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Little Elms Daycare Shirley

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2023)
·
4.8(36 parent reviews)
·Doctors Surgery, 2 South Way, Croydon, CR0 8RP · Croydon
Number of places
63 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2023
Local authority
Croydon

About this day nursery

Little Elms Daycare Shirley, established in 2015, is a highly-regarded early years education provider situated in South Way, Croydon. Catering to families in surrounding areas like Addiscombe, West Wickham, Addington, and East Croydon, the nursery prides itself on its

What it's like

Children arrive eager to start their day and have the option to choose where they wish to play. Toddlers enhance their physical development by using stairs safely and confidently, and staff teach them about sea animals, developing language and mathematical skills. Babies develop small-muscle skills exploring sand and babbling with staff, while pre-school children play well together, learning turn-taking and rules for games.

Ofsted rated "Good"Dedicated age-group roomsEngaging outdoor spacesSpecialised activitiesNutritious meals

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured as an additional service charge for families accessing funded hours. This charge is optional and does not apply to children eligible for fully funded placements, EYPP, or Together for 2 funding.

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • Additional Service Charge (ASC) does not apply to Together for 2, EYPP, or fully funded placements.
  • The Additional Service Charge is optional; contact the nursery manager to discuss.

Key facts

Opening hours

7.30am to 6pm, for 52 weeks of the year

Age range

3 months to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2015

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Elms Daycare Shirley

Last inspected 19 June 2023 · Rebecca Hurst

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children arrive eager to start their day and have the option to choose where they wish to play. Toddlers enhance their physical development by using stairs safely and confidently, and staff teach them about sea animals, developing language and mathematical skills. Babies develop small-muscle skills exploring sand and babbling with staff, while pre-school children play well together, learning turn-taking and rules for games.

Inspector highlights

  • Leadership is strong at the nursery.
  • Staff are consistent in their approach to behaviour management.
  • Children of all ages are confident learners.
  • Staff work closely with parents.
  • The curriculum is effective in supporting children's learning and development.

Areas to develop

  • 1teach staff how to support younger children when using equipment such as climbing frames
  • 2support staff in evaluating how children use activities and when to change activities based on children's interests.
Inspection #10298329 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported exceptionally well. Staff meet with parents and other professionals to support children's learning and development, working together to set targets for children to work towards. Based on children's starting points, they are making good progress with their learning and development.

Outdoor space

When playing outside, children confidently ask to move between play areas to explore the nature area and climbing frames. This helps to further support children's language development.

Parent Reviews of Little Elms Daycare Shirley

4.8
(36)
Chanelle Baker
2 months ago

My son has been attending this nursery since October, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the progress he has made. From the very beginning, the team has been incredibly supportive, caring, and professional. We receive daily updates, weekly observations, and detailed monthly reports, which really help us feel involved in his learning journey. It’s so reassuring to see how much thought and effort goes into supporting each child’s development. Since starting, my son has absolutely thrived. His speech has improved so much, his confidence has grown, and his knowledge continues to amaze me every day. It’s clear that the practitioners genuinely care about the children and are passionate about what they do. I cannot thank the team enough for everything they do for both me and my son. I would highly recommend this nursery to any parent looking for a nurturing and supportive environment for their child.

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Jackie Marrington
3 months ago

I am so happy with this nursery! My little one has been going here for almost two years and has absolutely thrived there. The staff are always so caring and put a lot of though and detail into her observations and work that she does. They always keep you up to date with new ideas they are bringing to the nursery, and have such exciting activities for the parents to join in with also. I cant thank the staff and management enough for everything they have done for me and my little girl. Respect to all of you ❤️

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tatybell
2 months ago

I would just like to say this is the most organised Pre-school I have ever seen. Extremely tidy and educational.As soon as you step in you CAN see the high standards. I also love how they pay attention to the children’s needs. They treat the children with kindness and respect and ACTUALLY prepare the kids for primary school and it’s the first nursery that I’ve seen where the kids actually have a uniform. I am proud to say that this is 10/10 Pre-School and I will definitely recommend this to all parents to send their children here. And to all the members of staff keep it up❤️❤️❤️You guys are doing an amazing job and service for the children.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Roberta Lupo
2 months ago

We couldn’t be happier with this nursery. From the very beginning, the staff have been welcoming and caring. They create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can thrive. It gives us real peace of mind knowing our daughter is happy, safe, and well looked after every day.

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Leanne Okike
3 months ago

I am so happy with Little Elms Shirley, the staff are so caring and welcoming from the very first day. My son has been going for 4 months now and really enjoys going here - he’s settled in so well. I would recommend this nursery and will be sending my baby girl here too!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Little Elms Daycare Shirley. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: June 2016

  • June 2023Good
  • June 2021Good
  • October 2019Good
  • April 2019Inadequate
  • October 2017Good
  • July 2017Inadequate
  • June 2016Good

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