Business Details
Outstanding Early Years Education & Childcare
Elmstead Nursery is an Ofsted-rated Outstanding provider of childcare and early years education for children aged 2 to 4 years. Located within the grounds of Elmstead Primary School, we maintain close collaborative links with the school while operating as a dedicated nursery facility. Our team of experienced professionals, many of whom have been with us for over a decade, deliver a comprehensive curriculum aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. We provide a stimulating learning environment featuring purpose-built indoor spaces with activity zones and extensive outdoor facilities including play equipment, mud kitchens, and nature exploration areas.Our structured daily sessions combine adult-led instruction with child-directed play, supported by flexible booking options and nutritious meal provision through school kitchens. With capacity for 26 children at any time, we maintain small group sizes to ensure individual attention while fostering social development through group activities and themed learning experiences.
Services
Early Years Education
Daycare Services
Outdoor Play Areas
Cooking Club
Parental Involvement
Highlights and features
- We offer Ofsted-rated Outstanding childcare with experienced staff averaging 15+ years' tenure
- Our curriculum follows the full Early Years Foundation Stage framework with themed learning
- We provide flexible session booking with optional hot meals from school kitchens
- Our wildlife area promotes nature-based learning in a secure outdoor environment
- We maintain strong links with Elmstead Primary School for educational continuity
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Outstanding Ofsted rating
Experienced staff
Excellent outdoor facilities
Themed learning activities
Strong school links
Services
Early Years Education
Our Early Years Education programme follows the complete Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Children engage in structured learning through themed activities covering communication, physical development, and creative arts. Daily sessions combine adult-led instruction with child-initiated play in purpose-built learning spaces designed to stimulate curiosity and social interaction.
Daycare Services
We provide full-day childcare for 26 children aged 2-4 years, operating term-time only. Our flexible booking system allows parents to reserve morning, lunch, or afternoon sessions. The nursery maintains small group sizes to ensure individual attention while promoting social development through group activities and shared learning experiences.
Outdoor Play Areas
Our extensive outdoor facilities include grassed play areas with equipment, mud kitchens, sandpits, and covered spaces for all-weather play. The dedicated wildlife area encourages nature exploration through hands-on activities. These spaces support physical development and environmental learning while maintaining safety through secure boundaries and supervised access.
Cooking Club
Our Friday afternoon Cooking Club teaches children about ingredients and basic cooking skills. Participants create various food items to take home, with sessions featuring recipes like strawberry flapjacks and sausage rolls. This activity promotes sensory development and introduces healthy eating concepts through practical, hands-on experience with adult supervision.
Parental Involvement
We actively encourage parental participation through regular communication and shared learning opportunities. Parents receive half-term plans outlining weekly themes and activities. The nursery maintains close links with Elmstead Primary School while involving families in their children's educational journey through show-and-tell sessions and collaborative planning processes.
People
Sandra Davison
Nursery Teacher/Manager
MA in Early Years Professional Practice with over 20 years' experience leading the nursery since 2001, ensuring high-quality early education standards.
Lisa Toole
Nursery Practitioner
Diploma in Pre-School Practice and 20+ years' service as deputy, providing continuity in nursery operations and child development support.
Sue Lee
Nursery Practitioner
Certificate in Pre-School Practice holder with two decades of experience delivering consistent care and educational activities to nursery children.
Nicola Ellis
SENCO
Level 3 Early Years Educator specialising in special educational needs, bringing 5 years' expertise in inclusive childcare practices since joining in 2019.
Ciara Perkins
Secretary/Bursar
Parent-turned-staff member with 5 years' administrative experience managing nursery operations and parent communications since joining in 2019.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children aged 2 to 4 years for our early years education and childcare services.
What are your operating hours?
We operate term-time only, 9:00am to 3:30pm daily with flexible session booking options available.
Do you offer funded childcare places?
Please contact us directly for current information about government-funded childcare options and eligibility criteria.
What meal options are available?
Children can bring packed lunches or purchase hot meals from school kitchens at £2.49 per meal.
How do you handle bad weather closures?
Closure decisions are made by the Headteacher and communicated via email with contingency plans in place for parent convenience.
Can parents get involved in nursery activities?
Yes, we encourage parental involvement through show-and-tell sessions, collaborative planning, and regular communication channels.
Reviews (3)
Jennifer Holden Hat Elmstead Nursery
Mar 30, 2020
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All 4 of my children have attended Elmstead nursery. The youngest is still there. The eldest now in college. It is a great nursery. Small numbers mean the children get more 1 on 1 time. The staff are all lovely and some of the staff now we're there when my eldest was there. Elmstead nursery gives children the best start and totally prepares them for school. I would and have recommended Elmstead nursery
Amy Scarratt Hat Elmstead Nursery
Sep 05, 2019
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Great nursery, my little girl went from 2 and a years old right up until she started school, amazing!
Trisha Prout Hat Elmstead Nursery
Feb 13, 2019
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My little boy joined Elmstead Nursery in October. He is only 2 and a half which is younger than most of the children. The dedicated teachers and assistant look after all the children amazingly and take your child’s early education very seriously. To say we have been impressed in an understatement. Highly recommend.
