Elm Park Nursery

90 Clarence Avenue, London SW4 8JR
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8.1 30 Reviews
  • Elm Park Nursery, London
Elm Park Nursery caters for children aged between three months and five years.

Individual care routines established at home are respected.

The nursery uses the Montessori approach, aimed at achieving the correct balance of physical, social and intellectual stimulation for young children.

The materials used by the children are carefully designed to allow personal development through investigation and sensorial stimulation, encouraging analytical skills.

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Care Provided by Elm Park Nursery

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 35
  • Total Places for Children
  • 118
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays, 1 week at Christmas, 1 week at Easter & 2 weeks in August

Funding & Fees Guide for Elm Park Nursery

  • Please contact us for a copy of our current fees or for any information on funding.
  • Parking

  • On street parking, free all day, except for 10AM to 12PM. Parking on forecourt may be possible.


Elm Park Nursery Reviews (30)

Total of 30, showing 1-20
8.1

Elm Park Nursery has a Review Score of 8.1 (8.088) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Elm Park Nursery has 30 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 22
  • 5
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1

Date Published

30
2
4
9
21

Review from Kate W (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We wanted to share our experience to help other parents.After carefully choosing this nursery, we were excited for our son to start. However, a month before, we saw recent reviews that raised concerns.We considered withdrawing but spoke with the management team first.They reassured us that while incidents
had been reported to Ofsted, they explained how they were addressing them.Their response felt sincere, so we decided to proceed.
Now, 2 months in, we're so glad we stayed. The staff is caring, professional, and genuinely invested in the children's well-being. Our son settled quickly and happily runs into the nursery. Communication is excellent, safety and staff-to-child ratio have improved, and the nursery feels well-maintained. The balance between freedom and structure is just right, providing gentle yet firm guidance and support.
The outdoor space is incredible-our son loves the giant garden. Huge thanks to the new management team for their hard work, and to one staff member in particular- she is amazing!

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Review from L M (Father of Child) published on 21 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

A serious safeguarding issue occurred a few months ago, resulting in a staff member being fired and being reported to the police. Some additional staff were let go, possibly in relation to this or maybe not, I have no idea because nothing has been communicated to me around the incident.
Despite this
serious occurrence, at the time of writing (11th November 2024), there is no permanent manager. There is a rota of 5 different people, including the area manager and the outgoing previous manager, (who has not been in the position for 6 months). This was a lovely nursery, it still has a few remaining excellent staff members but there appears to be no leadership, since a previous manager left just over a year ago.
You have to wonder if the exodus of staff and poor leadership stems from the greed of owner Oakley Capital. Is this an example of a greedy private equity fund in the background, degrading standards to make more money.

Reply from Shona Maclean, Head of Marketing at Elm Park Nursery

As always we appreciate parents' feedback. While we disagree with statements made, we are above anything disappointed that you have felt this way. We have always followed policy and acted in accordance with the rules. The incident you mentioned was assessed by our local authority and did not meet any threshold for Police involvement. Police were not involved in any way. Our Chief Operating Officer recently spoke with you to ensure you received communication after you raised your concerns. Regarding staffing challenges, we assure you we are making continuous efforts to resolve this. Sadly, the Early Years industry has been impacted by recruitment issues over the last couple of years and is an industry-wide issue. We are proud to have invested over 300,000 in our nursery as part of our commitment to offering the best standards of care and education, there is no lack of investment or drop in standards. The care and safety of the children at our nursery is paramount to us.


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Review from L G (Mother of Child) published on 10 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

We had to take our 2-year-old out of Elm Park following an investigation which found that a staff member in his class was mishandling the children. The investigation was launched because of obvious adult hand marks on one child. Following further review of CCTV, various examples of mishandling children
were found. The staff member had been working there for at least 3 years. The staff member was dismissed, however, the nursery did not take appropriate measures to regain our trust. Regardless of this horrific incident, staffing and security issues remained and we didn't feel that our child's well-being was at the forefront. What is also shocking is that we were raising concerns for six months and no one listened to us. Even calls to the safeguarding lead were not taken seriously. We are absolutely traumatised by this incident and the poor management of the situation and nursery by Bright Stars Nursery Group Ltd. We hope things will improve for the nursery, but parents deserve to know what happened.

Reply from Jo Bates, Area Manager at Elm Park Nursery

We are incredibly disappointed to receive such a negative review although we appreciate parent's feedback. As mentioned, a full investigation was launched and correctly reported to all relevant external bodies. Our actions were proactively told to parents by our nursery in written communication and hence why parents were aware of the incident. We always encourage parents to discuss any concerns and to meet with us, as we did with yourself on multiple occasions. These concerns were addressed as were those passed onto the external safeguarding lead, the Local Authority Designated Officer, and sadly you were also unsatisfied with their response despite a thorough process. We thank you for taking the time to submit a review and are truly saddened that your feedback about our nursery is negative. The safety of the children in our care is paramount to us and we will always address any concerns while being upfront and honest with our parents.


