1st Place at The Elephant

15 Hampton Street, London SE17 3AN
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9.0 12 Reviews
  • 1st Place at The Elephant, London
1st Place at The Elephant in London is a supportive early years setting for young children.

Children are given the chance to have fun in a safe setting while developing their skills.

Skilled staff ensure children can develop at their own pace.   

Healthy meals are provided.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Sara Noor (Early Education Manager)

Admission Information

  • None

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 30

Registered Charity Number

  • 1120124

Total Places for Children

  • 80

Age Range

  • from 0 years 6 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Starting from £180 per day for 3-4 year olds, £216 for 2 year olds and £238 per day for under 2's. Included in fees: Meals and snacks, wipes and reusable nappies, trips and outings (including travel).

  • These are base prices, please contact the nursery or visit their website for more information.

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 & Christmas

Parking

  • Street parking

1st Place at The Elephant Reviews (12)

9.0

1st Place at The Elephant has a Review Score of 9.0 (8.950) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time 1st Place at The Elephant has 12 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Reviewer Connection to 1st Place at The Elephant
  • 9
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Total of 12, showing 1-12
Review from T I (Father of Child) published on 22 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son joined this nursery about a year and a half ago without speaking any English. Thanks to the warm and caring teachers, by the time he graduated he was able to communicate with confidence and enjoy daily life at the nursery.


He learned important social skills and daily routines, and he made many

friends along the way. We were very happy to see his growth in independence and his ability to connect with others.


The teachers always created a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where our son could feel comfortable and happy. The balance of learning, play, and interaction helped him develop in a positive way.


Now, as he moves on to the next stage of education, he does so with confidence and a positive outlook. We are very grateful to all the staff for their dedication and kindness.

