Step Start Braintree

My 14-month-old has been going to Step Start Braintree for a couple of months now on a part-time basis. From the initial contact and tour to the settling in sessions up to now, the staff have been fantastic. My little one is a sensitive soul and has taken some time to adjust, but the staff have been great, understanding and flexible. They have worked with us and him to make it a positive experience, especially as he has only known lockdown due to the pandemic. The staff really do care about him, his interests and his progress. It feels like a collaboration. The communication between staff and parent is amazing. The Famly app allows you to keep in touch whenever needed, and to get updates throughout the day is so reassuring. The staff have all been really warm and welcoming. They are lovely and are great with him. They’re also fantastic with his dairy and soy allergies, which is so reassuring. We feel like he is in safe hands. The building, garden and facilities are fab. Very happy.

I had my little boy during Covid. Looking for a nursery on my return to work was daunting, and I had a real worry – how not just he would cope, but myself and my husband also. However, I had no reason to worry, as Step Start Braintree has been the absolute best. My little boy has thrived into a confident, happy, secure toddler. My mind is at ease during work, knowing how well-loved and cared for he is. An amazing nursery without outstanding, loving, caring employees! Thank you.

My daughter has been attending the nursery for over a year now. She loves it. She has made so much progress; she has the support and care of the staff. The nursery is spotless, and the equipment for the children to play with is great. I am so happy we signed up to Step Start Braintree, and I always recommend the nursery to any of my friends. My daughter loves the staff and has made some special bonds.

Staff are really kind to the children, and they create an environment of confidence and independence for them. Since my daughter is in Steps Start, she is more autonomous and she has improved her curiosity about what’s around her. She settled in pretty well. Via the app, we have lots of updates on the daily routines, and the staff share new improvements and weekly share some sign-language words to practice at home. They also do a lot of activities and baking with the little ones, which they then give us when collecting. When possible, children spend time in the garden with different toys and trails to get more knowledge. They also organise some “stay and play” days for parents to stay a couple of hours playing in the nursery, and they have recently created a forum with parents to work with in new activities and receive feedback.

My child has been with Step Start from the very first room, the staff always keep you updated which is very reassuring when you’re leaving your little one. My child has gone from a little baby that was just sitting up to a confident little toddler who goes in with a smile and a wave. The staff are caring, attentive and want to support you with developing your child. They do such a range of activities with the children and we love looking at the photos each day to see what they’ve been up to!

Picked up my grandson from nursery this week for the first time and was amazed initially at the beautiful building and then at the wonderful outside space for the children. I was then greeted by a member of staff who took time to discuss the days activities and engaged my grandson in telling me what they had been doing. He is clearly very content at the nursery and thoroughly enjoys his time there. The staff were wonderful and clearly love working with children. What a fabulous nursery!

My child learns so much at Step Start.
I appreciate having their guidance on his development.
I also know that he’s really well-fed there.

Do not send your child here! Especially if they have any additional needs. My daughter was neglected and she turned from a happy bubbly little girl to a very frustrated and sad little girl. She would scream as soon as we got there. Her nappy wasn’t changed as it would be hanging down upon pick up, her clothes were filthy, I was told she was only crying because she kept asking to be picked up and was looking for mummy. (My daughter is nonverbal) I picked her up and could hear her in distress from the car park. She would drag me away as soon as I picked her up. Honestly, my heart breaks! She is now in a loving preschool where she was embraced and not just a dummy put in her mouth to quiet her (my daughter had stopped using a dummy at age 1 and this was a constant battle as I saw pictures with her having one when I didn’t even pack one!) staff have no idea of any additional needs and I’m fuming that my daughter was allowed to be treated this way just because she has additional needs.

My child has been at Step Start for just over two years, and his progression in his development has been fantastic. They have always been very supportive when it came to naps and toilet training in the past and now when dealing with fussy eating and school preparation activities. I feel they listen when parents make any suggestions or requests. For example, I asked if the nursery could help my son in learning how to write his name before starting school in September. He has gone from not even trying to now write some of the letters! Thank you, Step Start Braintree.