Testimonials – Dereham Nursery

• I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone that has helped looked after Archie or given your support to help get him to where he is now.
  
  He's had the best time and I really do believe your nursery is the best place to start the education process I've felt comfortable and safe sending him to you and I really do appreciate that. I've had Riley Lola and Archie go through little foot steps and it's been amazing watching them grow.
  
  Thank you to all the 1 to 1 support staff for making an impact in Archie's life and giving him all the tools he needs for his new school the bridges.
  
  Also thank you for putting in so much thought into his graduation bag that meant a lot x

(Family message July 2024)

• I am writing to compliment Seeds staff. 

My son R loves nursery so much. He has come on leaps and bounds since being with you. 

All the girls in Seeds are truly amazing! I want to thank each and every one of them but a big thank you to R’s favourite and who I always hear about at home Chelsea! Chelsea has been the most amazing key worker and I cannot thank her enough for the updates she always sends me and how happy she is and how much she loves R. 

Angie, Sydney, Joanna and Dineo are amazing! Always so lovely and happy when my mum/mother in law come to bring R! 

He always comes out so happy and always has a new thing to show me he can do. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate the time and effort these ladies put into looking after my boy. It doesn’t go unmissed. I can see he is very happy and I wish he could stay with you forever! 

My grandparents are so impressed they said that’s one good nursery he goes to! He knows so much! 

Thanks again one happy mum! 

(Email from parent – March 2024)

• A message for recognition on how effectively and well led Little Footsteps is run.

The staff always keep myself up to date with regular pictures in the morning and afternoon to what will be expected to happen throughout the sessions.

Covering many fundamentals of developing physical and cognitive skills. The beautiful setting has the advantages for either being inside or outside play developing their skills further including being in the fresh air and the ability to play with sensory objects (sand and water) as well as the play area.

My child attends 5 days a week, the staff notice the signs very quickly if my child becomes unwell. Staff treat children with compassion, empathy, respect at all time with kind and caring nature.

Staff ask open ended questions regarding if the child/ children are okay at drop off, which parent is collecting at pick up and ask for password letters at pick up.

The staff are competent within their roles, always give informative handovers of any information that needs to be given.

Fresh fruit is always offered during snack time which is such a kind touch.

Progression in fundamentals have been recognised within my Son, how he has developed since attending at little footsteps (September).

Well done Little Footsteps I cannot thank you enough for all your hard work. (Parent feedback via Message – child in Orchard – Feb 2023)

• I highly rate Little Footsteps childcare.

My little boy Harry has been at Little Footsteps since June last year and progressed a lot in the time he has been attending little footsteps as he has global development delay and special educational needs.

The staff have kept me informed of Harry’s progress and helped me with referrals forms were needed. (Parent feedback via Message – child in Shoot – Feb 2023)

• I have 2 children at this nursery full time (Seeds & Buds) I love this nursery and I recommend it to anyone in need of a nursery. All staff are lovely, kind, caring and supportive but mainly my children are happy, my 4-year-old is always excited to come in and play, her favourite is the messy tray and this become a regular conversation on the way in “what’s in the messy tray today” then we look at family to see what pictures have been put on, it’s great because everyday is different. my other child is nearly a year and is also very happy, although she can’t talk and tell me about her day, I can see she’s happy as she always smiling and excited to see her familiar adults, when she first started I was so worried, I called up and sent messages all the time to check on her and never at any point did any staff make me feel silly, every time they would put my mind at ease, send me lots of pictures throughout the day. I feel at great ease knowing my children are happy, safe and looked after by brilliant staff. 5 star nursery. (Parent feedback via Message – child in Seeds and Buds – Feb 2023)

• Nova started Little Footsteps when she was just 7 months old. We was a little unsure if she would settle quickly in seeds and enjoy going to nursery as she had only been used to spending time with us at home. We didn’t need to worry. Nova settled instantly in seeds. She always goes into nursery with a smile on her face and gets so excited to see all the staff in the room especially her key worker Angie. They are so kind and caring to not just Nova but all the children in seeds. Since Nova started nursery she has learnt so much and has really thrived. Communication is excellent. We are always kept up to date with important dates and events going on in the nursery. We know we can always message if we have any concerns or questions we have and they are answered quickly by staff. We are so glad we choose Little Footsteps to take great care of our little girl. (Parent feedback via Message – child in Seeds – Feb 2023)

• Corey started at little footsteps in October due to a change in personal circumstances meaning additional childcare was needed. He started attending Mondays and Fridays and was helped by staff to settle quickly.

