The nursery has now expanded to provide much needed facilities in the local area for parents. Extended opening times will be available to accommodate working parents needs and also to allow more parents to access the training courses that STEP offers the local community. The new pre-school unit will have places available for 20 children aged between two and half and five years .Both units will be staffed and resourced with equipment and toys appropriate to the age groups.

Free sessions will still be available for all 3-4 year olds through the nursery grant funding (see below). As part of the Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative, we will also be offering limited subsidised sessions to parents who are not working and who are claiming benefits. More details of this can be received from nursery staff.

Nursery Grant

In Sheffield the Nursery Grant is available for all 3 and 4 year olds, this is accessible the term after the child’s 3rd birthday. The grant is available for 11 weeks per term for up to 5 sessions per week. Our timetable includes a 2.5 hour “nursery grant session” between 9.30 am and 12.00 or 1.00 pm and 3.30 pm. There is no charge to parents for these sessions. Grants will be claimed directly by nursery staff. More information is available separately from nursery staff. A waiting list is in place and early booking is advisable.

These colourful wall paintings form part of the new entrance to the Nursery and Pre-school unit and is the work of nursery staff. Parents will recognise "The Hungry Caterpillar" story. (click to enlarge)

Early STEP's Nursery are in the process of making an attractive outdoor play area. The existing "nursery garden" left a lot to be desired and was dangerous in places due to litter such as bottles and glasses from nearby shops and public houses.

Early STEP's Nursery was successful in acquiring gratefully received CIF funding for vital improvements to be carried out. This will allow more secure facilities to be available to all groups using the Resource Centre whose members require childcare facilities. This superb facility will allow children to play outdoors in good weather using some of our new outdoor play equipment

The garden has been transformed from this:

Into this:

As the garden is able to be seen from the main road the image of Stocksbridge in general has been improved. (click to enlarge)

If you require further information, please e-mail the nursery staff on nursery@step-online.org.uk