Stages 4 Ages Ltd
Stepping Stones Training is a trading name of Stages 4 Ages Ltd — not a separate limited company. Training and practical support for parents and carers through Stages 4 Ages is included with our pathways.
About us
About Stepping Stones Training
Stepping Stones Training provides online courses, qualifications, programmes and support for early years professionals and childcare settings — with training designed around the realities of nursery, preschool and childminding life.
Our approach
We create training with the realities of early years work in mind — clear, accessible online learning that supports both learners and the managers who guide them. Our courses, pathways and qualifications work together to help practitioners develop beyond one-off course completion, whether you're training as an individual or rolling learning out across a whole team.
NCFE-approved centre
Stepping Stones Training is an NCFE-approved centre. Selected qualifications are delivered through NCFE — not every short course carries a formal NCFE qualification. See our qualifications and programmes for details.
View qualifications & programmesWhat we offer
Individual online courses
A growing catalogue of practical early years courses, including CPD-accredited titles.
Learn moreQualifications & programmes
Recognised qualifications and structured programmes for career growth.
Learn moreEssential Pathway
Core online training for whole teams from £7/user/mo.
Learn morePremium Partnership
Unlimited training plus advanced oversight and policy support.
Learn moreWebinars
Practical live and recorded sessions across the pathways and publicly.
Learn moreResources
Guides and downloads to support practitioners, parents and carers.
Learn moreTraining and practical support for parents and carers through Stages 4 Ages is included with both pathways. See Plans & Pricing for details.
Working together
Our partners
Stepping Stones Training works alongside a small number of confirmed organisations. Each relationship is described honestly below.
MF Nurseries and Childcare Partnership
MF Nurseries and Childcare Partnership is a childminding agency supporting childminders. Stepping Stones Training provides training to support the professional development of its childminders.
CPD Certification Service
Stepping Stones Training offers CPD-accredited courses where stated. Individual course pages indicate where CPD accreditation applies — not every course carries a CPD accreditation.
NCFE approved centre
Stepping Stones Training is an NCFE-approved centre. Selected qualifications are delivered through NCFE — not every short course is an NCFE qualification.
Meet the team
Meet Grace and Emily, part of the real team behind Stepping Stones.
Grace
Assessor
I love creating courses that truly make a difference. My goal is to design learning experiences that are clear, engaging, and practical — helping people feel more confident and capable in their everyday lives.
Emily
Training and Assessor Coordinator
For me, learning is about giving people the tools and self-belief to move forward. I love seeing learners grow in confidence and realise just how much they're capable of.