There was an incident with another child in shoots where Corey was bitten but I absolutely can not fault how staff dealt with this they were fantastic. I was called to be notified and given appropriate details of the incident. The steps that they took to resolve the situation and prevent it from happening again have been incredible they kept me up to date, and helped Corey to understand what happened and how to express how he was feeling.

I believe this level of care is what has made Corey feel so comfortable at little footsteps. He loves it there and talks about his friends and the adults that work there very fondly. All of this combined has made me as Corey’s parent feel confident sending him there knowing that he will be well looked after in an environment that he enjoys; leading us to increase the number of days that he attends from 2 to 4.

The staff are great and plan activities that the children enjoy and I often see pictures of Corey enjoying himself throughout the day.

As a parent of a child with allergies this is always a worry. But Corey has all his meals provided for him while he is there and we have never had an issue with any reactions. His care plan is updated regularly to ensure this. (Parent feedback via Message – child in Shoots– Feb 2023)

• As a parent of two children (A – 5years now at school and D – 2years in Shoots currently) I have had a lot of experience with the little footsteps staff members and team. As a busy teacher who works in Norwich, I am overjoyed that both my girls have had care at little footsteps of Dereham! The staff are caring, loving, knowledgeable and fun!

Angie gives the babies and young children the best start possible. She is such an amazing leader in seeds and both of my girls love her as do I! Thank you Angie you are amazing and an absolute role model to those in little footsteps!

'Daisy is now in shoots and I could not be happier with Becky’s leadership. Becky is kind, caring, organised and fun. I was worried when Daisy made the jump early into shoots from seeds but she has come on so much and has settled in so well! Thank you for an amazing transition and for all you do for daisy!

I have also had the privilege of my daughter Annabelle being in all the rooms. I must mention Tiegan who is a phenomenal leader of buds and ensured Annabelle was ready for school. Tiegan is kind, knowledgeable, organised. fun, efficient and such a lovely person. Thank you Tiegan for all you did for Annabelle I can’t wait for you to have daisy in the future! Also Annabelle was lucky enough to have Toby in Buds he is a breath of fresh air in the nursery and such an amazing asset! Thank you Toby!

Furthermore thank you to Gemma and Donna who have always been understanding and communicate so well with us all to let us know forthcoming events / changes and plans. Also thank you to Richard the girls love the meals you plan and make and always look forward to lunch time most of the time wanting more!

I will always recommend little footsteps as I truly believe that they are the best care for my children. My sister also now has her 2 girls go as well as a lot of my friends. (Parent feedback via Message – child in Shoots and Orchard – Feb 2023)

