I def. vote for EBN lots of activity & care.. my DD is extremely happy & very attach to her teacher & TAs. they have a very developed teaching methods which really biuld the child personality. I cant recommend it hignly enough.
Just to add the opposing view ... I (and my son) love Small Steps. It is a really homey atmosphere. I personally found EBN to be a little militarised with lines of children being marched from one activity to the next. While I was on the tour I noticed a number of children crying, while that is not terribly unusual in a nursery, I was concerned that no one was comforting them. I just got a better "vibe" from Small Steps.
I think the only way you can make a decision is to visit each of the nurseries (just re-read your original post and saw that you have done that!) and go with the one you feel most comfortable with and also watch how your child reacts to the different environments.
I'd say definitely EBN. Personally I found small steps to be too informal/disorganised and frankly had a few safety issues. I like EBN because it's structured, I know DD gets time at all the different activities rather than being left to her own devices and i have supreme confidence in the school systems and proceedures for safety issues.
Of course others prefer SS because it's more "homely", but I prefer a more organised approach.
I've had two DD's through and remain a solid fan!
Anther vote for EBN!
DS very happy there.
Was not happy with Small Steps when we viewed it.
There is a new one opening in Sharooq - Kids Cottage...might be worth checking them out as i know EBN is busy busy busy and may not have a space (which is what i think sandfly may have been talking about)
my DD goes to EBN, and she loves it there, lots of activities and I love it because the staff are approachable and ready to listen and help. I also have not visited Small Steps, so i can't comment on it.