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Review from Amelia C (Mother of Child) published on 11 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Our toddler started here in February 2024 but we pulled her out after 3 months as she was anxious and aggressive after attending and we couldn't come to an understanding of why this was or a plan to address it with staff. This is not our first nursery experience and elsewhere we received personalised
information about our children and their development. At Elm Park, they rely heavily on an app which provides general sporadic information (less than our previous nursery app too) but it was hard to find out what our daughter had actually been up to during the day and how she was going. Regular emails that are generic in nature and important info like the fact the nursery will be undergoing renovations for 4 months were communicated the week before. Over the course of the time she attended, they stopped sending out the learning plans for the week and the monthly menu isn't always adhered to - there is quite a bit of baked beans and fish fingers/cakes.

Reply from Kayleigh Wade, Deputy Manager at Elm Park Nursery

Some children do not feel secure straight away within a new environment, and they may find it difficult to separate from their parent when they arrive each day, but once the parent has left the nursery, the child settles well. Our staff members give each family a verbal handover when they collect their children from nursery and this information is supported through the Parent App. During this daily conversation there is an opportunity for staff to tell parents what their child has been up to and for parents to ask any further questions. The way the nursery plans for children's learning has recently been improved so generic learning plans are no longer emailed out to all parents each week and, instead, parents have access to their individual child's learning plan. Elm Park Nursery is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and we are excited for parents to see the nursery environments as each area is completed. Full completion is expected by the end of September 2024.


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Review from Rebecca C (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our child has been going to Elm Park Nursery since she was 10 months old, I have to say I visited quite a few nurseries before deciding on Elm Park, however, no other nurseries in the area really compared to the environment I encountered here. My daughter is now almost 3 years old and the nursery staff
here that have supported her through the transition of the rooms and cared for her are absolutely amazing! All children are cared for with so much love and attention, it never feels like she is just one of many, it always feels like the key workers pay special attention to all the children under their care and you can really feel this in the community of parents and nursery staff. We now have another on the way and despite having moved further away since our daughter started here, we won't hesitate in sending our next child here. It is truly a gem in the local neighbourhood and would recommend it to anyone looking for a nursery to send their child to.

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Review from Rosalind G (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two young children who attend this nurturing, safe and immensely friendly nursery, both of whom joined at 9 months and have been settled and happy since their early weeks there. The head and deputy have fostered an excellent team of teaching and caring staff, all of whom are diligent, affable,
and attentive. Every member of staff will know the name of every child in the nursery, deepening the already apparent sense of community. I'm regularly impressed by the focus given to my children on their individual developmental needs, which is reflected in the carefully tailored daily teacher feedback. Careful planning is dedicated to the daily activities and the addition of music on Wednesdays supplements that range of activity, and is always a highlight for my children. The garden was a huge appeal for us, and toddlers and babies alike will spend at least some time outside every day.

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Review from C T (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A really lovely nursery. I dreaded my son starting nursery for about 11 months before he started (he was 11 months old) but his key worker was so experienced and caring, she did an amazing job. They now have a lovely bond and he has come on leaps and bounds since starting. I am kept well updated as
to what activities he has been up to and overall feel very lucky that we picked Elm Park Nursery.

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Review from R O (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn’t recommend Elm Park highly enough. I have two children attending and
their individual needs have been catered for since they joined and both are thriving in the caring, supportive and learning environment that has been thoughtfully fostered. The facilities and garden are fantastic. They go
to the extra effort of including parents in events such as summer sports day, and Christmas concerts which is lovely etc. They are also very flexible in terms of the days children attend. Communication is brilliant and it is a very family-oriented nursery. I feel like we are part of the Elm Park ‘community’.

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Review from Angus M (Father of Child) published on 13 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Would very happily recommend Elm Park. Our daughter had a wonderful time there and was very happy. The large garden space is a huge benefit and she spent many happy afternoons out there. The Montessori approach was very obvious and we saw visible changes in her confidence and happiness. The teachers
were always attentive and friendly and kept us up to date with how she was progressing. We were very happy with our choice of Elm Park.

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Review from Justine W (Mother of Child) published on 20 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 1-year-old son started at Elm Park Nursery at the beginning of November. I could not speak more highly of the staff who take care of him on a daily basis. They are caring and kind, and plan the days to be full of learning and stimulating activities. The food is very nutritious and varied, and we
are just so happy with the nursery. We really feel that we could not have picked somewhere better.

