Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers
Founded in 1991, we provide exceptional childcare for children aged six months to five years in a stimulating, purpose-built environment. Our nursery features four age-specific play rooms, a dedicated preschool, and a large outdoor area designed to foster exploration and learning. Our qualified staff, who hold Paediatric First Aid, DBS checks, and Safeguarding certifications, create a safe, nurturing atmosphere where children thrive. We offer homemade meals prepared on-site by our nursery chef and maintain strong parent partnerships through the Blossom App for real-time updates.As a Sing & Sign affiliated nursery, we support early communication development. Our manager, Alice, with over a decade of leadership experience, oversees our team and ensures a child-centred approach to growth and learning. We pride ourselves on our inclusive, culturally sensitive care, as demonstrated by staff learning home languages like Polish. Located near Merstham Station with on-site parking, we welcome families to book visits and experience our warm, family-oriented environment firsthand.
Services
Childcare
Preschool Programs
Outdoor Learning
Parent Partnership
Homemade Meals
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of dedicated childcare expertise
- Our staff hold Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding certifications
- Purpose-built nursery with age-specific learning environments
- Daily parent updates via Blossom App for transparency
- Culturally inclusive care with multilingual staff support
What people say
Approachable and professional staff
Smooth transition back to work
Excellent communication
Stimulating learning environment
Nutritious homemade meals
Services
Childcare
Our comprehensive childcare service caters to children aged six months to five years. We provide a secure, stimulating environment with age-appropriate resources including arts & crafts, sensory play, and outdoor exploration. Our qualified staff focus on individual development through structured activities and free play.
Preschool Programs
Tailored preschool programs prepare children for formal schooling through curriculum-aligned activities. Our dedicated preschool room features structured learning sessions, social development opportunities, and specialist resources to support cognitive and motor skill development in a nurturing environment.
Outdoor Learning
Large outdoor spaces facilitate experiential learning through nature exploration and physical play. Children engage with purpose-built apparatus, gardening areas, and supervised park visits to develop motor skills while learning about the natural world in a safe, stimulating environment.
Parent Partnership
We maintain transparent communication through daily updates via the Blossom App and face-to-face interactions. Parents receive regular developmental reports, participate in settling-in sessions, and benefit from multilingual support to ensure collaborative childcare and educational progress.
Homemade Meals
Nutritious meals are prepared daily by our on-site chef using fresh ingredients. Our menu meets dietary requirements while encouraging children to explore new foods. We provide balanced breakfast, lunch, and snacks in a social dining environment that supports healthy eating habits.
People
Alice
Nursery Manager
With over a decade of leadership experience, Alice oversees our childcare operations and staff development. She ensures high standards of care while supporting children's growth through innovative educational approaches in our purpose-built facility.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We provide care for children from six months up to five years old, with age-specific rooms and tailored educational programs.
How do you support settling-in periods?
We offer flexible settling-in sessions with parental presence, gradual transitions, and continuous staff support to ensure children feel comfortable and secure.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we serve nutritious homemade meals and snacks daily, prepared on-site by our nursery chef using fresh ingredients.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use the Blossom App for real-time updates, daily face-to-face interactions, and regular developmental reports to maintain transparent communication.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff have Paediatric First Aid training, DBS checks, and Safeguarding certifications, with many possessing early years specialisms.
Is there outdoor play space?
Yes, we have a large outdoor area with purpose-built apparatus, gardening spaces, and scheduled park visits for physical and nature-based learning.
Reviews (7)
Dernel Polydore
Jan 20, 2021
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This nursery definitely feels like a home away from home for my little one and I am impressed daily by all the things she learns and all the personalised support she gets. The staff are warm, welcoming, adaptable and clearly very experienced; and the environment provides my daughter with so many creative and engaging activities. I am extremely pleased with the service provided by the First Steps nursery and would highly recommend them. At this nursery I feel daughter is constantly learning in a fun environment, eats well, is supported, comforted and is safe I simply couldnt ask for more.
H. Wiggins-Thirkill
Jan 16, 2021
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Positive:Reliability
My anxious child thrived here. Genuinely caring and individualised support, low staff turnover and great communication. We are looking forward to our younger child attending soon!
My anxious child thrived here. Genuinely caring and individualised support, low staff turnover and great communication. We are looking forward to our younger child attending soon!
Joanne Louise Tilley
Jul 29, 2020
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My daughter goes here and she loves it. Lots of learning, lots of space and very engaging. It's like an extended family and I trust them fully with my daughter. Good meals also and I love that I get to hear about her progress each day and see some lovely pictures on her e-book. Would fully recommend.
Robyn Hoffe
Jul 23, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability
Amazing caring teachers and a lovely environment for little people.
Amazing caring teachers and a lovely environment for little people.
Danielle Black
Jul 20, 2020
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My son has been going to First Steps since he was 10 months old and I can’t say enough good things about this nursery. He has the best time there and always has a big smile on his face when I pick him up. He often doesn’t want to come home as he’s having such a good time. The staff are wonderful and always easy to approach. The range of activities… they do with the children is fantastic and they have regular outside time which I was very keen on when I was looking for a nursery. I particularly liked that the baby room has its own outdoor space too. My son has learnt and
Chloe Newberry
Jul 13, 2020
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My son has attended First Steps Nursery since he was 10 months old and the team of qualified staff have supported and encouraged his development all the way through the various rooms ahead of him starting reception. The rooms are bright, spacious and full of resources. I am constantly impressed with the range of activities and topics they cover within the nursery. I would recommend this nursery to anyone and Im so pleased with it my second son will be joining when I return to work.
Lawrence Crawford
Aug 21, 2019
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Had a very good experience, building and facilities are very modern and clean with a great outdoor area. Staff were excellent and were fully engaged from what I saw. I had no complaints from my child and always wanted to go(went twice a week) Good variety of food so no issues from us.
