Business Details
20 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Pontardawe & Ystradgynlais
Littlesteps Childcare is a privately run nursery offering childcare for children aged 0-12 years across two locations in Pontardawe and Ystradgynlais. Established in 2006 and 2016 respectively, our nurseries provide a nurturing environment grounded in the Curiosity Approach and Wales' Foundation Phase Curriculum. With fully qualified staff and a 1:3-8 child-to-adult ratio, we prioritise individualised care, outdoor learning through Forest School, and seamless transitions between nursery and school.Our wraparound services include breakfast clubs, after-school care, and holiday programmes, supported by regular parental communication and a commitment to safeguarding. Registered with Care Inspectorate Wales, we maintain an open-door policy for parental engagement.
Services
Little Explorers
Little Discoverers
Little Inventors
Wraparound Service
Forest School
Holiday Clubs
After-School Care
Breakfast Club
Funded Education
Parent Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We implement the Curiosity Approach to foster independent learning
- Our staff maintain 1:3-8 child-to-adult ratios for personalised care
- We provide Forest School outdoor learning experiences
- We offer wraparound school transport and holiday clubs
- Our nurseries hold 8 consecutive CIW inspection reports
Associations and certifications
- Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
What people say
Exceptional staff
Daily updates
Lovely atmosphere
Excellent communication
Developmental progress
Services
Little Explorers
Specialised care for infants aged 0-24 months with 1:3 staff ratios. Our sensory-rich environment includes dedicated sleeping areas, tailored activities, and daily updates for parents. Staff trained in infant development create secure attachments while promoting early milestones through play-based learning.
Little Discoverers
Developmental support for 24-36 month-olds focusing on independence and social skills. Through structured play and outdoor exploration, children engage in toilet training, imaginative play, and early literacy activities within a safe, stimulating environment that bridges home and school life.
Little Inventors
Curriculum-based learning for 3-12 year-olds combining Foundation Phase requirements with child-led discovery. Features include homework support, Forest School sessions, and creative projects. School-age children receive transport to local schools and access to after-school/holiday clubs with extended hours.
Forest School
Regular outdoor education sessions developing resilience and environmental awareness. Children engage in supervised woodland activities, nature crafts, and risk-assessed exploration. This programme builds physical coordination, teamwork, and confidence through hands-on experiences in natural settings.
Wraparound Service
Dedicated transport service for 3-year-olds attending part-time school placements. Includes morning drop-off and afternoon collection from local schools, with meals and supervised play before/after school sessions. Requires prior booking to confirm eligibility and route availability.
People
Karen Jones
Responsible Individual
Founder with 25+ years' experience in early years education. Former Head of Pre-Prep at St Michael's Independent School. Holds Level 3 childcare qualifications and DBS clearance. Oversees strategic direction and quality assurance across both nurseries.
Jordan Thomas
Nursery Manager
Day-to-day manager of Pontardawe nursery with Level 5 Early Years Leadership qualification. Specialises in child development and safeguarding. Leads staff training and curriculum implementation while maintaining 1:8 staff-child ratios in the Inventors room.
Cathy Brougham
3+ Manager
Ystradgynlais nursery lead with expertise in Foundation Phase delivery. Coordinates outdoor learning programmes and staff mentoring. Holds Level 4 Forest School qualification and manages transition support for children moving to full-time education.
Rebecca Davies
Deputy Manager
Supports nursery operations across both sites with Level 3 childcare qualification. Specialises in sensory integration for younger children and manages daily room supervision. Trained in paediatric first aid and emergency response procedures.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We care for children from birth to 12 years across three age-specific rooms: Explorers (0-24 months), Discoverers (24-36 months), and Inventors (3-12 years).
Do you offer funded childcare places?
Yes, we provide 10 hours weekly funded education for 3-year-olds and 20 free hours of childcare for eligible families under Welsh Government schemes.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we offer nutritionally balanced meals and snacks prepared on-site. Dietary requirements are accommodated with individualised meal plans and allergy management procedures.
How do you support school transitions?
We offer wraparound transport to local schools, transition workshops, and collaborative planning with reception teachers to ensure smooth educational progression for all children.
What safety measures are in place?
All staff hold DBS checks and paediatric first aid qualifications. We maintain strict 1:3-8 staff ratios, secure premises with controlled access, and regular safeguarding training aligned with CIW standards.
Can parents visit anytime?
Yes, we operate an open-door policy for unannounced visits. Settling-in sessions and regular parent-teacher meetings are also available to discuss child progress and care plans.
