FAQ - Our Nursery

Is Footsteps a privately owned nursery?

Footsteps nursery is not a privately owned nursery it is owned by Westfield Housing Association and we operate as a ‘not for profit’ organisation

Who owns Footsteps Nursery?

Footsteps Nursery is owned by Westfield Housing Association and has it has its own Nursery Management Committee

How long has the nursery been open?

We opened in the summer of 2004 and last year celebrated our 10th Birthday

Does the nursery ‘feed’ into any of the local primary schools?

Although, the nursery is on the same campus as a local primary school we have children attending the nursery from many areas of town, and as far and wide as Egremont, Carlisle and Cockermouth. We therefore, ‘feed’ into many schools and have initiated and implemented successful transitions to primary schools within Workington and a 25 mile radius

How many of your staff team are fully qualified childcare practitioners?

All of our staff team are qualified to at least level 3, with many continuing their studies to a higher level. We have a high number of staff with degrees and Early Years Practitioner/Teacher status.

Do you have students working within the nursery?

Yes, we welcome a variety of students into the nursery, from work experience students, to level 3 students, to foundation degree, full degree and Early Years Practitioner students. They come from many training establishments including from local schools, 6th forms, colleges and universities. They all have a student mentor and on a day to day basis are supernumerary within the nursery

How does the nursery plan the children’s activities?

The children’s activities are planned through careful observations of the children’s interests. The staff follow the guidance of the Early Years Foundation Stage