Reply from Rachael Burton, Communications and Marketing Manager at 1st Place at The Elephant
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're delighted to hear about your son's progress and confidence since joining us. It's wonderful to know he felt supported, made friends, and grew in…read more
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Review from Daniel B (Father of Child) published on 22 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our sons passed through First Place nurseries - formerly at Lorrimore Square, now at the Elephant - and we were incredibly happy with the care that they both received across the combined five year period. The staff were consistently brilliant - helpful and considerate whenever any issues arose,
organising trips, and the forest school was excellent. Both of the boys miss their friends and carers at First Place and talk about their time there fondly.
Reply from Rachael Burton, Communications and Marketing Manager at 1st Place at The Elephant
Thank you, Daniel, for sharing such lovely feedback. We're delighted to hear both your sons had such positive experiences with us over the years. It's wonderful to know that the trips, Forest School,…read more
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Review from Hui T (Mother of Child) published on 19 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child was at 1st Place nursery from 8-months old till the start of school. She was consistently well cared for. There was a daily update of what she had done, if she had slept, what she had eaten (or not!), and sometimes a photo of the activity. The formal reports were also helpful. It was lovely
to talk to staff who were as interested in my child's development as I was. As a first time mother, it was wonderful to feel supported through my concerns. My child thrived in this environment. The staff were communicative and helpful even through the big emotional upheaval of moving from one nursery location to another in a very stressful circumstance. We are very grateful to have chanced upon such a great nursery. Our lives were made a lot easier knowing that our child was well cared for while we worked.
Reply from Rachael Burton, Communications and Marketing Manager at 1st Place at The Elephant
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're delighted to hear about your son's progress and confidence since joining us. It's wonderful to know he felt supported, made friends, and grew in…read more
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Review from Kate A (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've been with 1st Place since my daughter-now four-joined the Baby Room at a previous nursery when she was one. When that nursery merged with 1st Place Elephant last year, we chose to move with them, even though it's less convenient for us. That's a real testament to the team, who have always been
exceptionally warm and caring.
Our son joined 1st Place Elephant when he turned one and is thriving. Both kids are very happy there. They're well cared for and always busy with a variety of activities. We really appreciate the regular trips - Forest School sessions, visits to museums, and other days out. And our kids also love spending time in the studio, working on art projects. It's in the same building, but they're always excited to go!
And while it might seem like a small thing, we really value the nursery's use of reusable nappies. I don't know of any others that do, and it must have prevented thousands of disposables from going to landfill. That's no small thing.
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Review from Eva T (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very satisfied with the care and education my son receives at 1st place. The staff's friendliness and dedication have created a nurturing environment where my child feels welcomed and valued. Since joining, he has made remarkable progress in his learning and development, a testament to the team's
commitment to individualised growth. Also, The regular and insightful feedback provided keeps me well-informed about his daily experiences and achievements.
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Review from L S (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't rant enough about how brilliant 1st place is. I am so happy that my daughter comes here, the staff are wonderful and go above and beyond for all the children. It's a magical and nutritional environment for them and I have seen my daughter blossom over the past couple of months of being here.
There
is continuous and well-documented feedback about my daughter's progress as well as plenty of pictures of her playing with other children. I always feel very much involved in her progress and development. The management is always present and takes the time to say hello and if we have any concerns we feel comfortable enough to address them. It's a family-orientated nursery and you don't often get this feeling in other settings so we are very pleased. Thank you to everyone for everything.
Reply from Rachael Burton, Communications and Marketing Manager at 1st Place at The Elephant
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely and detailed review. I have passed your feedback on to The Elephant team. We're very pleased to hear that you and your child are happy…read more
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Review from I N (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at 1st Place at the Elephant since it opened, having transferred from 1st Place Cambridge House when it closed.
We could not be happier with the nursery, our daughter is well cared for and stimulated. Their child-led approach gives the children agency over the activities and how
they play.
The staff are fantastic, patient, caring, and engaged with the children. Our daughter talks about them and knows them all as individuals as well as the people who look after her during the day.
The relatively small size of the nursery and its central location means they have easy access to transport and central London. They often go on trips to museums or shows and explore the city in small groups on foot too. They also have access to a Forest School which our daughter has loved, especially when she was taught how to safely use a saw to cut wood!
Thank you to all the staff, you do an amazing job!
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Review from Regan O (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am a mother of a 15-month-old and I cannot speak highly enough of 1st Place. Without a doubt, this nursery deserves a 5-star rating in every aspect.
My son absolutely loves it there, and it warms my heart to see how much he has thrived in the 6 months he's been attending. His language, motor skills,
and social skills have all seen remarkable improvements, which I attribute to the nurturing environment provided by the dedicated staff.
Speaking of the staff, I cannot praise them enough. They are exceptional caregivers who go above and beyond to ensure his well-being and development. Their friendliness, love, and support have played a significant role in his growth and happiness at the nursery.
I wholeheartedly recommend this nursery to any parent looking for a warm, nurturing, and supportive environment for their child. My son and I are grateful for the wonderful experiences and memories he is creating there.
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Review from Chris P (Father of Child) published on 6 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been really happy at 1st Place. Our children have been happy and come home buzzing about their days and all that they've done. The staff are very approachable and engaging and are interested in the children, their welfare, happiness, and development.
The nursery works hard to enrich the days
beyond the time at nursery going to museums, theatres, parks, forest school, cultural visits, and many more.
The children eat well and get good balanced meals and are taught to be independent and do more for themselves.
We've been really happy and have recommended the nursery to friends who've also moved their children there.
Reply from Rachael Burton, Communications and Marketing Manager at 1st Place at The Elephant
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We appreciate the feedback and are over the moon to hear that you and your children are happy at 1st Place. I have passed the feedback on to…read more
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Review from Mary A (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
The majority of the nursery staff that have contact with your child are great. My son has a lovely time with the staff he plays with. Unfortunately, the management and the handling of complaints are incredibly concerning. On that basis, I would not recommend the nursery if you care about your child’s
overall welfare and bodily autonomy and respect.
Reply from Nicola Howard, Director at 1st Place at The Elephant
Thank you for acknowledging how much fun your son is having at the nursery and how lovely the staff are. We are very happy to hear.
It is concerning that you feel management is not up to your…read more
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Review from Poppy T (Mother of Child) published on 8 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at the nursery since she was a baby, and is currently in the pre-school room. We have been overjoyed at the level of care and compassion she has received through each level of the nursery. The food menus are diverse, the rooms are set-out with lots of different areas such as a
reading corner, a building area and an I.C.T area. It's organised in a very thoughtful way, and the rooms are wonderfully light and welcoming. The outside play areas are kept well. There is very little staff turnover as it's a family-run business and we feel like we know the staff well, and they are all wonderfully kind and caring. We're very happy with her progress at the nursery, they clearly take the curriculum very seriously and we see improvements all the time.
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Review from Alessia A (Mother of Child) published on 16 November 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to the Elephant and Castle Nursery for 2 years. She just turned three and I only have good things to say. The staff are great, they care for the children and teach them well. Everybody is helpful and flexible and have made our family life so much easier.
My daughter is happy
to go there, and I am happy she is in good hands.
I cannot recommend this nursery enough.
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Current Review Score: 9.0 (8.950)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.0 (8.950) out of 10 for 1st Place at The Elephant is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.5 out of 5 from 9 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.487 for 1st Place at The Elephant is calculated as follows: ( (90 Excellents x 5) + (17 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (10 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 119 Ratings = 4.487
  2. 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 4.463 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for 1st Place at The Elephant is based on 9 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 3.9
    2. 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 80 number of registered child places is 16. 9 Positive Reviews ÷ 16 = 0.563
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (1)

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Sara Noor

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2025

Sara has worked for 1st Place for over 18 years and her career in early childhood and education spans over 24 years including day care and children centres.


Inspired by the concepts of intrinsic learning, early attachment, and child development, Sara completed a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies. She enjoys adopting a creative approach to early learning and is passionate about 1st Place’s Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions about 1st Place at The Elephant

What is the Age Range of Children that 1st Place at The Elephant accepts?

1st Place at The Elephant accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is 1st Place at The Elephant Open?

1st Place at The Elephant 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 1st Place at The Elephant have capacity for?

1st Place at The Elephant has capacity for a total of 80 Children.

How far is 1st Place at The Elephant to the centre of London?

2.2 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 1st Place at The Elephant to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. 1st Place at The Elephant has an Enhanced Service - more info.