver a high standard of care ensuring they meet the needs of every individual child.

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Care Provided by First Steps Junior Academy

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lisa May Heron (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 22
  • Total Places for Children
  • 65
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 6 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
  • Public Holidays

Funding & Fees Guide for First Steps Junior Academy

  • Full-time Day Care - £226.50 per week
    Full Day- £53.00 per day
    Half Day - £37.50 per half day
    Two children – Full time only - £416.00 per week
    Afterschool - £27.00 per session
    Morning & Afterschool - £32.50 per session

First Steps Junior Academy Reviews (61)

Total of 61, showing 1-20
9.9

First Steps Junior Academy has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.917) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time First Steps Junior Academy has 61 reviews.

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Review from R O (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are excellent. Nothing is ever too much trouble. My child loves attending and I'm very happy leaving them in the care of the staff at First Steps Junior Academy. The activities are lovely and really well thought out. Management is approachable and is always happy to help.

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Review from Suresh B (Father of Child) published on 21 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter is going to First Steps Junior Academy for almost a year and she enjoys it very much that she asks to go back during the weekend.
As working parents, we are very glad to see our child is enjoying her nursery and we don't need to worry about her during our days.
First Steps helped so much
for our daughter's mental and physical growth in last year.
It was the best decision for us and our daughter to join First Steps.
Staff take pride in their work and help all the children to grow.
Keep doing good work.
Thank you.

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Review from David M (Father of Child) published on 21 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our first child started attending First Steps Junior Academy in 2024. First Steps have been fantastic at integrating her into her new routine, as well as keeping my wife and I informed and at peace with our decision to send our baby here. The manager is phenomenal at what she does and the rest of the
team are angels. Looking forward to continuing to use First Steps in the years to come.

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Review from Emily J (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going here since she was 2 and loves it. She loves all the staff and has lots of fun when she's in. The staff are friendly and have been a great help with potty training and ensuring my daughter's dietary requirements are met. Definitely recommend this daycare

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Review from Eimear S (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter was very nervous about starting nursery but the staff were so patient with her and helped her settle at her own pace.
She really loves going now and we can really see how much it is benefiting her speech and relationships with others.
Couldn't ask for a better nursery!

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Review from Jason H (Father of Child) published on 20 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been at this nursery from toddlers to now attending after school and she loves it.
Great staff who go out of their way to look after each child's welfare.
Great communication and constant updates about what's going on in all the age groups.
Keep up the great work.

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Review from Sam S (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Steps in Portadown is First class.
My son has attended here since he was 1 and is now in P1 attending the after-school club. Each of the rooms he has been through is filled with wonderful staff, who really care about childcare and their development.
Leaving my 1 year old off to go back to work
was daunting, I am very hard to please and had the highest expectations. I need not have worried as the staff were fabulous and my boy really enjoyed his days in the baby room. They do the transitions between groups well and as he progressed to the toddler room, the pre-school room and now the after schools it's been great and smooth sailing. The manager is easy to approach, open and has a clear love for providing a great environment for children. I have yet to come across a member of staff my child or I did not like. I now have a 4-month-old too and when it's time to go back to work, I'll have zero reservations on heading back to First Steps!

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Review from A N (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son thrives in First Steps. The staff are excellent with him.
He is learning so much. His speech is coming along.
He is always so excited to go and has so much fun with all his friends.
The food is great and such a variety.
The facility is always so clean.
The manager is so friendly and approachable.

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Review from Siu T (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have used this nursery. First steps in Portadown. Management and staff are really nice and accommodating to our needs. Even during COVID it was really well run. Over the years we've used the baby room and toddler room and my children were really happy in both of them.

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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The nursery manager so welcoming and helpful when I was anxious at first whilst my baby was settling into the nursery.
Excellent service from all staff. Really listen to what you've got to say and also give me knowledgeable advice which is great being a first-time mother.
My toddler has now come
on leaps and bounds and much of this has come from First Steps. Much to play with and do both inside and out.
Although I would like more use of the app so I can see what he's getting up to.
Also would be helpful if maybe the weekly menus were available on the app if possible as sometimes I forget to look at them in advance, just a thought.

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Review from Claire L (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A wonderful nursery, my little one absolutely loves being here! We just started in Dec 2023 and the nursery operates a phased entry which was perfect for us both.
My little one adores the staff at First Steps and gets so excited when arriving for the day. The food is excellent, the range of toys and
activities keeps them so busy and helps them nap twice a day (something I thought would be impossible in nursery).
I love the app where I can see all the useful info for the day, what new food was on the menu and usually a little picture enjoying play time - it really helps me get through a day of work seeing how happy they are and it makes me feel much better about using a nursery.
We couldn’t recommend them enough and look forward to many years of pictures and crafts (and snacks!) from First Steps!

