Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you called Elephant Moon?

We chose the name because we believe it sums up the two aspects of what we do. Elephant symbolises our team, family-centred community that works together to care and nurture. Moon embodies the experience children have in our nurseries: a magical journey full of discovery and possibility where even the sky is not the limit!

If you have any other questions to ask us, please do get in touch with us

Are you Ofsted registered?

Yes. At our latest inspection we were graded ‘Outstanding’. Visit the Ofsted website to view the reports using our Ofsted numbers. Elephant Moon: EY320769.

How many staff will look after my child?

In line with Ofsted guidelines our staff-to-children ratios are:
Under 2 years: 1 adult to every 3 children; 2 -3 years: 1 adult to every 4 children; 3-5 years:1 adult to every 8 children.

What qualifications do your staff hold?

Over 80% of our staff hold an NVQ Level 3 or above in childcare (or equivalent) – the majority of the remainder have either NVQ Level 2 (the requirement set by Ofsted) or are trainees working towards their Level 3. This includes members of staff trained to qualified Teacher Status (EYT) and BA degrees in early childhood studies. Almost all of our staff have been trained in Paediatric First Aid and also Safeguarding (child protection).

What are your opening hours?

The Nursery opens at 7.30am and closes at 6.00pm every day and is open 51 weeks a year; we are closed on UK Bank Holidays and between Christmas and New Year.

Do I need to bring anything to the nursery?

While your child is on formula milk you are required to provide us with measured-out formula; we will make up bottles as and when needed. You will also need to supply nappies, creams, any comforters your child is used to and any medication required by your child. We also ask parents to bring in at least one spare set of clothes (or more if your child is toilet training).

How do you help my child settle in to nursery?

We recommend a minimum of two settling-in sessions – one where you stay with your child, chat and get to know the staff in your child’s room, the other where you leave them for about an hour. Depending on how the settling-in sessions go, we are happy to arrange more sessions as necessary. We will also ask you to complete a Baby Routine Sheet so that we understand your child’s daily routine, their likes and dislikes, sleep patterns through the day etc.

What happens if my child is taken ill at nursery?

If your child is taken ill we will contact you immediately. In some cases we may ask permission to give Calpol or another medication. We may ask you to come and collect your child if they are not well enough to be in nursery or have a contagious illness. It is important that your child is well before returning to nursery in the interests of other children.

What happens if my child is ill and cannot attend nursery?

We ask that you telephone and let us know if your child is not able to attend. Unfortunately, no refund can be made if illness prevents your child from attending nursery.

Tell me about your fees.

We review our fees annually. They are payable on the 1st of the month. Payment is made in advance, either by direct debit or childcare vouchers.

Can I use childcare vouchers?

Yes. We accept Government Scheme Tax-Free Childcare if you are eligible. Tax-Free Childcare is a scheme that pays 20% of childcare costs up to a maximum of £2,000 each year, so well worth considering! We are also registered with all the main childcare voucher providers. We are happy to accept childcare vouchers from both parents, even if they are from different voucher providers.

Can I claim the Nursery Education Grant at Elephant Moon?

Yes, every child can claim 15 hours of nursery education (increasing to 30 hours if you are eligible) from the term after their third birthday. The grant is only received for 38 weeks a year, however if you choose to continue with full days, the funding can be 'stretched' over the year.

How do I know my child is safe in nursery?

The nursery is accessed via a video entry system – anyone not known to us will not be admitted. There is also CCTV surveillance outside and inside the nursery, the play area is enclosed. All staff undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check – until this is received they are never left unsupervised in the rooms.

Does Elephant Moon have a full set of policies and procedures I can view?

Yes, all our main policies are procedures available to view in our reception area and are shared with parents during the induction period. If there are any specific policies or procedures you would like to see, please ask us. We review our policies at least once a year, more frequently when, for example, there is a change in legislation.

Do your staff bring mobile phones into the nursery?

All staff must leave their phones in the office when they report for work. Parents may bring a mobile phone into the nursery however we request that they are not used within the nursery.

