Business Details
35 Years
experience
Inclusive Nursery Services for All Children in Colchester
Established in 1991, we are a registered charity dedicated to providing inclusive nursery services for children of all abilities in Colchester. Our integrated approach supports mainstream children and those with additional needs, fostering development, social skills, and confidence through play in a safe, nurturing environment. We collaborate closely with statutory agencies, healthcare professionals, and specialists to tailor our services to individual requirements.Our team holds advanced qualifications in special educational needs, safeguarding, and child development, including Makaton and PECS training. With 34 years of combined experience, we prioritise sensory integration, motor skill development, and communication strategies, operating from a purpose-built facility with dedicated sensory spaces. As a non-profit organisation, we actively seek funding to enhance resources and ensure equitable access to our services.
Services
Nursery Care
SEND Support
Sensory Activities
Outdoor Play
Parent Collaboration
Speech Therapy
Motor Skills Development
Behaviour Management
Funded Placements
Professional Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 34 years of combined experience in early years education and SEN support
- Our integrated nursery serves both mainstream and special educational needs children
- We provide access to specialist sensory equipment and trained staff
- Our team collaborates with statutory agencies and healthcare professionals
- We operate as a registered charity focused on equitable access for all families
What people say
Go above and beyond
Enriching experience
Incredible help
Cherished memories
Safe environment
Services
Nursery Care
Our nursery care service provides structured play and learning opportunities for children aged birth to five. We create inclusive environments where mainstream and SEN children develop social skills, communication, and motor abilities through tailored activities. Our Ofsted-registered practitioners implement individualised care plans while promoting independence and confidence.
SEND Support
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support forms a core part of our provision. Our SENCO and trained staff deliver individualised programmes using PECS and Makaton, working alongside speech therapists and healthcare professionals. We maintain low staff-to-child ratios to ensure personalised attention and implement strategies for sensory processing and behaviour management.
Sensory Activities
Sensory integration is facilitated through our dedicated sensory room and outdoor resources. Activities are designed to develop fine and gross motor skills while addressing sensory processing needs. We utilise specialist equipment including light columns and textured materials, adapting experiences to meet individual sensory requirements and promote neurological development.
Professional Partnerships
We collaborate with statutory agencies, healthcare providers, and educational specialists to enhance child outcomes. Our team attends case conferences, completes joint assessments, and implements multi-agency care plans. This coordinated approach ensures consistent support for children with complex needs across different environments, including home and school settings.
Parent Collaboration
Parental involvement is integral to our service delivery. We provide regular progress updates, conduct joint planning sessions, and offer guidance on continuing developmental activities at home. Our staff assist with form filling for additional support services and maintain open communication channels to address parental concerns promptly.
People
Donna McWilliams MBE
Deputy Group Co-ordinator
With 48 years' experience in childcare and early years education, Donna holds an Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education Level 4. As Designated Safeguarding Lead, she specialises in safeguarding Level 3, paediatric first aid, and autism awareness training.
Sue Townsend
Group Co-ordinator & SENCO
Sue has worked in childcare since 2012, holding qualifications including Nursery Practitioner NVQ Level 3 and Safeguarding Level 2. She specialises in autism awareness and PECS training while managing safeguarding procedures across the organisation.
Jade
Nursery Manager
As Nursery Manager since 2009, Jade holds a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner qualification and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator certification. She specialises in British Sign Language Level 1 and implements safeguarding Level 2 protocols.
Becky
Early Years Lead Practitioner
Becky brings 17 years' childcare experience, including Early Years Professional Status (Level 6). She specialises in safeguarding Level 2 and paediatric first aid, implementing structured play programmes that support developmental milestones.
Wendy
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Wendy has served as Designated Safeguarding Lead since 2016, holding Safeguarding Level 3 and Paediatric First Aid Level 3 qualifications. She implements safeguarding protocols and manages child protection procedures across the organisation.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We provide nursery care for children aged birth to five years, following the Birth to Five Matters framework.
Do you support children with special educational needs?
Yes, we specialise in supporting children with SEN through individualised programmes, specialist equipment, and trained staff including our SENCO.
How do you involve parents in their child's development?
We maintain regular communication, conduct joint planning sessions, and provide guidance for home activities to support consistent development.
Are you registered with Ofsted?
Yes, we are Ofsted-registered with a nominated individual overseeing compliance with early years standards.
What funding options are available?
We offer funded placements and actively seek grants to support SEN provision, working with organisations like the Asda Foundation.
How do you handle child safeguarding?
We have trained Designated Safeguarding Leads implementing Level 3 protocols, with all staff holding current safeguarding certifications.
Reviews (2)
Emily Frances
May 14, 2021
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Our daughter Keira attended stepping stones many years ago. We were a military family new to the area and still trying to process everything. The support we had was amazing. We made many friends through their support group and our daughter received excellent care. They will always be very special to us
James Dawson
Apr 19, 2021
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Such an amazing place. All the staff are really lovely and have supported us at every turn during our little girls time here so far. I couldn't ask for more!
