Our Story

Moon River Nursery was founded by Lesley in 2017, following a long and dedicated career in healthcare. After training and working as a nurse and midwife, Lesley went on to spend over 30 years as a Health Visitor, supporting families through some of the most important stages of their lives.

During her time as a Health Visitor, many families shared the same concern - there was a lack of high-quality childcare in the local area. Inspired by this, and drawing on her passion for supporting children and families, Lesley made the decision to open her own nursery.

After several years of hard work and overcoming many challenges, Moon River Nursery opened its doors in 2017. Built on strong relationships and a deep understanding of family needs, the nursery quickly became a trusted and nurturing environment for children. Many of the families Lesley had supported as a Health Visitor later entrusted their children into her care, creating a unique sense of continuity and community.

Lesley owned and led Moon River Nursery from its opening in 2017 until April 2026, guiding it from strength to strength and establishing the warm, caring ethos it is known for today.

A New Chapter

In April 2026, Moon River Nursery became part of Chalk Nursery Group, marking an exciting new chapter in its journey.

Chalk Nursery Group also brings together other well-established nursery brands, including Katey’s House and Red Bus, creating a wider network of high-quality early years settings across London and Bristol. This shared expertise supports continuous improvement, best practice, and strong outcomes for children across all settings.