First Special Steps Day Nursery

Where every child's step matters.

A place where little ones learn, play and grow. Our safe, nurturing nursery gives every child the time, attention and care they need to take their next step.

  • Caring relationships
  • Learning through play
  • Families welcome
Four smiling children building a tower of wooden blocks together in a bright nursery room
Why First Special Steps?

A good start begins with being known

Choosing a nursery is a big decision. We believe children thrive with caring adults, space to explore and a team who notice the little things.

01

Feel safe

A nurturing setting where children settle, feel secure and build trusting bonds with their key person.

02

Find confidence

Everyday chances to try, choose, share and discover just how much they can do.

03

Learn by doing

Play sparks curiosity, creativity, language, friendships and independence.

04

Grow together

Parents and carers are partners in every child's learning journey.

A nursery teacher kneeling on a rug, smiling as she helps a boy and a girl with a wooden puzzle
About us

Little ones are people with big ideas

For more than a decade our team has cared for young children, and today we welcome families to come and meet the people who will get to know their child.

Our aim is simple: for every child to feel seen, supported and free to explore at their own pace.

Read our vision
The heart of the day

Learning shouldn't have to feel like learning

Puzzles, stories, music, outdoor adventures, messy making and imaginary worlds give children lots of different ways in.

Some learning starts with an invitation from an adult; some starts with a child's own question. Both deserve time, encouragement and room to grow.

See how play opens up learning
Two smiling girls at a low table, one stacking alphabet blocks and the other doing a wooden puzzle
The EYFS

Seven areas. One whole child.

The Early Years Foundation Stage brings together the knowledge, skills and experiences children build in their earliest years.

Prime area

Personal, Social & Emotional Development

Prime area

Communication & Language

Prime area

Physical Development

Specific area

Literacy

Specific area

Mathematics

Specific area

Understanding the World

Specific area

Expressive Arts & Design

Our rooms

A space for every stage

From first cuddles in the baby room to getting ready for school in preschool, each room is designed around the age and stage of the children in it.

♥

Baby Room

A calm, safe and nurturing space where our youngest children explore through sensory play, music and gentle interaction. We follow each baby's own routine and build the secure attachments that everything else grows from.

✿

Toddler Room

Busy, curious toddlers are encouraged to explore, make friends and do more for themselves. Play-based activities support their growing language, movement and confidence.

★

Preschool Room

Purposeful play and structured activities get children ready for school, building early literacy, numeracy, creativity, problem-solving and the social skills they'll need in Reception.

Explore our rooms

An example morning

A familiar rhythm, with room to follow play

A snapshot of one morning at nursery. Every child's routine can look a little different.

See the full example day
  1. Welcome & self-registrationA warm hello and time to settle in.
  2. Circle time
  3. Messy play
  4. Snack bar & fruit
  5. Outdoor play
  6. Stories & songs
Planning ahead

Fees and funding, made clear

Please get in touch to confirm current fees and availability for the sessions you need.

Plan your sessions

Session prices, what's included and how payments work.

View our fees →

Funded hours

How 15 and 30 funded hours work with us, plus additional sessions.

Explore funded childcare →

NHS & shift workers

Ask us about flexible childcare that fits around your rota.

Talk to the team →
Words from families

What families say about Michelle and her team

Our manager Michelle also runs our sister nursery, First Little Steps. These are genuine reviews from families there.

My three year old twins love First Little Steps pre-school. They have been going there for a year now. At first I was really apprehensive about leaving my babies with strangers but after meeting Michelle and her team I felt so reassured. One of my children has some additional needs and Michelle and the team have been a great support to him and me especially when I felt I was getting no help from other agencies. Their confidence has grown and I know they are safe and happy when I leave them there! Thanks to Michelle and her amazing team.

Louise · First Little Steps parent, 2021

I cannot speak highly enough of First Little Steps. As a first time mum I was worried about leaving my son with strangers. When I first met Michelle I knew my son would be happy & safe. All the staff are so friendly and helpful. He has been there 1 year now and he loves it!

Claire · First Little Steps parent, 2020

Such an amazing pre school. My 2 year old runs in every session and literally cries when its time to be picked up! He feels very at home and Michelle and the girls treat the children like they are their own. Really cant recommend this pre-school enough. Thanks Michelle and all your team.

Katie · First Little Steps parent, 2016

I recommend first little steps to anyone who'll listen! My daughter has been there for over a year & I always drop her off knowing she's safe & happy. Michelle & her staff are all so loving & understanding and the set up is really like a home from home. My younger daughter is joining soon - I wouldn't dream of putting her anywhere else.

Danielle · First Little Steps parent, 2012

Read more reviews on the First Little Steps website →

Find us

One setting. A familiar welcome.

Visit us in Epsom. Get in touch to confirm availability.

Four children from different backgrounds laughing as they water and dig in a raised vegetable bed in the nursery garden

Your little one's first steps start here

Come and look around, meet the team and ask everything that matters to your family. We'd love to show you what a day with us feels like.