Business Details
35 Years
experience
Inclusive Nursery Services in Colchester
Stepping Stones Play & Learn & Learn has been dedicated to nurturing children's development since 1991. Our inclusive nursery in Colchester provides a safe, stimulating environment for mainstream children and those with additional needs. We specialise in fostering social skills, creativity, and life skills through structured play and sensory experiences. Our team collaborates with external professionals to deliver tailored support, including speech therapy, Makaton communication, and sensory circuit activities. With 34 years of combined staff experience, we maintain rigorous safeguarding standards and hold advanced qualifications in special educational needs.As a registered charity (1206270), we reinvest funds into specialist equipment and SEN provision improvements. Our facilities include a dedicated sensory room and outdoor play areas designed for inclusive learning. We work closely with statutory agencies to support families through form-filling and attendance at meetings. Our commitment to quality is evidenced by our Ofsted-registered status and partnerships with organisations like the Essex Community Foundation. We prioritise transparency in operations while maintaining flexible funding through community initiatives and grants.
Services
Nursery Curriculum
SEND Support
Sensory Room
Parent Support
Fundraising Activities
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- 34 years combined experience supporting children with special educational needs
- Dedicated sensory room with specialist equipment for developmental support
- Ofsted-registered staff with advanced SEN qualifications and Makaton training
- Multi-agency collaboration with speech therapists and statutory agencies
- Charity status ensuring reinvestment in specialist learning resources
What people say
Cared for to a high standard
Enriching experience
Incredible help and support
Cherished memories
Safe and fun environment
Services
Nursery Curriculum
Our Birth to Five Matters curriculum combines structured play with developmental milestones. Children engage in creative activities that build motor skills and social interaction. Qualified staff implement tailored learning plans aligned with statutory frameworks while maintaining flexible, child-led exploration.
SEND Support
Specialist SEN provision includes individualised support plans and Makaton communication strategies. Our SENCO coordinates multi-agency interventions while staff implement sensory circuits and behaviour management techniques. We maintain partnerships with speech therapists and statutory agencies to ensure comprehensive care.
Sensory Room
Dedicated sensory environment featuring interactive lighting and tactile resources. The space supports sensory integration therapy and provides calming stimuli for children with autism or sensory processing difficulties. Regular sessions help develop self-regulation and exploration skills in a controlled setting.
Parent Support
We offer guidance through statutory processes and form-filling assistance. Parents receive regular progress updates and access to specialist advice networks. Our team provides practical strategies for home implementation of therapeutic techniques and communication systems.
Fundraising Activities
Charity initiatives include school uniform recycling schemes and community events. Funds directly support SEN equipment purchases and facility improvements. Partnerships with local businesses and grant applications ensure sustained provision of specialist resources for all children.
People
Sue Townsend
Group Co-ordinator & SENCO
Nursery Practitioner NVQ Level 3 with Safeguarding Level 2 and Paediatric First Aid qualifications. Specialises in SEN coordination and autism awareness training since 2012.
Donna McWilliams MBE
Deputy Group Co-ordinator
Awarded MBE in 2024 for Early Years services. Level 4 qualified with Designated Safeguarding Lead status. 33 years SEN experience including PECs training and autism support.
Jade
Nursery Manager
Level 3 Nursery Practitioner with Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator training. British Sign Language Level 1 qualified. Manages daily operations and staff training since 2009.
Becky
Early Years Lead
Early Years Professional Status (Level 6) holder. Implements advanced teaching strategies and staff development programmes. Specialises in inclusive education practices since 2007.
Jo
Early Years Teacher
EYTS qualified teacher with extensive SEN experience. Coordinates curriculum delivery and child assessment. Provides specialist support for children with complex needs since 2003.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children from birth to five years old during term time sessions.
Do you support children with SEN?
Yes, we have specialist SEN provision with qualified staff and dedicated resources.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff have Level 2+ childcare qualifications with specialist SEN and safeguarding training.
How do you involve parents?
We provide regular updates and offer practical home support strategies for SEN needs.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, we maintain Ofsted registration with nominated safeguarding and SEN coordinators.
What facilities do you offer?
Our facilities include sensory rooms, outdoor play areas and specialist SEN equipment.
