First Steps has been in operation since 1994 and most of the staff that started with us are still working which offers the children and families a unique stability that is often not found in most childcare settings. The building is purpose built and we have a separate dining room and our own kitchen, so all food is now cooked fresh on the premises and it allows us to meet all individual dietary requirements.
All our staff are qualified to level 3, some staff are qualified up to level 5. All staff have a high standard of work experience and have been at First Steps for many years.
We are a fully inclusive setting and offer full and part time places, for children aged between 0 and 5 years which can be full year or term time only. We also offer free funded places for eligible 2 year olds and all 3 and 4 year olds, and these can either be term time only, or stretched weeks all year round.
Once your child starts school the care is continuous as we work with the following primary schools in Ashton: St Thomas C of E, St Oswalds, RL Hughes, St Peters, Rectory, Our Lady’s and Nicol Mere, we provide breakfast, afterschool and holiday clubs during all school holidays, except Christmas.
We offer extracurricular activities to support your child's learning in the Early Years Foundation stage and have access to extensive provision such as gymnasium, sports hall, Library within our on site school Cansfield High Our Pre-School children have weekly swimming lessons at Ashton Leisure Centre.
We have close links with our community nursery nurse who is on site twice weekly in the nursery to offer parents/carers any additional support and guidance they may need.
We accept all variety of childcare vouchers or fees can be paid via standing order or using a debit/credit card or cash/cheque will be accepted.
We have our own vehicles for the safe transportation of children and use them to take children on little outings (with parental permission only) and can use them to assist any parents who may be finding it difficult to bring their children or collect their children from the setting.