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Review from Dagmara W (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Nursery staff very professional and helpful. My son is enjoying being in nursery. I see big developments in him. All my request for his habits and routine are respectful. Love the app and see his photos of what he is doing and check how he eats etc.

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Review from Hannah S (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

One member of staff in particular has been a little gem towards my daughter. She is so thoughtful and caring. My daughter goes to her every morning not a problem, arms out for her to hold her. All the girls are fantastic and do a great job. I'm delighted with her care. She loves going to First Steps,
this makes leaving her very easy.

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Review from Daniel L (Father of Child) published on 30 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child attends the toddler section of First Steps Junior Academy. The staff here always go above and beyond in their duty of care.
The level of attention given to each individual child is incredible and has had a dramatic effect on my son's development.
The food each day is of very high quality
and we are always kept up to date with what was eaten and what was not via the daily log recorded in the parent app.
Alongside all this, the staff even find time to leave a personal update and photo of my son participating in one of the days' activities, the action shots are so cute and always a highlight of my day, like I am right there with him.
Overall I cannot recommend the staff enough and not just in November, this standard has been upheld since my son first attended the infant section in 2022.
We look forward to spending many more years with First Steps Academy and take great comfort in knowing that it is money well spent on an excellent level of care! Thank you!

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Review from S M (Father of Child) published on 24 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First Steps provide a first class service. They take the time to get to know each individual child, their needs and interests. The staff work hard to ensure that there are a range of activities to keep the children occupied and interested. Nothing is too much bother. Food is freshly home-cooked and
the requirements of individual children are taken into account and catered for without issue.

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Review from J T (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 4 year old son has been going to First Steps Junior Academy for almost 9 months now, and he absolutely loves it. They are very flexible and have great hours. I can see the growth and learning every day! All of the carers in the senior room love having him, and he loves seeing them too. And best of
all, the children seem very happy there and love First Steps. When I see my son interact with the other kids, they are attentive and share toys with him and always welcome him whenever he comes every morning. It’s very nice to know that he is in a caring environment while he isn’t home. I couldn't ask for a better daycare.

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Review from Helen C (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was afraid at first for my child to attend a daycare nursery only due to the fact she had no experience of other children due to the pandemic. First Steps Junior Academy staff immediately made my child feel safe and confident and interaction with others was amazing how quickly she was supported by
the staffing team. My child was always excited to attend nursery and home time she did not want to leave. I praise the staff so much, very highly recommend to anyone looking to send their child here. From Personal care, meal times, story times, nap times, play time inside and outside. I'm so happy I had great people to look after my daughter. The staff are so precise in giving you a handover each day, explaining what my child did throughout the day when I'm collecting my child at home time. I'm very grateful for the hands on with my child and I'm so thankful to each and everyone in my child's care.

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Review from S R (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I’m all happy with First Steps Junior Academy.

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Review from Sinead M (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery.
The staff are all really pleasant and friendly. All three of my children have attended the nursery and loved it.
It’s reassuring to know you are leaving your children in safe hands.
Activities are great, and the nursery is very clean.

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Review from Caroline M (Mother of Child) published on 4 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy with the care provided at First Steps Junior Academy to my son. The management and staff are friendly, helpful and every day they make time to chat and let me know how he is getting on. Often I will get a picture, card or craft which he has made that day. Staff are genuinely interested
in the children and child development. The nursery is clean and tidy, the children are well fed and the children seem happy and playful. My son loves to go and when I'm leaving him to go to work it means so much to know he's happy, well cared for and safe. I would and have recommended First Steps to anyone.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.917)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.917) out of 10 for First Steps Junior Academy 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 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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 4.917 for First Steps Junior Academy is calculated as follows: ( (209 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 228 Ratings = 4.917

  • 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 First Steps Junior Academy is based on 19 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 65 number of registered child places is 13, which has been reached with 19 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

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Awards / Recognitions (13)

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Meet the Team (1)

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Lisa May Heron

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2006

Lisa May has worked with us in First Steps Junior Academy since 2006.


Frequently Asked Questions about First Steps Junior Academy

What is the Age Range of Children that First Steps Junior Academy accepts?

First Steps Junior Academy accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is First Steps Junior Academy Open?

First Steps Junior Academy 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 First Steps Junior Academy have capacity for?

First Steps Junior Academy has capacity for a total of 65 Children.

How far is First Steps Junior Academy to the centre of Craigavon?

3.1 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 First Steps Junior Academy to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. First Steps Junior Academy has a Platinum Service – more info.