• I just wanted to share some feedback for Becky. F has been in nurseries since he was 9 months old & I can truly say I have never seen him make such advancements in a short space of time after joining Little Footsteps. We work hard at home for his speech & sounds but the way Becky is beyond passionate to help him, focuses on truly pushing him forward & sharing the happiness over his achievements is second to none. Becky has been the biggest helper so far in his early years journey & I cannot thank her enough. You are incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful person in your nursery & I’m so thankful for all she has done. As have the whole of Shoots team, they’re all such a kind bunch & I am so pleased I made this decision to move F. I cannot thank Becky & you all enough x - (Famly messenger Oct 2022)
• A loves going to nursery she honestly can’t wait to get there and start her day. The lovely Buds teachers are so caring and nurturing to her needs, and she has a really good relationship with them, A has grown in confidence every day since attending Buds, she loves her friends there and all the activities you have on offer each day she comes home beaming telling me what she has done at nursery. All the Buds team are amazing at what they do. - (Parent of Buds May 2021)
• S hasn’t been with Shoots for very long, but has settled in so quickly and I think it’s all down to all Shoots team they are very caring and providing a lovely warm atmosphere, S can’t wait to get to nursery, seeing his friends and doing lots of fun games, S confidence has come on leaps and bounds since being in your care, Shoots team are fantastic. I am looking forward seeing S grow in your setting. ❤️😊 - (Parent of Shoots May 2021)
• "The staff at Little Footsteps Nursery are always friendly and professional. They have addressed any queries we've had promptly. They have done a wonderful job making our son feel safe and happy and of keeping us notified of his development and day to day activity. At the end of the day he comes out having had a fun and stimulating day. Thank you for all the hard work you do to provide a safe and fun learning environment for our child." - (Parent of Buds April 2021)
• I have been overwhelmed by the care shown to both my children throughout their journey with Little Footsteps, from 10 months old to school age and beyond. The different rooms are split perfectly so that the children don't get bored and are pushed to their best potential whilst being a fun place they love to attend. Office staff are also very supportive, particularly when I was having trouble with my daughter sleeping they called me and gave me some tips and even checked in after a week to see if I had noticed any improvements putting into practice their advice (which I did). I would have no hesitation in recommending your service to anyone and have already recommended a couple of times already. - (Parent of Buds and Orchard April 2021)
• Our son joined Little Footsteps in September 2020 and we have been absolutely thrilled since. The care and passion that all staff have for the children in Buds is outstanding. They have supported him across all areas of development and we’ve seen a vast important all round but particularly with his speech, personal and social skills. He is there for ten hours a day some days whilst we work yet he never complains and is always happy when we pick up and excited to tell us about his day! The staff have been incredibly supportive during a few health issues and have helped us feel at ease whilst he is in their care. We can’t thank Tiegan and her team enough; we are so grateful for all you do. - (Parent of Buds April 2021)
• Hello to all at Buds . I recently sent an email to management however I would personally like to thank you all! Tiegan - your planning links to all the areas of learning is amazing! The role play areas are inspiring and original! I love all of your ideas and as a teacher I think you are doing an exceptional job at running the room! I love the addition of home learning being accessible and the new helper of the day! Toby - I think your a star! Your observations are amazing, and you have moved ‘A’ on so much! She adores you and how you make her feel safe and so welcome! You also have so much fun with her and have such a special bond with each other :) Everyone at Buds - your an outstanding team! Everyone is so kind, hardworking and you all always want the best for the children! I love how you all get to know every single child and make them all feel special! As a teacher myself I do have high expectations of ‘A’s’ learning and I am so proud she is thriving with you all I could not ask for more! - (Parent of Buds April 2021)
• The difference in ‘C’ speech and confidence since he started in Buds is just amazing! We were very nervous back in September as he had only just found his feet in Shoots, but we didn’t have anything to worry about. He is always so excited to go to nursery in the mornings. He has so much fun with his friends & all the different activities each day. He is lucky to have you guys looking after him. You all do an amazing job! - (Parent of Buds April 2021)
• Seeing all the stuff on tapestry, couldn't be more proud and thank you to you amazing staff members. You are helping ‘K’ so much she is coming on leaps and bounds. Me and mum can definitely see the difference since being at nursery. :) - (Parent of Shoots April 2021)
• I had lots of worries about ‘B’ being too little to start nursery, As soon as I walked into Seeds I knew he was going to be fine. The staff go above and beyond to care for him. The pictures I get sent of seeing him so happy at nursery makes my day. He is lucky to be a little Seedling! - (Parent of Seeds April 2021)
• ‘H’ loves going to nursery, you girls in seeds are fantastic, not only have you been a great support for him but you have been there for us too. We put ‘H’ into nursery early, due to covid he was unable to socialise with other babies and other people, I wanted him to have the things that all other babies could have pre covid and seeds have been there for him and helped him socialise and make friends which in turn has made me feel like he hasn't missed out.This was a massive thing for me and it literally broke my heart that I haven't been able to see him make friends and see him in social situations with his peers, but you girls in seeds have sent pictures and given me updates on how he plays which means the world.You have been there for me when the health visitors disappeared giving me valuable advise based on your knowledge in child care and your knowledge of ‘H’. Not only this but you have helped him grow and learn in an environment that is safe, fun, exciting loving and caring. Through all his stages of development so far.It's quiet clear you love all the babies in your care you always look happy to see them and make them feel welcome.And just to top it off you give up your free time for a mother's day session on a Saturday and put on the most amazing activities.You just go above and beyond every time.I don't think words can describe what it means to know my baby is safe and cared for in the lovely environment you create.‘H’ is the world to me and I want the best for him and I feel he gets that in seeds!And just to add Angie’s drawing skills are out of this world, I think ‘H’ has learnt a lot in this area from her. - (Parent of Seeds April 2021)
