Business Details
Montessori Nursery & Pre School in Chester
Established in a historic grade II listed building in Waverton, Chester, we provide a nurturing environment for children aged birth to 5 years. Our approach combines Montessori principles with Forest School methodologies, fostering independence and curiosity in a rural setting. With over 50 children enrolled, we prioritise individualised care through daily parent communication, biometric security systems, and a dedicated team holding advanced childcare qualifications. Our curriculum integrates practical life skills, sensory play, and structured learning activities aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.The nursery features secure outdoor spaces, daily forest school sessions, and a chef-prepared four-week rotating menu meeting 5-star hygiene standards. Staff development remains central to our operations, with regular training in safeguarding, first aid, and Montessori pedagogy ensuring consistently high care standards.
Services
Montessori Nursery
Forest School Sessions
Healthy Eating Program
Holiday Club
School Readiness Programme
Parent Partnership
Outdoor Learning
Biometric Security
Learning Journeys
Daily Forest School
Highlights and features
- We offer Montessori and Forest School methodologies in one setting
- Our staff maintain advanced childcare qualifications and regular training
- We provide chef-prepared meals meeting 5-star hygiene standards
- We have secure biometric access and CCTV systems
- We offer flexible funded childcare options for eligible families
Associations and certifications
- Early Years Teacher
- NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Childcare
- First Aid Certified
- Safeguarding Certified
- Food Hygiene 5-Star Rating
What people say
Happy memories
Best start
Amazing care
Loved their time
Supportive staff
Services
Montessori Nursery
Our Montessori programme follows children's interests while developing core skills through structured materials and self-directed learning. Qualified practitioners implement individualised learning journeys tracked through regular progress reviews. The curriculum incorporates practical life activities, sensory exploration, and cultural studies within a calm, prepared environment.
Forest School Sessions
Daily forest school activities promote physical development and environmental awareness through structured outdoor experiences. Children engage in nature-based learning across our secure woodland area and local surroundings, developing risk assessment skills and resilience through hands-on exploration and seasonal observations.
Healthy Eating Program
Chef-prepared meals follow a four-week seasonal menu with vegetarian and vegan options, using locally sourced ingredients. Children participate in food preparation and gardening activities to understand healthy eating. The programme includes table service with real cutlery to develop independence and social skills during mealtimes.
Holiday Club
Our holiday provision for reception to year 2 children offers structured activities including sports, science experiments, and creative arts. The programme maintains continuity with our educational approach while providing care during school breaks, staffed by experienced early years practitioners.
School Readiness Programme
This structured curriculum develops literacy, numeracy, and social skills through Montessori materials and EYFS-aligned activities. Children engage in phonics instruction, practical mathematics, and cultural studies while developing independence through self-care and classroom responsibilities.
People
Lisa
Manager
With 15 years' childcare experience, Lisa oversees daily operations as Early Years SENCO. She implements safeguarding protocols and Montessori practices, ensuring high educational standards across the nursery's programmes.
Rose
Deputy Manager
Starting as an apprentice, Rose progressed to deputy manager with responsibility for staff development. She coordinates activities and maintains quality standards across all nursery classrooms.
Mathew
EYFS Coordinator
As senior practitioner and EYFS coordinator, Mathew supports curriculum delivery across classrooms. He leads holiday club provision and contributes to staff training and professional development.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We accept children from birth to 5 years, offering nursery and pre-school programmes with separate classroom environments for different developmental stages.
Do you offer funded childcare places?
Yes, we provide 15 hours EYFS funding for 2-year-olds and 30 hours funding for eligible 3-4-year-olds, with flexible session options available.
What educational approach do you use?
Our curriculum combines Montessori principles with Forest School methodology, focusing on self-directed learning, practical life skills, and outdoor exploration.
Are meals provided at the nursery?
Yes, we offer chef-prepared meals using fresh local ingredients with vegetarian and vegan options, following a four-week seasonal menu.
How do you involve parents in their child's development?
We maintain daily email communication, provide individual learning journeys, and hold biannual parent evenings to discuss progress and development goals.
Reviews (6)
Andrew Roberts
Jul 09, 2021
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Caring, flexible and professional staff, good quality food made on site, good mix of educational activities and play, forest school is (apparently!) lots of fun, staff are very familiar with the reference process for applications to the local independent schools. Overall, we have been happy with the nursery and pre-school. We thank the team for looking after our child so well.
Becca Alice
Mar 21, 2019
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A lovely little nursery. My son is almost three and had been at Stepping Stones since he was very young. He has thrived there. They have always been very considerate of his needs and are accommodating of his multiple food allergies. He is always happy to go to nursery and has a smile on his face when I collect him. The staff in his room, Mini Pebbles, are outstanding ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jon Cooper
Jan 31, 2019
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The care from Lizzie, Rachel Charlotte and Barbara is wonderful and the food is fantastic. Our twins settled in quickly and are loving their time there.
Aryn Shaw
Oct 13, 2018
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I had to return to work when Adam was just three months. Knowing he was being cared for so well by the staff at Stepping Stones really put me at ease.
Kerry Forrester
Oct 08, 2018
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My little boy loves it at this wonderful nursery. The staff are all fantastic and tea care for the children. A wonderful place to play and learn.
Helen O'Brien
Aug 29, 2018
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Both my boys love this nursery and have come on leaps and bounds. Couldn’t recommend highly enough
