Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Outdoor Learning in Cornwall
At First Steps Cornwall, we are dedicated to providing exceptional childcare and early years education in a nurturing, outdoor-focused environment. Established in 1990, our two Ofsted-rated settings in Newquay and Porthleven offer tailored care for children aged 0-5, with an after-school Blues Club extending support for children up to 12. Our Nature Steps programme, delivered across diverse outdoor locations, immerses children in experiential learning that fosters resilience, independence, and environmental connection.We prioritise individual emotional wellbeing, sensory development, and age-appropriate play, ensuring each child receives a secure foundation for lifelong learning. Our experienced team, operating from purpose-built facilities with robust safeguarding protocols, collaborates closely with families to extend educational engagement beyond the nursery walls. With a commitment to equality, creativity, and community, we create spaces where children thrive through dynamic, child-led exploration.
Services
Nursery Care
After School Club
Outdoor Learning
Forest School Days
Beach Education
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We hold an Outstanding Ofsted rating across our settings
- Our Nature Steps outdoor programme operates since 1990
- We offer flexible childcare through our Blues Club until 5:30pm
- Our sensory rooms benefit children with additional needs
- We prioritise individual emotional wellbeing in all interactions
What people say
Best childcare experience
Cared for loved supported
Emotional wellbeing priority
Outdoor learning adventures
Dedicated, qualified team
Services
Nature Steps Outdoor Learning
Our Nature Steps programme delivers curriculum-linked outdoor experiences across Cornwall's natural environments. Children engage in forest days, beach discoveries, and farm visits that develop risk assessment skills and environmental stewardship. Through child-led exploration using tools and natural materials, we cultivate problem-solving abilities and resilience. Each session integrates physical development with creative play, ensuring children build confidence through hands-on learning in diverse outdoor settings while maintaining strict safeguarding standards.
After School Club
The Blues Club provides flexible before-and-after school care until 5:30pm, catering to working families near St Columb Minor Academy. Our structured yet playful environment includes homework support, themed activities, and outdoor adventures tailored to children's interests. We ensure a smooth transition between school and nursery through familiar routines and experienced staff, maintaining continuity in educational development while offering parents reliable extended childcare options.
Sensory Development
Our specially designed sensory rooms support children's neurological development through multisensory experiences. Custom lighting, soundscapes, and tactile elements help regulate sensory processing, particularly benefiting children with additional needs. These spaces foster concentration, emotional regulation, and social interaction through controlled sensory stimulation. Qualified practitioners utilise the rooms for targeted sessions that complement regular nursery activities, enhancing overall learning readiness and emotional wellbeing across our Early Years Foundation Stage programme.
Forest School Days
We deliver weekly forest school sessions at Lower Treviglas Farm and designated woodland areas, focusing on nature-based learning. Children develop practical skills through den-building, tool use, and environmental exploration guided by trained practitioners. These experiences build confidence, teamwork, and respect for nature while addressing key curriculum objectives. Each forest day includes structured safety briefings and risk assessments, ensuring children learn to navigate natural environments responsibly while developing physical coordination and ecological awareness.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Our play-based curriculum aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, covering seven key learning areas through child-initiated activities. Qualified educators plan individualised learning journeys across caterpillar, ladybird, and starfish room stages, focusing on communication, physical development, and social skills. Regular progress assessments track each child's development while maintaining flexible, interest-led learning approaches. We partner with parents to extend educational themes into home environments, creating cohesive early learning experiences.
People
Julie
Co-Founder
Julie co-founded First Steps in 1990, bringing three decades of early years education experience. She oversees curriculum development and staff training, ensuring consistent implementation of play-based learning principles across all rooms.
Elaine
Co-Founder
As co-founder with Julie, Elaine has shaped First Steps' outdoor learning approach since 1990. She manages day-to-day nursery operations and mentors practitioners in implementing Nature Steps programming across both Cornwall locations.
Denise
Nursery Practitioner
Denise coordinates the Caterpillar Room for infants aged 0-24 months. With specialist training in early communication, she implements tailored care routines that support sensory development and emotional bonding in our youngest children.
Frankie
Nature Steps Leader
Frankie leads our outdoor education programme, designing forest school sessions and beach safety activities. Holding Level 3 Forest School qualifications, they ensure safe, educational exploration of Cornwall's natural environments for all age groups.
Lisa
Blues Club Manager
Lisa manages after-school provisions at both sites, creating engaging wraparound care programmes. She coordinates homework support and recreational activities that extend learning beyond regular school hours for children up to age 12.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide nursery care for children aged 0-5 and an after-school Blues Club for children up to 12 years old.
Are your outdoor learning activities weather dependent?
Our Nature Steps programme operates year-round with appropriate outdoor clothing, featuring covered spaces for all-weather learning opportunities.
Do you offer government-funded childcare places?
Yes, we provide government-funded childcare places aligned with Early Years Foundation Stage requirements for eligible families.
How do you support children's transition to school?
Our Oyster Room preschool programme focuses on independent learning skills and school readiness through structured play activities.
Are meals provided during childcare sessions?
We offer healthy snacks and meals following nutritional guidelines, with accommodation for special dietary requirements where possible.
What safety measures are in place at your settings?
Our secure nursery sites feature CCTV, controlled access systems, and dedicated sensory spaces supporting children's safety and wellbeing.
Reviews (4)
Andrew Griffin
Jan 25, 2019
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Both our children have attended First Steps in Newquay and their progression in speech and learning was incredible. I couldn’t recommend First Steps highly enough!
Maddie Minor
Oct 31, 2018
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Love this nursery. The wonderful setting and staff helped my grandson get ready for big school. He is in year two now and still talks about his nursery days with lots of fondness x
Amanda Page
Oct 31, 2018
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I have told my friends about first steps, at Newquay, as I’ve seen the children there, and how happy they are. One of my friends is new to the area, and is now taking her child to this nursery, after going to visit and looking at the reports/reviews.
Ant Cottam
Jul 17, 2018
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Amazing!! These guys did so well with my son. He learned so much and gained so much confidence from the day he started. Cannot praise the staff enough!!
