Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Being one of the earliest schools to come up in the area, First Steps has developed a reputation over the years in handling children of varied temperaments with care, compassion, and methods tailored to their needs. We also have large open green spaces (difficult to find nowadays), an in-house splash pool and outdoor play equipment.
We are proud of the fact that since more than two decades, kids if First Steps have been successfully clearing all primary school entrance tests with good scores.
1:15 plus one aaya – 1 teacher takes up a maximum of 15 students at any given time, assisted by an aaya. Additional staff is appointed as needed.
Once your child enters the school premises, his/her safety is completely our responsibility. The gate is manned at all times by a security guard, and the premises are monitored via CCTC cameras. While playing outside, kids are always accompanied by teachers and aayas.
We follow all post-covid infection protocols – scheduled disinfection of the premises as well as surfaces, benches, toys, etc. Hand-hygiene is enforced and kids are practically taught the importance of hand-washing. Masks are currently NOT being enforced based on Govt. norms.
Before enrolment, the medical history of the child is documented and staff is educated accordingly. We keep a first aid kit readily available in case of minor bruises/scratches (very rare). We also keep a stock of basic cough syrups, digestion syrups, etc. in case the child is a bit sick. Permission is taken from the parents before administering the medication / to buy what is prescribed by the parents. Parents are also informed to come and pick up their child.
Learning speeds differ among children, and it is unfair to expect each child to learn in the same manner and pace. Kids who need special attention are allotted separate time slots by our dedicated teachers, and all teachers coordinate to bring the child on par with the academic level.
Separation problems are common in the initial days of admission. It is mandatory for parents to be with the child in school for a few days (except in classrooms). We gradually phase out the parents’ presence, starting from 10 min to 1 hour. Usually, kids settle down within 15 days-1month. (In RARE cases it might take 2-3 months)
Not at all! We never force kids to speak only in English. We interact with them in the language they are comfortable in, and also write a few important words of their mother tongue. We do gradually start conversations in English, as it is important to learn the language. But our foremost priority is for the child to be happy in school, and for this language cannot be a barrier.
Potty-training at the time of admission is preferable, but not mandatory. Initially, the child has to come wearing diapers, with a spare set in his/her bag. Once the child gets adjusted to the school, we take him/her to the washroom at frequent intervals. Usually, kids get fully potty-trained after 6 months.
Our fees are not exorbitant, they are on par or even lesser than the surrounding schools. Please understand that maintaining such an infrastructure, salaries and miscellaneous expenses is a huge monetary load, hence we do not encourage bargaining. Kindly contact the administration for the detailed fee structure.
No, we do not have an online admission form. We prefer parents coming physically, interacting with the faculty and then making an informed decision. Our admission SPOC will guide you through the enrolment process.
What you choose is your call. First Steps may not be a huge brand, but we have definitely made a positive impact on students as well as their parents over the past 2 decades. Being a small school is advantageous in providing focused attention to children with differing needs. Parents of current and ex-students can vouch for this!