Whilst the team are having a short recharge over the Autumn half term, what better opportunity than to share more about Stepping Stones here in Claverdon. First and foremost we are an Ofsted Outstanding Nursery and Preschool, based at Claverdon Church centre; and have been providing young children, safe, nurturing and inspiring learning opportunities for over fifty years. An incredible achievement we are all very proud of.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we hold charitable status, and our regular events and activities not only raise important funds for Stepping Stones, but are a vital contribution to developing community spirit.
Originally established over fifty years ago by two remarkable women: Jeanne Newell and Janet Fletcher to provide the village with a play group, we have evolved over the years to encompass a close-knit team of early years professionals, all dedicated to providing the children in our care a world of awe and wonder on their exciting learning journey to school. The team is led by Rachel, who has been working here at Stepping Stones since 2007 in a variety of roles, finally taking over as Manager in 2016.
Our ethos is love, laughter, learning. Whether digging for dinosaurs, zooming to the moon or playing families in home corner, it's all around us and embedded in all we do. Every child is unique and special to us here at Stepping Stones. As a small community nursery and preschool, our learning environments enable children to flourish as an individual and find their confidence in a group. Social and emotional development is core to our learning structure and the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum under-pins all our learning activities. Our private large outdoor garden areas complete our setting. Encompassing raised beds, mud kitchens, outdoor toys and ample room for our children to burn off some energy!
Limited places are still available for this academic year and beyond. For further information please contact: rwsteppingstones@welearn365.com
Finally, we wanted to share this beautiful poem written for us by one of the parents whose child left last summer:
The Stepping Stones Family
We are greeted at the door each morning with a friendly smile,
We all know the staff go that extra mile,
As we walk in children's smiles, chatter and laughter fill the air,
They sometimes even come home with playdough in their hair,
The children enjoy painting, cornflour, dinosaurs and sand,
Books, mud kitchens, castles and making music as a band,
Playing outside is one of their favourite things,
They also love dressing up, and also to sing,
We really can't show our appreciation enough,
You were all amazing through the pandemic and we know that was tough,
The children started as caterpillars and you’ve helped them all grow,
They are now beautiful butterflies and it's time for them to go,
With heartfelt thank you's and lots of love, we do all wish we could stay,
But it's time for us to spread our wings and flutter away,
There's not much more we can say, so without further ado,
We certainly are all, going to really miss you!
