Business Details
37 Years
experience
Award-Winning Childcare & Early Education Services
Elm Cottage was founded in 1989 with a vision to provide children with a nurturing environment that fosters holistic development. Our approach is rooted in the belief that young children thrive in a home-from-home setting where they feel emotionally secure and intellectually stimulated. Over 34 years, we have maintained a commitment to excellence, evidenced by our four consecutive Ofsted 'Outstanding' ratings. Our team comprises 98% staff qualified to Level 3 or above, including degree-holders in Early Childhood Studies, ensuring expertise in early years education. We implement a bespoke curriculum aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, focusing on individualised learning and play-based activities.Our facilities feature expansive outdoor spaces and partnerships with external specialists for ballet, language, and sports instruction. We prioritise parental engagement through Tapestry online learning journeys and regular workshops. Our paediatric first aid training programme, including Millies Mark accreditation, underscores our dedication to safety. With three nurseries and two out-of-school clubs, we serve families in Cheadle, Heaton Norris, and surrounding areas, maintaining consistent high standards across all settings.
Services
Nursery Care
After School Clubs
Holiday Play Schemes
Paediatric First Aid Training
Online Learning Journeys
Extracurricular Activities
Parent Workshops
Tax-Free Childcare Support
Healthy Meal Provision
Special Educational Needs Support
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Over 34 years of excellence in childcare since 1989
- 98% staff qualified to Level 3 or above in childcare
- Four consecutive Ofsted 'Outstanding' ratings across nurseries
- All staff trained in paediatric first aid with Millies Mark accreditation
- Nutritious home-cooked meals prepared on-site by dedicated chefs
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted Outstanding
- Millies Mark
What people say
Fantastic staff
Happy and secure environment
Thrived in care
Excellent communication
Highly recommend
Services
Nursery Care
Our nurseries provide full-day childcare for children aged 3 months to school age. With 98% staff qualified to Level 3 or above, we deliver Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' care through play-based learning aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. Each child receives individualised attention in environments featuring outdoor play areas, extracurricular activities, and nutritious home-cooked meals. Our Tapestry online system keeps parents informed of their child's development in real-time.
After School Clubs
Operating at Didsbury Road and Hursthead locations, our after school clubs offer structured care from 3:15pm-6pm. Qualified staff provide homework support, arts and crafts, sports activities, and themed workshops. The clubs maintain strong links with nurseries for seamless transition, featuring the same trusted team members. All staff hold paediatric first aid qualifications, with sessions available during school holidays as extended day programmes.
Holiday Play Schemes
Available at all locations during school holidays, these full-day programmes (7:45am-6pm) combine educational and recreational activities. Children participate in sports coaching, creative arts, cookery sessions, and supervised outdoor play. The clubs maintain 1:8 staff-child ratios with qualified professionals, including specialist instructors for dance, football, and cheerleading. Parents benefit from flexible booking options and integration with regular nursery care routines.
Paediatric First Aid Training
As one of ten initial Millies Mark-accredited providers, we offer evening paediatric first aid workshops for parents. Our training covers emergency response, child-specific medical procedures, and confidence-building techniques. The programme builds on 34 years of continuous first aid training for staff, ensuring all team members maintain up-to-date qualifications to enhance child safety across nursery and club settings.
Online Learning Journeys
Using Tapestry software, we provide password-protected online records of each child's development. Parents receive real-time updates with photos, videos, and observations linked to EYFS outcomes. The system facilitates two-way communication between staff and families, with 89% of parents reporting improved understanding of their child's progress. This digital approach complements traditional parent-teacher meetings and annual review events.
People
Yvonne Thomas
Director
Founder of Elm Cottage since 1989, Yvonne established the nursery following her child's medical needs. With a background in brain research, she developed the original curriculum that preceded statutory requirements. She continues to oversee strategic direction while maintaining close involvement in daily operations.
Sarah Parrott
Nursery Manager
Managing the Crescent Park nursery since its 1989 opening, Sarah leads the team that achieved four consecutive Ofsted 'Outstanding' ratings. She implements the educational vision across all nursery rooms, ensuring consistent application of child development principles in both indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Stephanie Beschizza
Nursery Manager
As Brookfields nursery manager since its 2021 opening, Stephanie oversees operations at the newest location. She maintains the established quality standards while introducing innovative outdoor learning initiatives. Her team achieved 'Good' rating in the first Ofsted inspection for this purpose-built facility.
Tina Kapp
Area Manager
With 22 years' service, Tina provides professional oversight across all settings. She mentors staff, ensuring 98% meet Level 3 qualifications, and maintains the original vision for child-centred care. Her leadership contributes to the 25% of staff holding Early Childhood Studies degrees.
Sarah Belton
Club Manager
Leading the Didsbury Road after-school club, Sarah manages daily operations for children aged 4-11. She coordinates extracurricular activities and holiday programmes, maintaining strong nursery-school transition links. Her team's approach earned parental praise for creating a 'home from home' environment.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care for children from 3 months through to 11 years across our nurseries and after-school clubs.
Are your staff qualified?
98% of our team hold Level 3 childcare qualifications or higher, with 25% possessing Early Childhood Studies degrees.
Do you offer flexible booking options?
We provide full-time, part-time, and holiday-only placements with consistent hours across our 51-week annual operation.
How do you support child development?
Our curriculum combines EYFS requirements with individualised planning, outdoor learning, and specialist activities like ballet and football.
What food do you provide?
Nutritious home-cooked meals are prepared daily, including breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea with fresh ingredients.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use Tapestry online learning journeys, daily updates, and regular parent workshops to maintain open communication channels.