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Review from N W (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall we've been very pleased since our son started at Elm Park earlier this year. The change in management has made a huge difference and communication is so much better and the Head always responds to feedback. The garden is a huge plus and the whole nursery has a home from home feel which is why
we chose it. Not sure how strong the Montessori approach is, it would be good to get a better understanding of this. Some of the rooms are smaller and a bit more dated than others so could do with upgrading. All the staff are so welcoming and our son has loved his time there so far.

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Review from Devora Z (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery. Has expanded my son's vocabulary and installed lovely morals/values. Very efficient and welcoming nursery with lovely staff.
My son has loved all his key workers!
Would definitely recommend.

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Review from Carla P (Mother of Child) published on 24 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am happy I have chosen Elm Park Nursery for my son. Two staff members, in particular, are exceptional in how they look after young babies. They are very attentive, very sweet and you can tell they love their job! They always keep me updated with what my son does during the day (sleeping, eating, playing
etc). They help him with developing new skills and follow his development very well. I am also happy with the management, they always reply promptly to my emails and they send information every week about activities and menus. The space is clean and there is a nice garden for babies to enjoy outside activities.

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Review from George A (Father of Child) published on 18 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would highly recommend this nursery. The staff are very caring and friendly and patient and know what they're doing. The children learn something new every day and they play outside in the fresh air every day. Thank you.

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Review from Rachel M (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I currently have my son enrolled at Elm Park with his sister starting in January. I'm really pleased with the care and development that he has received since starting over six months ago. He has made some lovely friends and really enjoys the large garden to run around. The staff are great and really
care about the children. The structured play really helps prepare them for school and develop their minds.

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Review from Fiona B (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son is so happy at Elm Park and has developed strong bonds with the staff as well as good friendships with his peers in upper school. The staff clearly care for the children very much and it is lovely to see those relationships. We like the child-led approach but also the variety of activities on
offer, with regular updates and photos via the app. The garden is just lovely, much bigger than any others I've seen in the area and the children spend a lot of time outside which for me is a huge plus. It has also been great for parents to have had the opportunity to come in and spend time with the children during their day - the latest on Halloween when we were able to attend the setting and get involved in various activities. Generally very happy with our choice and feel the staff have contributed to the happiness and confidence of son during his time there. A lovely platform to prepare them for school years.

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Review from A G (Mother of Child) published on 17 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both myself and my husband are very happy with Elm Park and cannot recommend it enough. Our daughter runs in every morning with a smile on her face and returns the same way when we pick her up in the evenings. What more could you want!

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Review from Jonathan S (Father of Child) published on 17 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Elm Park Nursery has provided a wonderful experience for our son, who began when he was 9 months old. Staff are friendly and welcoming and keep us informed daily with our son's wellbeing and activities. Parents are contacted immediately in the event of accidents (bumps, falls etc) and staff are creative
in their choice of activities. The settling-in process was gradual and gentle, and we were given opportunities to ask questions and offer feedback. Very happy to recommend.

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Review from Esther B (Mother of Child) published on 17 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My child has progressed from the baby suite (Bonsai, Sapling and Acorn rooms) over the course of 2022 and has been very well looked after by his care workers. They were excellent. He has just moved into Lower School (2 years+) and he seems to be happy and well-adjusted thanks to the team.

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Review from M M (Mother of Child) published on 17 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Elm Park Nursery feels like family, with the love and care of the staff second to none. Outside facilities are excellent (what drew us in when we discovered it!) and kids get to spend a lot of time outdoors. Variety of activities, nice food, and a really warm welcome with smiling faces, and special
touches like drinking water and a fruit bowl at the entrance. The head of the nursery is very visible, supports in the classrooms, responsive to parents and listens to staff. Very happy with this choice for our children!

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Current Review Score: 8.1 (8.088)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.1 (8.088) out of 10 for Elm Park Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.2 out of 5 from 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.9 out of 5 from 6 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.234 for Elm Park Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (70 Excellents x 5) + (13 Goods x 4) + (12 Satisfactorys x 3) + (3 Poors x 2) + (9 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 107 Ratings = 4.234

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 3.854 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Elm Park Nursery is based on 6 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 = 3.6

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 118 number of registered child places is 23.6. 6 Positive Reviews ÷ 23.6 = 0.254

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Awards / Recognitions (6)

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Frequently Asked Questions about Elm Park Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Elm Park Nursery accepts?

Elm Park Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Elm Park Nursery Open?

Elm Park Nursery is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Elm Park Nursery have capacity for?

Elm Park Nursery has capacity for a total of 118 Children.

How far is Elm Park Nursery to the centre of London?

3.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Elm Park Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Elm Park Nursery has an Enhanced Service – more info.