Business Details
12 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Learning in Cheltenham
Established in 2014, Elephant Moon Day Nursery has built an exceptional reputation for delivering high-quality childcare in Cheltenham. Our dedicated team of NVQ Level 3 and degree-qualified professionals creates a nurturing environment where children aged 3 months to 5 years develop confidence and independence through play-based learning. With over 80% of our staff trained in paediatric first aid and early years specialisms, we maintain rigorous safety standards while fostering creativity and curiosity. Our Ofsted Outstanding-rated setting features age-appropriate learning zones, CCTV security, and a video entrance system to ensure child safety. We prepare children for school through structured curriculums while providing parents with daily updates via Tapestry and physical diaries.Our kitchen, holding a 5/5 Food Hygiene Rating, serves organic meals and caters to dietary requirements. The management team, including Early Years Teachers at Degree Level 6, ensures consistent care through rigorous staff training and recruitment standards. Our heritage building combines modern facilities with warm, family-like atmosphere where children thrive. With over 50 glowing parent testimonials highlighting staff dedication and child development outcomes, we remain committed to exceeding childcare expectations through continuous improvement and transparent communication.
Services
Baby Suite
Tweenie Room
Toddler Room
Pre-school
Organic Catering
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We provide Ofsted Outstanding-rated childcare with 80%+ NVQ Level 3 qualified staff
- Our 5/5 Food Hygiene Rating kitchen serves organic meals daily
- Daily learning updates via Tapestry and physical diaries ensure transparency
- Age-specific learning zones developed by Early Years Teachers
- CCTV-monitored secure environments with video entrance systems
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Gloucestershire County Council Food Hygiene Rating Scheme
What people say
Daily updates
Caring staff
Organic meals
School readiness
Secure environment
Services
Baby Suite
Our Baby Suite provides nurturing care for infants from 3 months in a calm, stimulating environment. With a 1:3 staff-to-baby ratio, we offer age-appropriate activities, dedicated sleep rooms with individual cots, and continuous monitoring. Our trained staff ensure comfort and safety while providing regular parental updates. The space features sensory equipment and planned developmental activities to support early milestones in a secure setting.
Tweenie Room
Designed for 18-month-olds, our Tweenie Room balances structured learning with creative play. The 1:3 staff ratio supports transition to group activities through storytelling, sensory play, and role-playing areas. Our practitioners facilitate social skill development while maintaining individual attention. The space includes designated zones for physical coordination, imaginative play, and quiet relaxation to support developmental progression.
Pre-school
Our Pre-school prepares children for formal education through structured routines and the seven key learning areas. With a 1:8 staff ratio, we focus on literacy, numeracy, and social development while maintaining child-led learning opportunities. The curriculum includes group circle times, small-group activities, and independent exploration. Our graduates consistently demonstrate strong school readiness in communication, independence, and foundational academic skills.
Organic Catering
Our on-site kitchen prepares balanced meals using organic vegetables and free-range meats. Qualified nursery cooks create five-a-day compliant menus with options for special dietary needs. Meals incorporate educational elements about healthy eating, table manners, and hygiene. The 5/5 Food Hygiene Rating reflects our commitment to quality, with fresh water available throughout the day and age-appropriate snack rotations supporting children's nutritional requirements.
Parent Communication
We maintain transparent communication through daily diaries, Tapestry updates, and immediate email/phone access. Parents receive regular developmental insights and photos of daily activities. Our open-door policy allows flexible discussions about child progress while maintaining confidentiality. This approach builds trust through consistent information sharing and collaborative care planning that respects family routines and preferences.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We care for children from 3 months to 5 years, with dedicated spaces for each developmental stage.
How do you communicate with parents?
We provide daily updates through Tapestry, physical diaries, and direct staff communication during drop-off/pick-up.
Are meals included in nursery fees?
Yes, all meals and snacks are included with organic ingredients and special dietary requirements accommodated.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Over 80% hold NVQ Level 3 qualifications with many having degree-level early years education.
How do you prepare children for school?
Our structured curriculum focuses on the seven learning areas with daily circle times and small-group activities.
What safety measures are in place?
We have CCTV coverage, video entrance systems, and rigorous staff vetting procedures across all areas.
Reviews (6)
Sophie Longley
Oct 13, 2021
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Really fantastic nursery! Our daughter joined one year ago and she loves it. Shes developed so much since she started thanks to all of the wonderful practitioners. Different activities every day, really varied food menu and great communication. Can highly recommend!
Clare Cook
Oct 13, 2021
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Both our daughters absolutely love the nursery setting and have always felt safe and supported by the team there. Our eldest has recently started school and the preparation at the pre-school has definitely shown in how well she has settled. Amanda and the rest of the team really do feel like an extension of family - a really special place where children thrive.
Dom & Zoe Brown
Oct 12, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Reliability,Responsiveness
Elephant Moon is a wonderful nursery for our little boy - he absolutely loves his days there, and it's great being sent photos and updates to let us know what he's up to. The team are caring, genuine, flexible and it is obvious that our son loves them! We couldn't ask for anything more. Thank you all!
Elephant Moon is a wonderful nursery for our little boy - he absolutely loves his days there, and it's great being sent photos and updates to let us know what he's up to. The team are caring, genuine, flexible and it is obvious that our son loves them! We couldn't ask for anything more. Thank you all!
Carly Wheeler
Oct 08, 2021
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As a first time mum I was feeling particularly anxious about sending my baby to nursey. I was recommended elephant moon by two sets of friends and I am so pleased that they did. They were absolutely great with me and my son. Always happy to talk me through anything I was worrying about before he started, they really made me feel relaxed and comfortable. My son loves going there for as well, he gets so much out of it and everyone is always so welcoming and friendly. I couldn't recommend highly enough
Kara Willetts
Sep 25, 2021
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Absolutely wonderful nursery. My daughter joined Jul 2020 after her previous setting closed due to covid and the team were wonderful, they really helped her settle during what was a difficult time and my daughter really thrived there. Cannot recommend enough. She's now in school but still talks about Elephant Moon!
Annabelle Wilkinson
Sep 18, 2021
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Fab nursery. I have been using Elephant Moon since 2014 and can't rate it highly enough. My eldest son transitioned into school so easily and my youngest, who still attends EM loves it. He even asks at weekends if he can go to nursery today!!!! The staff and management are all so lovely and approachable and the communication is brilliant!