Located in the heart of the beautiful Watermead development in Aylesbury, our pre-school offers a bright, welcoming and nurturing environment for children aged 2 to 5 years. With access to wonderful outdoor space and lakeside walks nearby, children enjoy fresh air, nature and real-world learning opportunities every day.
At Footsteps Watermead, we believe that children learn best when they feel safe, valued and inspired. Our approach combines child-led discovery, purposeful play and strong relationships with families, helping every child thrive.
Address: Footsteps Pre-school Watermead, The Piazza, Watermead, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP19 0FU
Opening hours:
Open 7.30am to 2.00pm (term time only).
Tuesdays, we close at 12pm.
Telephone number: 07865945297
Email: Watermead@footsteps-nursery.co.uk
Key contacts: Manager, Karen Braithwaite
Our policies: Please visit values & policies
Fees and How do I apply: See our Application form
Term dates:
Xmas Break: Fri 20th Dec, returning Tues 7th Jan
Half Term: Mon 17th to Fri 21st Feb
Easter Break: Fri 4th to Tues 22nd April
Half Term: Mon 26th to Fri 30th May
Summer Holidays: Tues 22 July
“The biggest ‘Thanks you’ to the amazing Footsteps team! You guys all work so hard to create a safe, fun and nurturing environment for our little ones. My son always talks about you and even wants to ‘play preschool’ when he gets home.”
“The team at Footsteps are just amazing, I have seen first-hand how much confidence and development you all contribute to the children, especially my son and daughter.”
Footsteps Watermead has a strong family feel and close ties to the local community. Shared experiences are an important part of life here, from:
By building meaningful connections, children develop empathy, social skills and a sense of belonging.
Children at Watermead are active participants in their learning. We believe in:
Whilst always on hand for physical reassurance, a smile, song or dance, our skilled practitioners also act as guides and mentors, supporting children to take the lead, make choices and grow in independence.
With just 28 places, Footsteps Watermead offers a small, personal environment where every child is truly known. Our experienced team builds secure relationships with each child, helping them feel comfortable, confident and ready to learn at their own pace.
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and embed learning naturally into play, never separating learning from fun. From early literacy and numeracy to social skills, creativity and problem-solving, every day brings something new.
We offer places for children aged from 2 to 5 years, with flexible sessions available to suit working parents and family needs where possible. We also offer 15 and 30 hour funded childcare for eligible families.
At Footsteps Watermead, our aim is to bring families together by creating a sense of community and ensure each child:
To read our full statement of intent CLICK HERE.
Karen has a career of over 20 years working with children as well as 2 children of her own. She is a highly qualified member of our team and we are lucky to benefit from her breadth of experience. Her favourite activities are cooking and nature walks where she loves to share her love of the natural environment with the children. Karen said “ “The best part of working at Footsteps is really getting to know all the children, what makes them tick, what excites and motivates them and to have lots of fun!”
Hannah joins Footsteps Watermead as Deputy Manager and SENCO. With a wealth of qualifications and experience, Hannah has 3 boys aged 8,5,3 who certainly give her added insight into active play as they all love to play football.
Hannah says: “My favourite activity is anything messy or imaginative and role playing with the children. I look forward to joining the Footsteps family and creating fun and engaging experiences.
“Looking back to the first stages when they started to when my son was ready for school and where my daughter is now just wonderful to see, and I owe the Footsteps team a huge thanks and congratulations. Not only do you a care for the children but you encourage and have fun as well. You are basically fantastic, and I am very grateful for all your hard work and taking such good care of my children!”
“All the team at Footsteps are absolutely amazing, I couldn’t feel more relaxed with my son coming into your setting. All staff have made my son’s transition into the school the best he could have ever had and he loves each and every one of you. I will forever to recommend Footsteps to every single person who asks. Thank you for being you.”
“I seen so many changes in my son in such a short space of time. He absolutely adores your staff and I can see how comfortable he is with both of them. The support and just the general daily feedback means a lot and keeps my mind at ease knowing he has a great day at nursery. A massive thank you to the entire team!”
We’d love to welcome you for a visit and show you what makes Footsteps Watermead so special. Get in touch to arrange a tour or enquire about spaces.
For more information, please contact us on 07865945297 or email us at Watermead@footsteps-nursery.co.uk
