Childrens Nursery in Okehampton
Our Nursery
83 North Street, Okehampton, Devon, EX201BD
Telephone: 01837 55111
Latest Ofsted rating: Outstanding – April 2022
Hours: 7.45am – 6pm (Monday – Friday)
At Stepping Stones Day Nursery in Okehampton, we provide a nurturing environment where children from four months to five years feel happy and secure.
Our skilled practitioner’s initial focus will be to develop your child’s personal, social, and emotional skills, supporting them in regulating their emotions, understanding behaviour, and building positive relationships.
These foundational skills form the basis for your child’s development in all other areas, which are progressed through engaging, play-based activities and captivating resources.
We observe your child’s progress to create personalised plans that allow them to develop at their own pace.
Each age-specific room features its own garden with covered areas for year-round outdoor play.
Stepping Stones is an inclusive setting, celebrating multiculturalism and supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL). Extra-curricular activities include Spanish for preschoolers and Sing and Sign for babies.
Rooms
The Nest (4 – 18 months) →
The Nest (4 – 18 months)
The Nest is a calm and welcoming environment where your child’s key person will support their development through activities like baby massage, songs, games, and nursery rhymes. This includes developmental milestones such as rolling over and sitting unaided.
Specially designed to encourage safe exploration, your child will have access to a range of engaging, age-appropriate natural resources.
Their fine motor skills will also be nurtured, with a focus on mastering the pincer grip (using their thumb and forefinger to pick up small objects) before moving to The Nook at 18 months.
The Nest also provides a dedicated sleep space to ensure your child rests comfortably.
Atelier (2 – 3 years) →
Atelier (2 – 3 years)
The Atelier is a lively and creative space where your child will be encouraged to express themselves through access to a wide range of arts and crafts materials and plenty of opportunities for messy play.
Filled with opportunities for hands-on exploration and socialisation, your child’s interpersonal, communication, and fine motor skills will thrive. It includes a cosy corner, educational tech zone, and secure outdoor area with engaging resources.
Our experienced and enthusiastic practitioners provide captivating activities to nurture your child’s development. We also teach mindfulness and begin our afternoon sessions each day with yoga.
The Nook (18 months – 2 years) →
The Nook (18 months – 2 years)
The Nook is our second baby room, which has been designed for older babies.
It therefore offers plenty of space for your more active little ones to explore and gain confidence in using their motor skills and practising their speech.
In the Nook, your child will enjoy and benefit from a stimulating and safe environment before transitioning to The Atelier for their next stage in development.
The Studio (3 – 5 years) →
The Studio (3 – 5 years)
The Studio is a dynamic space offering opportunities for imaginative play, construction and group games.
Your child can also explore language and literacy through books and mark-making and can use short computer sessions to support their learning in phonics and maths. Our interactive zone with puzzles and science activities promotes problem-solving, fine motor skills, and cognitive development, while our role-play area enhances communication and social skills.
To prepare your child for school, we focus on name recognition, personal responsibility, and respect. Group circle times develop listening and turn-taking skills, while yoga sessions promote mindfulness and relaxation.
Nursery managers: Hayley Adams and Laura Leahy
Laura
Laura began her early years journey at Exeter College, where she gained her Level 3 qualification. During her studies she completed her placement at Stepping Stones and soon after joined the team, where she has built her career ever since!
Over the years Laura has worked across all areas of the nursery, progressing from Room Leader to Deputy Manager before becoming Nursery Manager. Her experience across the setting gives her a strong understanding of children’s development and the daily life of the nursery.
Laura lives locally with her husband and their two boys. As a family they share a love of Disney, and outside of work Laura enjoys playing in a brass band, something she has done since the age of 11.
Laura is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where children, families and staff all feel valued, and she loves seeing children engaged in the exciting learning opportunities throughout the nursery.
Hayley
Hayley’s passion for early years began when she was young, babysitting for friends and family. She studied at Okehampton College Sixth Form, where she gained her Level 2 qualification, before joining Stepping Stones and completing her Level 3 qualification.
Hayley has gained experience across many areas of the nursery, progressing through roles including Team Leader and Assistant Manager before becoming Nursery Manager and SENDCo.
Hayley lives with her husband and their two boys, and as a family they enjoy spending time together watching and supporting football.
She finds great joy in supporting both children and staff as they grow and achieve their goals, and feels proud to play a part in helping children develop confidence, new skills and a love of learning.
Our gallery
Parking
There is ample onsite parking available with additional street parking nearby.