How do I keep up with what my child is doing at nursery?

Every day you will be given daily feedback. For all the children a daily diary is provided which contains information such as what your child has eaten, when they have slept and when they have had nappy changes. You will also be given access to your child’s Tapestry account (online learning journal) where you are able to view photos and observations from your child’s daily activities. We also carry out regular assessments of how the children are developing in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage, which you are able to view and contribute to during regularly key person evenings with your child’s key worker.

Do you cater for food allergies?

We are more than happy to accommodate different dietary requirements. When your child starts nursery you will be asked to complete a Registration Form, which will include details of any allergies. Any allergies or food intolerances will require doctor’s confirmation. We will then discuss individual dietary requirements with parents and provide alternatives as required. We may ask you to provide certain foods for your child, eg gluten-free bread or goat’s milk.

What happens if for some reason I am unable to collect my child?

If you know in advance that somebody else will be collecting your child, a Third Party Collection Form must be completed and returned to us prior to the third party arriving at nursery. That person will need to provide a password to tell us on arrival (provided to them by you) and bring identification. If it is a last-minute, unplanned change, we ask that one parent telephones us and again, both a password and identification are require to be provided on arrival.

What happens if I am delayed when collecting my child?

We understand that occasionally you may be delayed however we ask that you contact us as soon as you know you will be late so that we can make arrangements for staff to stay behind. As we have to pay two staff to stay behind, you may be subject to a surcharge, details of which are available at the nursery. If we are unaware that you are going to be late we will endeavour to contact you and/or your emergency contacts. If we are unable to make contact with anyone we will follow our Uncollected Child Procedure. Please get in touch with us for more details.

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

Carly Wheeler

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!

Dom & Zoe Brown

Really fantastic nursery! Our daughter joined one year ago and she loves it. She’s 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!

Sophie Longley

I can't recommend Elephant Moon Nursery highly enough. They have cared for all three of my children with genuine affection, patience and care. All three left Elephant Moon feeling more than ready to embark on school and their teachers have commented on how well prepared they have been with regards their independence and knowledge (e.g. phonics, numbers and shapes), much of that is thanks to their time spent at Elephant Moon. Amanda is always flexible, accommodating and striving to keep the setting open come rain, shine, Covid or snow! During the time our children attended the setting, the team at Elephant Moon were like the helpful, reliable, family member we needed and we miss them all hugely!

Laura F

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!

Annabelle Wilkinson

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!

Kara Willetts

I would highly recommend Elephant Moon nursery. The staff are all really friendly and helpful. They are very responsive to emails and calls so I can always get the guidance I need as a first time mum. My son loves it there. They do all the messy activities that I don’t find the time to do myself which I really appreciate. I love the daily updates I get and photos about what he is up to. Thank you for all your support.

Mel Durrant

I have two children who have attended Elephant Moon and I can’t have asked for more from a nursery setting. I have always been given detailed information about their activities every day - both through Tapestry and a daily diary - and all members of staff have been totally respectful of maintaining my children’s routine. I’ve been particularly impressed by the fact that both the staff who oversee the various rooms and the management are incredibly knowledgeable about every individual child which implies a real involvement in the children’s care. Most importantly, both of my children are happy, settled and confident and have developed innumerable social and academic skills thanks to their attendance at this setting. I can’t recommend Elephant Moon highly enough.

Ceri Moyers

Our child attended Elephant Moon for 3 years and loved it! They have an amazing team of staff that really care for the children and give them the best start in life. Highly recommend them for nursery and pre-school.

Kathryn Sargent

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.

Clare Cook

This is a great nursery - it has such a great family feel. All the nursery staff seem to care and take a huge interest in the development of the children. We are kept up to date daily on our child’s learning and development journey. Both our children go to this nursery for a reason and they clearly love it.

Cath Wilford

We have used Elephant Moon for almost 5 years between our 2 children. The staff are a credit to the nursery and I would highly recommend this setting to anyone looking for a safe, nurturing and engaging environment for their child.