• I just wanted to send a quick message to say that the Buds room has gone from strength to strength since Tiegan has been room leader! I find her planning and role play areas inspiring. As a teacher I am always looking for ‘A’ to have the best and I am amazed at how much she has come on! I also want to say how highly I speak of Toby and I always will he is a fantastic key worker and an asset to the nursery! Thanks - (parent of Buds April 2021)
• Thanks for providing the update on the parent questionnaire, it is lovely to read the responses/ summary. Just wanted to reiterate how happy we are with everything for both ‘A’ and ‘J’. I love the swift handover and the Famly app for communications in place of paper copies; it makes things so much easier and quicker for us! Thank you again. This is the best nursery we’ve had the children in and unfortunately we’ve had to have a few as we’ve moved!! - (Parent of Buds and Orchard April 2021)
• We are very happy with you guys at Shoots! ‘B’ has come so far along with all your help, he has sprouted so much and is learning and doing new things all the time. He is gaining more confidence and is so happy when he is there. You all do an amazing job and you should be so proud of yourselves. As parents we are very lucky to have such lovely people looking after and helping our son grow. You are all amazing! X - (Parent of Shoots April 2021)
• Love the work and the care ‘A’ has and is given he loves to come more each time and has grown so much and his confidence has grown which is lovely to see. Also I'm sooooo grateful for the care and support you have give me and my boys not just ‘A’ and we can't wait to see what summer brings and loads more work as ‘M’ moves up, thank you for everything love to you all XXX💕 - (Parent of Seeds, Shoots, Orchard April 2021)
• I honestly don’t know where to begin! I feel so lucky to have found such an amazing nursery. ‘T’ and ‘M’ began nursery at a time when I really didn’t trust anyone else to look after them, and lots had changed in their little lives. I’ve always felt very supported by the nursery as a parent, and have always appreciated having a consistent approach from the nursery staff with regards to raising the children. When I looked round, I loved how kind and approachable the staff were, I loved that the toys were rotated and loved the outside space. It is so clear to see how much time and effort the staff put into the activities, and they definitely go the extra mile. My children are so well looked after at the nursery, and I love how much the children love attending. I am beyond grateful and incredibly thankful to have found such a brilliant nursery. Thank you for all that you do, for all the cuddles you give them and for everything that you teach them! ❤️ (Parent of Seeds, Shoots April 2021)
• Little Footsteps and the staff in Seedlings have been amazing. My son has developed so much and learnt so many things since he has started. He absolutely loves going to nursery and I always look forward to hearing about what he has done and the activities he has carried out. The staff are so welcoming, and my son adores them. I would highly recommend Little Footsteps! X - (Parent of Seeds April 2021)
• ‘S’ has always loved going to Little Footsteps, It’s like a home from home. she has so much fun in Seeds and I always know that she’s in safe hands and there is no one else I’d rather look after her, she always tells me she’s had lots of fun and enjoys playing and making things . She always comes home happy and smiling .❤️ X - (parent of Seeds April 2021)
• Ooooo where do I start I love the setting I love all the group's my boys in and even love how happy ‘H’ was at Easter but as for the baby group ‘M’ has come a very long way since he started in Seeds and his says more words in a minute then me lol his more outgoing and he has learnt so much and his stared to get out buggy without fights and screams and the way u care for him is unreal your all so kind when I have had struggles with him and have worked with me as well as ‘M’ and the others I'm very grateful to you all and can't wait to see what summer brings as I will defo being paying for some summer holidays sessions lol love to you all and a really big thank u from me and the boys xxx🥰💐 - (Parent of Seeds, Shoots, Orchard April 2021)
• Little Footsteps are wonderful. All the staff that I have come into contact with have been nothing but kind and professional. The Seeds Team have helped both me and my daughter so much over such a short period. My daughter absolutely loves all the ladies in Seeds and so do I! She has come on leaps and bounds since joining and I will be forever grateful to them for that. They're all happy to help with any questions or queries and are obviously very passionate about their jobs. I would highly recommend to everyone x - (Parent of Seeds April 2021)
• It is clear that you are passionate about your jobs in Seedlings. That is reflected in everything you do with the babies. Both my boys have loved it and I will be very sad when they both move on. They love the staff and it’s an incredibly happy place for them to be. They have gained so much from being there, it’s a home from home xxx - (Parent of Sees and Buds April 2021)
• ‘A’ has been at Little Footsteps for almost a year now and it's like her 2nd home. She loves everyone there and it's helped her interact with other babies during a year where interacting has been difficult and hopefully, she has made some future friends. I recommend Little Footsteps any chance I get your all wonderful 😊 - (Parent of Seeds April 2021)
• Little Footsteps is fantastic. In all the groups all three of my children they have developed and played through the early and important parts of their lives. The work you do with the children, whether that be Seeds, Shoots and Buds is amazing and supportive to them. Shoots helped to potty train ‘G’ and ‘Z’ when I had no idea what I was doing, and Seeds has allowed ‘E’ to socialise throughout lockdown, and because of Seeds he's also started to become more confident in walking and talking.I am more than happy with the work that you do with the children, and I would more than happily recommend the nursery to other parents. - (Parent of Seeds, Shoots, Buds April 2021)
• All the staff that I have met at Little Footsteps have been so kind, caring and professional! My daughter loves going to Seedlings, all the amazing workers take such good care of my little princess! They help her learn and grow in so many levels. I am so grateful to be able to trust my daughter in someone else's care! I just love how they have so many different ideas and fun games for the children to play and learn at the same time! To everyone a massive thank you from both of us, you guys really do a great job! - (parent of Seeds April 2021)
• Just a short message to say how much I love the Little Footsteps Nursery. The staff are so caring and supportive and are always available when needed. They go the extra mile for my children, and I really appreciate how they care for them. My two girls really enjoy going to nursery and it has been a real blessing that they have been able to go during lockdown. The staff have worked throughout all the unrest and fear of covid and have worked so hard to keep the nursery open and safe.

