My youngest child, was a Covid baby, and he was always very dubious/ nervous about spending time in places with children of his own age.

Because of this, I delayed starting his nursery journey until he was 3 and 3 months.

I was so anxious about the setting we were going to be putting Chester in, and we looked around so many nurseries, but the feeling we had when we made contact with Hook Step Up had an instantly warm connection. I knew we needed to look around!

We found the staff to child ratio amazing, there was as always a lot of adults buzzing about engaging with the kids, encouraging them to play, learn and interact!

My son is clingy- very clingy, and it look a number of sessions to settle, but the staff at Hook are incredible, I trust them completely, and that coming from an anxious mum is a big step!

My son went from not wanting to even look at another child, to having his own little group of friends, and even engaging with kids when we go out for the day- museum, farm, park- he will now chats happily with the kids and make new friends!

He adores the structure at Step Up, circle time, magic bag time to name a few! Their garden is wonderful and lots of outdoor space. He also knows more yoga moves than me!

They have now started to have lunch within hook primary school meaning that his transition to reception class at hook school will hopefully be seamless.

Chester is never board at step up, and he’s a high maintenance child who like a lot of activities to fill his day!

He thrives here! He comes home with a clean face and a filthy uniform. To me, this is a sign that the staff are looking after the kids hygiene, yet they have tonnes of fun with creative activities during the day. I’ve seen the state of my nephews and friends children who come out with filthy noses, dirty underwear/ nappies! Not here!

Chester has never come home with wet underwear, which is a wonderful sign that he is engaging with them regarding toileting.

All in all, I’m so glad we made the call here. I believe every member of the team have played a massive part in Chester’s development and I’ll forever be thankful!

Thank you Hook Step Up!

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication