First Steps

First Steps Junior Academy is a long established day care setting which is well known in the community. We are situated on the Gilford Road in Portadown and registered to accommodate children from 6 weeks to 12 years. 

Nursery Facilities

Within the nursery, we have a room specifically for the 0-2 year olds which is registered for 12 children within an adult:child ratio 1:3. The staff in the room present activities that are specifically suited to the age of the children in the room, they particularly like play with natural resources.

Our 2-3 year old room is registered for 8 children with an adult:child ratio of 1:4. Within this room the staff will observe the children, taking into consideration their likes, dislikes and abilities etc this allows the staff to put together a weekly plan full of fun activities that the children will enjoy and that will be suitable for their stage of development.

We also have a pre-school room within the nursery suitable for children aged 3-4 years with an adult:child ratio of 1:8, is registered for 13 children. Within this room our yearly, monthly, weekly and daily plans are developed based on the Curricular Guidance for Pre-School Education and our observations.

Staff observe the children throughout all of our rooms in the nursery. 

Our Aim

Our aim within First Steps Junior Academy is to develop and broaden children’s learning experiences encouraging them to be confident, eager and enthusiastic learners. We also offer After School care for children primary 1 to primary 7 with a breakfast club, drop off’s and collection to and from the local schools. Our nurseries have full day sessions 7am-6pm and part day sessions 7am-1pm or 1pm-6pm. We ask that parents register for a minimum of two sessions per week.