Independent Nursery Options

Independent Nurseries in NW London

Broadhurst School Nursery

For children aged 2 to 4, Broadhurst values learning through play to create a caring and safe environment. The school offers three hour days for children in their first year, which later increases to six hours. Pupils are prepared for the 4+ assessments, often going on to attend the top selective preparatory schools in the area. Due to high demand for places, the school recommends parents apply for a place at the earliest stages of pregnancy. www.broadhurstschool.com

Clowns Nursery and Manor House Pre-School

Initially run out of the founder’s own home, The Clowns Nursery and Manor House Pre-School maintains a warm and personalised approach to teaching and childcare. The day nursery for children aged 6 months to 3 years allows children to attend either full time or for a minimum of three sessions. The pre-school is for pupils aged 3 to 5 years, and prepares children for entry to selective schools. www.clownsnursery.co.uk

Hampstead Hill School Nursery and Pre-Prep

Based in St Stephen’s, a beautiful former church, this nursery and pre-preparatory school is for children aged 2 to 7. Despite being non-selective, Hampstead Hill boasts excellent destination schools and 7+ exam results and support. The school offers flexible hours for younger children in order to accommodate working parents, and is open for ten hours a day, 51 weeks a year. For children aged 5+ (Reception Year and above), the nursery runs a Holiday Scheme during all half-term and holiday periods (which there is an additional charge for). www.hampsteadhillschool.co.uk

Little Elves Montessori

Little Elves Montessori follows the Montessori method of teaching, in which the child decides what they want to learn throughout the day through the activities they choose, which places a focus on developing initiative and confidence in children from a young age. For pupils aged 15 months to 5 years, staff provide a nurturing and friendly environment. Easter, Summer, and Christmas activities are run during holiday times with limited places. www.littleelvesmontessori.com

N Family Club Nursery (West Hampstead)

Opened in December 2019, this branch is a part of a wider established group of nurseries across London. For children from the age of 3 months to 5 years, this nursery is open 51 weeks a year, 12 hours a day, making it an ideal choice for busy working parents. There is a parents’ café and breakfast bar, alongside a parent programme including activities like yoga and running, as well as classes available for newer parents. Learning through a variety of mediums such as play, art, music, drama and language, are integral to the nursery’s approach to education. www.nfamilyclub.com

North London Forest School Nursery

Forest School sessions are based on providing children with an education associated with an appreciation of the wide natural world, linking the outdoors to the National and Foundation Stage Curriculum. Pupils aged 2 to 5 years are taken to a local outdoor area every day to cover the traditional curriculum of literacy and maths through practical means, with a variety of morning, afternoon, and all-day sessions to choose from. www.nlforestschoolnursery.com

Oak Tree Nursery, Devonshire House School

Oak Tree Nursery, situated on the grounds of Devonshire House Preparatory School, takes children from 2 and a half years old, with girls leaving at the end of Year 6 and boys leaving at the end of Year 8. Priority admission is given to siblings of existing pupils and places are offered after an observed play session. Pupils automatically move up to the associated preparatory school, which in the last three years saw pupils win 36 scholarships and exhibitions, moving further onwards to other top London schools. www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk

Ready, Steady, Go Nursery (Primrose Hill)

Pupils aged 3 to 5 begin morning pre-school at the Fitzroy Road location in September, before transitioning to the full day pre-school at the King Henry’s Road centre the following year. Facilities are large, spacious, and provide a warm and light space alongside an outdoor area with a mud kitchen and playhouse, enabling a variety of outdoor activities. There are also afterschool sessions for older children, which run for an additional hour at the end of the school day. The organisation also has other branches in St John’s Wood and Camden. www.readysteadygo.org