Located at Maple Cross JMI School, our pre-school offers an inspiring environment where children aged 2 to 5 grow into confident, curious learners. With a blend of Forest School principles and The Curiosity Approach, our setting encourages independence, resilience and a genuine love of learning.
Address: Footsteps Nursery & Pre-School Maple Cross, Maple Cross JMI School, Denham Way, Maple Cross, Hertfordshire. WD3 9SS.
Opening hours: Open 7.30am – 5.30pm (Term-time only). Flexible sessions available.
Catering for children: 2 years to 8 years (for younger years, please visit our Maple Cross Tennis Club site).
Telephone number: 01923 710818
Email address: MapleCross@footsteps-nursery.co.uk
Key contacts: Manager: Kathy Reynolds. Deputy Manager: Zoe Brett
Term Dates
February Half Term: 16th-20th Feb
Easter: 30th March – 14th April
May Bank Holiday: 4th May
May Half Term: 25th May – 29th May
Summer Holidays: 23rd July
“My daughter joined Footsteps at two and a half years old and all the staff made her feel so at home – even playing hairdressers over and over in her first nervous weeks! She developed a great group of friends, became very confident and was totally ready for school by the time she left this September. My son is now at the nursery and loves his time there. It puts me at ease to know he’s nurtured and looked after by a brilliant team at Footsteps, who feel like a family. ”
At Footsteps Maple Cross, our aim is to ensure:
To read our full statement of intent CLICK HERE.
Children at Footsteps Pre-School learn through rich hands-on experiences. From outdoor exploration to investigative play, our approach helps children develop essential life skills and build strong foundations for school.
Our days are filled with:
We support every child’s personal, social, emotional and language development to prepare them for school and beyond.
The outdoors is a big part of life at Footsteps. We apply a Forest School approach to help our children learn to explore safely, take supported risks and build resilience. Whether jumping in puddles, making leaf soup, building dens or watching wildlife, our children connect with nature every single day.
The Curiosity ApproachAt our Pre-school site we follow The Curiosity Approach, which fosters independence, creativity and problem-solving. Our environment is filled with real, authentic materials and opportunities for meaningful learning rather than pre-planned outcomes. Children lead their own learning journeys with skilled practitioners guiding and supporting them.
We understand childcare needs vary, which is why we offer flexible hours across our two Maple Cross sites. If you need a pattern that works for your family, please contact us to discuss options.
We also offer 15 and 30 hour funded childcare places for eligible 2, 3 and 4 year olds.
Get in touch to arrange a visit as we’d love to show you around our pre-school and outdoor spaces.
Our school is a part of Operation Encompass which is a national scheme that operates jointly between schools and police forces.
This safeguarding partnership, aims to reduce the long-term impacts of domestic abuse by providing early intervention and support, when a child or young person has been exposed to, or involved in, any domestic violence incident.
Manager at Footsteps Maple Cross is our wonderful Kathy Reynolds. With 14 years in early years settings – and 10 of those at Footsteps – our seasoned professional is an asset to both our team and children.
Kathy holds Level 3 / Forest School Instructor / SENCO / First Aid qualifications as formal additions to her breadth of knowledge and experience.
“My aim is to provide a secure and nurturing base for children to feel they can explore the environment, take risks and have new exciting new learning experiences. The greatest achievement is watching their growth.
Zoe is our fantastic Deputy who will be very ably assisting Kathy at Maple Cross. Zoe, who is level 3 qualified, brings over 6 years’ experience from within pre-school settings. This experience in providing professional leadership and management, as well as helping to ensure that all children receive the highest standards of care and education, will be a fantastic addition to our dedicated team. Zoe is committed to understanding and ensuring the requirements of the EYFS and Ofsted are met, but is also a keen advocate of outside child-led learning and experience through free-flow play.
“I am excited to get to really know all of the children at Maple Cross and always strive to make sure they leave with huge smiles at the end of the day.”
For more information, please contact us on 01923 710818 or email us at MapleCross@footsteps-nursery.co.uk