Laura Wasylkiw

We are so happy with this nursery. Our LO goes in so happily every time, and the communication is fantastic, even during the Covid restrictions, we felt in touch and aware of everything that was going on. The nursery staff are kind, caring and attentive.

Annalie Smith

Wonderful nursery and pre-school setting. Staff are so welcoming, attentive and caring. Our twin daughters thrived at this nursery and we could not recommend it enough.

nicola wallace

A wonderful nursery that go above and beyond to care for our child. Consistent and thorough lines of communication ensuring we are always kept in the loop. Cannot fault!

Samuel Tribe

Elephant Moon is a superb early years setting, all of the staff are fantastic and supportive. I could not recommend this business highly enough.

Nick Willetts

The staff has been caring and professional. We never had any complaints and our child has adjusted nicely in the setting. The practitioners are well trained in their field and keeps children engaged in new activities daily which is helping them develop different skills. We recommend this place.

Ashish Dhawan

This nursery is highly professional and children are thriving. They establish good communication with parents and update us on everything the kids do throughout the day. My son loved it and it was a joy to see him going inside the building without any tears, but a smile on his face. Every day they do different activities, messy play, book of the week, sensory tray, Makaton, songs....and we parents get plenty of photos and updates through Tapestry. All the staff are really friendly, answer all the questions, kind to kids. Our son was thriving and developed so much! We will miss the nursery a lot.

Kristina Gavran

All 3 of our children have attended Elephant moon from about 8 months old. We've always been very impressed with the setting. The staff are very professional and fantastic with the children. It offers a lovely, well structured day and encourages confidence and independence preparing the children perfectly for the move to primary school.

Alice Lawtey

Elephant Moon is a truly wonderful day nursery. Our daughter has been attending since she was around 9 months old up until she is now leaving for school. All of the staff are friendly, helpful and have a strong desire to help children grow, develop and learn. We were truly lucky to have sent our daughter to Elephant Moon. We will very much miss everyone there. Gareth, Hannah and Eleanor.

Gareth Ford-Lloyd

We all absolutely LOVE Elephant moon and the girls. Our son is always happy and excited to go and play, learn & read with them. They really do take the time to get to know your child, meaning they can tell if they’re a little off and give them that extra comfort. He loves the food that’s prepared daily and the notifications provided mean we’re fully updated on what’s happened each day. We couldn’t have asked for better and are confident our daughter will love it just as much when she starts in September!

Laura Cornwell

We've had two children go through Elephant Moon - each since just before age 1, through to the week before they started school. Both of our boys had an incredibly happy experience. We always felt confident leaving them with Amanda and the team. They have learnt so much through play and the practitioners really do take time to adapt activities to the children's individual and collective preferences. Our eldest son's "wedding", teaching all about camping and our younger son's day of being a builder are big highlights for us - Elephant Moon created some very very special memories. Amanda is a fantastic manager - it's a really hard job managing stressed parents, a young workforce and all the regulatory requirements - and for much of our experience, a pandemic too! Thank you Elephant Moon! We will recommend you to everyone.

Anna Wood

My son has been going to Elephant Moon since he was 9 months and loves it! My daughter also went there (she is just about to start secondary school!) The experience for both children has been excellent. Amanda and the whole team are so friendly yet professional. I have never had any concerns of any kind. I cannot recommend Elephant Moon highly enough and trust them 100%. They are so creative with the activities, the communication is very good. My son knows every single member of staff and they all know him (not sure if that's a good thing!!)

Caroline ELLIS

Elephant moon day nursery is the most wonderful childcare setting where children thrive. As a first time mum, I was anxious about leaving my child with someone else but Elephant moon instantly put my mind at ease with regular updates and communications throughout the day. The staff are all so friendly and welcoming which creates a lovely family environment. All of the staff have known my child’s name from the moment she arrived, even the staff who don’t look after her on a daily basis. My daughter loves going there and practically runs in every morning. What more can you ask for! I can’t recommend Elephant Moon highly enough!

Lucy Byrne