How Footsteps Staff Support Every Child to Thrive

At Footsteps, our greatest strength is our people and how much they care. Our highly trained team is dedicated to ensuring every child feels supported, understood and able to thrive – whatever their starting point.

Continuous Training and Development

Our staff regularly take part in professional development to stay up to date with best practices in early years education. This includes:

• Safeguarding and child development
  
• Communication and language support
  
• Behaviour and emotional wellbeing
  
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Early Years Focus: Maths

At Footsteps, our training has reinforced something we see every day: maths is everywhere in early childhood learning. Rather than being a standalone subject, mathematical thinking is naturally woven into children’s play and exploration. For example, in our mud kitchen, children use maths as they follow simple printed recipes to create “mud pies”, counting scoops, measuring ingredients and comparing quantities. These same skills are developed further during cooking activities, where children explore concepts such as weighing, timing, sequencing and problem-solving. By embedding maths into fun, hands-on experiences, we help children build confidence and understanding in a way that feels natural and engaging.

Specialist SEND Support

We understand that every child is unique. Our team is trained to:

• Identify early signs of additional needs
  
• Work closely with families and professionals
  
• Create tailored support plans
  
• Adapt activities to ensure every child can access learning

Many of our settings teach Makaton signing and also help educate parents by posting initiatives on community boards such as Makaton word of the day. Our inclusive approach ensures children feel confident and capable.

Behaviour Management

At Footsteps, our staff are training in Therapeutic Approaches to Behaviour (TABS), which is rooted in the understanding that behaviour is a form of communication. Rather than simply responding to certain behaviours, our team looks at the reasons behind them and recognise how a child’s experiences, including trauma and attachment, can influence how they express their needs and emotions. TABS focuses on building strong, secure relationships, helping children form positive attachments with trusted adults. Through consistent, nurturing responses and a deep understanding of each child, we create a safe environment where children feel supported, understood and able to regulate their emotions. The outcome enables them to engage more confidently in learning and social interactions

A Key Person Who Truly Knows Your Child

Every child is assigned a key person who:

• Builds a strong bond with them
  
• Tracks their development
  
• Supports their emotional wellbeing
  
• Works closely with parents

This ensures personalised care and continuity. Through expertise, compassion and understanding, our team creates an environment where every child can flourish physically, socially and emotionally.

Working in Partnership with Families

We believe the best outcomes happen when nurseries and families work together. We keep parents informed, involved and supported every step of the way. We are proud of the reputation we have for supporting every individual child, and continue to dedicate ourselves to continuous improvement to ensure inclusion for all.