The activities my children are able to access as well as the craft they bring home are just wonderful. The staff obviously work tirelessly to provide a wonderful experience for all the children, and it shows in the way the children flourish.

Thank you for all you do! - (Parent of Seeds and Shoots April 2021)

• It’s really lovely to see how much you’re supporting the families financially. The support from Donna and Gemma has been amazing over uncertain times with regards to my son. The staff have been amazing, from sending care packages to welcoming him back to being on Facebook. Couldn’t ask for anymore :) x (June 2020 – parent – email)
• I just wanted to say a massive thank you from myself and my family! At a time when I have felt uncertain you have made it so easy and safe for my child to come to nursery. Thank you for being patient with us teachers and key workers with our changing hours and changing days! Thank you for saving days when I didn’t know what to expect or when I was working! Thank you for being so prepared! Thank you for being the best nursery I have ever asked for for my daughter! Thank you to everyone at little footsteps for never stopping when everyone else had! Also thank you to Tiegan for making my daughters transition into Buds an amazing one! I am thrilled with what she has already learnt! As a teacher I feel confident she will be school ready through Tiegan’s outstanding leadership and knowledge! Kind regards, The B Family (June 2020 – parent - email)
• My daughter has attended little footsteps right from a young toddler in the seeds room. She had a good bond with all of the staff in there and was always happy to go. She has since progressed through shoots and into buds and throughout this journey she has loved every day. We get a good handover from staff and parents evenings as well as always being able to contact someone should the need arise. They are very accommodating if extra days or hours are needed and are a very competitive price for their services. The hours they are open are very appealing to working parents and the before and after school service has helped me out when I have needed it!
  
  All in all if you want to know your child is in safe, caring hands and that they are being encouraged and having a good time also then little footsteps has got to the the number one choice ! (Krista Cullender – parent – Google review)
• My little girl has been going here for about 18 months now. She loves it. And even though for the majority of the time she only went one day a week the staff still spent there time getting to know her, and making her feel comfortable. She has recently gone up a room and started an extra day a week and is loving it. She is always learning something knew (Melanie Badman – parent – Google review)
  
• My 4 year old just left to go to school. He developed so much over his time at Little Footsteps working through most of the rooms. He grew into a confident, polite and bright boy ready for school. The staff have been brilliant nurturing him. My one year old has been in since 6 months old. The baby room staff are amazing at relieving parents anxiety of leaving a young baby. He loves going and the staff are great at helping him develop and reach his goals. They are so supportive and warming. All the staff are very knowledge and keen to help the children. Overall it's a great nursery which I am happy to take my children to and leave with no concerns. Thank you. (Shelley Nelson – parent – Google review)
  
• Having worked at Little Footsteps for around 5 years, I can say everyday is different and super fun! The staff are all extremely hard working and care for all of the children as if they were their own. Different activities are set out everyday to keep the children busy, from painting to cooking. All of these activities allow different learning opportunities☺️☺️☺️ (Chelsea Monument – staff member – Google review)
  
• Both our boys have attended Little Footsteps since they were 6 months old. They are always happy there and we know that they are in a safe and secure environment. The nursery provides lots of learning opportunities and activities to help the children develop. They also offer a varied and healthy menu for the children. We would happily recommend Little Footsteps to other parents. (Dave White – parent – Google review)
  
• My 2 year old daughter has just started little footsteps and it’s amazing 5 stars just isn’t enough! The staff are all really friendly and approachable, the communication between staff and parents is brilliant. My little girl loves it there. High recommend little footsteps. (Tina Potter – parent – Google review)
  
• Friendly, helpful staff, great environment for the children, my daughter only goes one day a week but she absolutely loves it there! (Laura Bushrod – parent – Google review)