Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones received a Good rating across all four legacy framework areas (Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management) in February 2023. This analysis maps those findings to the November 2025 seven-area framework. The setting demonstrates strong practice in curriculum delivery, child engagement, and safeguarding, with children settled, happy, and making good progress. The primary area for improvement identified by the inspector concerns inconsistent guidance on personal care routines, particularly hand-washing for babies after nappy changes and before meals. Staff are well-qualified (eight of nine at Level 3+), managers demonstrate clear curriculum understanding, and children with SEND are well supported. The setting maintains consistent Good ratings from its previous inspection in April 2017, indicating stable provision. No safeguarding concerns were identified; arrangements are effective with robust recruitment and staff knowledge of abuse indicators and local procedures.