First Steps Orrishmere Pre-school

30/08/2026

❤️ 👋 With love, gratitude and treasured memories, we say goodbye 👋 ❤️

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the sad news that at the end of July we said goodbye to the last group of children and families to attend First Steps Pre-School, and we officially close our doors on 31st August 2026.

After more than 50 wonderful years at the heart of our community, this truly marks the end of a very special era. 🌳✨

Over those five decades, First Steps has had the privilege of caring for hundreds of children, helping them take their first steps into education, friendships and the wider world. 👣🌈 So many little faces have walked through our doors, each leaving their own special mark on the history of our pre-school.

Sadly, in recent years we have experienced a decline in the number of families using pre-school settings, alongside falling birth rates, resulting in fewer children attending. With numbers continuing to decrease, there are simply not enough children to enable First Steps to remain open.

Whilst this is incredibly sad news for everyone connected with First Steps, we feel immensely proud of the wonderful legacy we have built.

First Steps has been so much more than a pre-school. It has been a place where children have laughed, played, learned, grown in confidence and made their very first friendships. 🧸🎨🌱 It has been a place where families have felt welcomed, supported and part of a community. For generations of families, First Steps has been part of their children’s earliest and most treasured memories.

We would like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to every child, parent, grandparent, staff member, trustee member and member of our community who has been part of the First Steps journey. 💕

Thank you for trusting us. It has been an honour and a privilege to play a small part in so many children’s early years. 🌟

Although our doors may close, the memories created here won’t disappear. They will live on in the hundreds of children and families whose lives have been touched by First Steps.

Here’s to over 50 years of little footsteps, big adventures, precious memories and countless happy beginnings. 🌈🌸

Helen and the First Steps team ⭐️

07/07/2026

🐄🌞 What a fantastic day we had at Smithills Farm! 🌞🐑

The weather was perfect, and our preschool children had the most amazing time exploring everything the farm had to offer. From meeting the animals to learning about life on the farm, every child embraced the day with smiles, curiosity, and excitement.

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Smithills Farm for another wonderful visit. It really does get better every year! We have loved visiting the farm over the last 16 years, and it is always so special to see how much the children enjoy these memorable trips. 🚜

We hope all of our children have been able to share stories with their families and friends about their fantastic day and all the wonderful experiences they had. These outings create lasting memories and provide valuable learning opportunities that we know will be talked about for days to come 💚

📸 Here are just a few of our favourite moments from a brilliant day at the farm!

05/07/2026

04/07/2026

🌞 Who’s ready for a bit more sunshine? 🌞

The hot weather last week meant plenty of opportunities to enjoy the shade under the trees that surround us, alongside lots of fun with water, bubbles and outdoor equipment.

We even had our very own First Steps Car Wash! 🚗💦 The children loved washing the cars and watching the water flow. Our toy animals also had great fun zooming down the water slide! 🐻🦁🌊

As well as having lots of fun, the children explored some early science concepts too, discovering how gravity helps move water and how a manual pump can transfer water from one place to another.

Learning through play, splashing and sunshine – what could be better? ☀️💧

21/06/2026

🌟 Who’s ready for another fun-filled week at preschool? 🌟

Last week, we baked our own bread! 🍞 This helped the children practise counting, measuring, following instructions, and understanding how ingredients change during the baking process. It also encourages patience as children wait to see the finished result—and they love the sense of achievement when they taste what they’ve made!

📦 We also had lots of fun with a simple cardboard box. Open-ended play like this encourages creativity, imagination, problem-solving, and communication as children turn everyday objects into exciting adventures.

We can’t wait to see what this week has in store! 😊✨

10/06/2026

🌞💛 WELCOME BACK! 💛🌞

We can’t quite believe it… this is our last half term of the academic year! 🎉

What an incredible journey it has been. From first achievements to messy crafts, outdoor adventures, big smiles, and lots of laughter, we’ve made so many special memories together. ✨

As we head into our final few weeks, we’re looking forward to making every moment count with exciting activities, celebrations, learning opportunities, and plenty of fun along the way. 🌈🐝🌻

To our amazing children – thank you for bringing your curiosity, energy, and smiles every day. To our wonderful families – thank you for your continued support throughout the year. ❤️

Let’s make this last half term the best one yet! ☀️🎨🚜📚

Welcome back everyone – we’re so happy to see you! ✨

06/06/2026

🌈 First Steps Pre School- Cheadle Hulme 🌈

Looking for a warm, fun and nurturing preschool for your little one? 💛

✨ Ages 2–4 years
✨ Open 5 days a week
✨ Term Time Hours: 08:30 – 15:30
✨ Flexible days & sessions available
✨ 15 & 30 hour funding accepted
✨ 2025 OFSTED Inspected
✨ September 2026 places available now!

From messy play and story time to giggles, friendships and first discoveries — every day is filled with learning through play! 🎨📚🧸

Give your child the perfect start in a safe, caring and happy environment where little imaginations grow BIG! 🌟

📞 Enquire today to secure your child’s place!

22/05/2026

We’ve Been Busy Learning, Exploring & Having Fun! 🌱☀️🎨

The children have been amazed watching our broad beans grow taller and taller since planting them at Easter. They have carefully looked after them and loved looking for signs beans are starting to form.

Creative hands were busy exploring clay play too. The children rolled, moulded and squished the clay, creating cone shapes and enjoying all the different textures through sensory play. 🎨✨

With the sunshine shining, we enjoyed picnic time outdoors listening to the birds singing and the wind in the trees. The children also had lots of fun in the sun, taking part in MiniSports Coaching activities, practising their balancing, listening, coordination and teamwork skills. ⚽🌞

A week full of curiosity, creativity, outdoor adventures and happy smiles! 💕

13/05/2026

🌟 Where Little Minds Shine Bright! 🌟

From storytelling to music, art, dance, and early learning — we make education exciting and meaningful for every child.

📍 Located in Cheadle Hulme

🎒 Places Available

✨ Give your child the perfect start to their pre school education in a safe, caring, and fun learning environment.

📞 Contact us today to book a visit

11/05/2026

☀️ Preparing for Sunny Weather ☀️

As we head into the warmer months, please help us keep the children comfortable, safe and ready for outdoor adventures 🌿

A few simple items in your child’s bag can make all the difference with the ever-changing British weather — from sunshine to sudden showers! 🌦️

Thank you for your continued support 💚