Stepping Stones Pre School Nursery

A huge thank you to all the local North Belfast businesses for their generous raffle prize donations (both for this Friday’s quiz and our Christmas raffle back in December). We’re so grateful for your continued support!

Tickets are available in the nursery or on the night, when the draw will take place 😀

Reminder: Our Parents Meeting / AGM is tomorrow at 7pm Murphy Browns at the top of the Cavehill Road.

The team will be doing updates and the committee will be going over upcoming events and developments.

We look forward to seeing you there. 😀

https://fb.me/e/9cqKy0L0J

Reminder that our Nursery Open Day is tomorrow Thursday 8th January at 1pm, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary school (Park Lodge). See you there😀

𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸/𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱

Stepping Stones Pre-school Nursery is looking to increase our bank of temporary nursery relief staff to cover staff leave, absences, and to support operational needs as and when required.

Location: 700 Antrim Road, Belfast, BT15 5GQ
Pay: Competitive hourly rate (dependent on experience)
Hours: Part-time, bank basis (Monday–Friday, 8:30am–2:00pm, term-time)

Key Responsibilities
• Support children’s care, learning, and development
• Assist in delivering the Northern Ireland Pre-school Curriculum
• Follow nursery policies and safeguarding procedures
• Provide cover for short-term and planned absences

Essential Criteria
• Experience working in an early years or childcare setting
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection
• Flexible, reliable, and child-centred approach
• AccessNI clearance required

To Apply: Please email 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬.𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐲@𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥.𝐜𝐨𝐦 or call 07752829260 for more information

This week we are thinking about dummies!

Credit: NHS Ayrshire & Arran

Good luck to all the P7s for tomorrow. We are cheering for you all ❤️🥰

𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 / 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞!

A space has become available in our Nursery for an immediate start.

Located in the Antrim Road area, we provide an intimate, nurturing setting with 23 pre-school children and 3 members of staff.

Hours: 9:00am – 1:00pm (Monday to Friday)

For more information please contact Stepping Stones Nursery:

📧 [email protected]
📞 07856 834647

Good luck to all the P7s sitting their test tomorrow 🤞 Just remember you are all amazing 🥰

🌟 We're Hiring! 🌟 Nursery Leader

An excellent opportunity for a dedicated individual to join our team and lead our warm, friendly nursery in North Belfast.

Stepping Stones Pre-school Nursery is a community-based setting that has supported families in the North Belfast area for over 35 years. Our team includes 3 full-time staff and a Voluntary Management Committee made up of parents and local community representatives. We currently offer 23 pre-school places each academic year and follow the Northern Ireland Pre-school Curriculum, providing activities across the six areas of learning.

Essential Criteria:
• QCF Level 5 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development (or equivalent)
• At least 2 years’ paid work in an Early Years setting within the last 5 years
• At least 2 years’ experience implementing the Department of Education Early Years Curriculum within the last 5 years

Desirable Criteria:
• Degree in Early Years Education
• Experience managing staff
• Experience as a Leader or Deputy

📩 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬.𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐲@𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥.𝐜𝐨𝐦

Hours: 8:30am – 2:00pm (Monday–Friday)
Pay: Competitive, with overtime & term-time holidays
Closing Date: Friday 28th November
Interviews: 4th / 5th December
Start Date: January 2026

Stepping Stones Pre-school Nursery is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Dear Parents and Carers,

After much thought, I wanted to let you know that I will be leaving my post as Leader at Stepping Stones on December 5th, after 23 wonderful years.

It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has passed. When I first joined Stepping Stones all those years ago, I could never have imagined the incredible journey ahead. The hundreds of little faces, the laughter that fills our room, the muddy shoes,the paint-covered hands, and the endless curiosity and joy that the children bring each day. It has truly been the most rewarding part of my life.

I have been so lucky to share in so many special moments, from those first shy goodbyes at the door, to watching each child grow in confidence and independence, ready to take their next big step. There is nothing quite like seeing the world through a child’s eyes. Their wonder, their humour, their honesty and I feel deeply privileged to have been part of that for so many families.

Over the years, I’ve worked with the most wonderful team of people who care so deeply about what they do. They’ve shared my passion, supported me through challenges, and helped create the warm, welcoming environment that makes Stepping Stones so special. I know they will continue to nurture and inspire every child who walks through the door, just as they always have.

To all the parents and carers both past and present , thank you for your support, trust, and kindness. I’ve been truly touched by the relationships built over the years. So many of you have become more like friends than families I’ve simply worked with. I’ve loved hearing from those whose children are now grown up, and it fills me with pride to know I played even a small part in their early story.

Although it’s not easy to say goodbye, I know it’s the right time for me. Stepping Stones will always hold a very special place in my heart. It’s been more than just a job; it’s been a family, a community, and a huge part of my life. I leave with countless wonderful memories and a heart full of gratitude.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me to be part of your children’s lives. It has been the greatest privilege and joy.

With warmest wishes and lots of love
Tracey