About us

Early Learning Years Nursery
A Home From Home Where Children Thrive!

About us

Early Learning Years (ELY) Nursery was founded by Sat and Su Sharma, parents of four children, who moved to Finchley in 1999 in search of a quiet, residential area to raise their family. 

They quickly realised the lack of childcare facilities in Finchley, especially as Su, expecting their third child, planned her return to work as a lawyer while balancing motherhood.

In 2002, the Sharma's spotted a building for sale on a residential street near their new family home, and the idea for ELY Nursery was born. Drawing from their personal experiences, they established ELY Nursery with a deep understanding of parental needs and aspirations. Their ethos, "A Home From Home Where Children Thrive," is central to their mission, ensuring every child feels secure, loved, and encouraged to flourish.

In 2004, our current manager, Sharina, began her journey with ELY as a childminder for the 4 Sharma children. She joined the nursery staff early on and has worked her way up, embodying the values and spirit of ELY. In January 2024, Sharina celebrated her 20th anniversary at ELY Nursery, marking two decades of commitment and growth within our community.

From the beginning, Sat and Su have been actively involved in the business. Recently, in April 2023, their daughter Mya Sharma joined the ELY team as the Operations Director, continuing the family tradition of dedication and care.

At ELY Nursery, we aim to be a home away from home where children thrive, providing a nurturing environment where every child can grow and develop with confidence and joy.

Caring Like Home, Educating for Life

Our team

At ELY , our staff are the beating heart of our nursery, embodying our ethos of creating a Home from Home Where Children Thrive.  Comprised of passionate, qualified professionals, Team ELY is dedicated to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment.


Our team members are not only experts in early childhood education but are also enthusiastic and caring individuals who help foster a positive, energetic atmosphere essential for the development of young minds.


Leadership is exemplified by long-standing members like our manager, Sharina, who has dedicated over two decades to ELY, ensuring consistent care and deep connections with the children and their families.

Safeguarding at ELY Nursery

At ELY Nursery, safeguarding is at the core of our mission to create "A Home from Home Where Children Thrive." We are committed to the protection and well-being of every child in our care, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment that fosters their development and happiness.


Safeguarding is not just a policy —it is an integral part of our ethos. We are dedicated to protecting our children and ensuring that they grow up in environments that are not only safe but also conducive to their overall well-being and development.

Comprehensive Safeguarding Policies

Our safeguarding framework is comprehensive, integrating various policies that address internet use, CCTV monitoring, positive behavior, data protection, and more. This multi-faceted approach ensures that every aspect of child welfare is covered, providing a secure foundation for the healthy development of our children.

Dedicated Safeguarding Team

Our safeguarding team is led by our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), Sharina Sathyanand and Kiira Boxer, who oversee all safeguarding issues. They ensure that all staff, students, and volunteers are trained and remain vigilant in protecting our children. In their absence, trained deputies are available to manage any immediate concerns.

Active Monitoring and Reporting

We maintain a culture of vigilance where all staff are trained to identify and report any signs of abuse or neglect. We promote a proactive stance on safeguarding, ensuring that concerns are addressed swiftly and in line with our rigorous procedures. This includes close communication with local authorities to secure the best outcomes for all children.

Ongoing Education and Training

Safeguarding is an area of continuous focus at ELY Nursery. We provide regular training and updates to our team, ensuring they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to safeguard our children effectively. This commitment to professional development reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of care and safety.

Vegetarianism at ELY Nursery

At ELY Nursery, our vegetarian philosophy is more than just a diet; it's a way of life that respects all beings and the planet, embodying our ethos of providing a nurturing, home-like environment where children can thrive in every sense.

Why Vegetarian?

We choose a vegetarian diet to promote health and environmental stewardship from an early age. By omitting meat, fish, and poultry, we provide meals that are wholesome, balanced, and full of variety, catering to the nutritional needs of growing children.

Expertly Prepared Meals

We are proud to have two on-site chefs, who prepare fresh, delicious meals daily. Their expertise ensures that our food is not only nutritious but also appealing to children, making meal times a joyous part of the day.

All-Inclusive Meal Service

All meals — breakfast, lunch, tea, and snacks — are included in the nursery fees. This comprehensive approach allows us to maintain high standards of nutrition and convenience for our families.

Encouraging Independence at Meal Times

We encourage children to self-serve during meal times, which promotes independence and decision-making skills. This practice is progressively adapted through different age groups, ensuring that children develop the ability to make choices and serve themselves confidently.

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