Best Private Nurseries in London: Top 30 for 2025

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Why Choosing the Right Nursery Matters

In London, where competition for top prep and pre-prep schools can be high, the right nursery offers more than just a warm and welcoming environment. It provides thoughtful routines, skilled educators and a curriculum that supports each child’s individual pace and personality. Children learn how to express themselves, develop friendships, and explore new ideas in a space where they feel safe and supported.

For many families, a well-chosen nursery also offers reassurance. It means entrusting your child to experienced hands, where learning is balanced with play and where a strong relationship between staff and parents is part of daily life. Many of London’s leading nurseries also act as informal feeders to top independent schools and can help parents navigate the early stages of school admissions. Whether your focus is on school readiness, emotional development or simply finding a place where your child is happy and thriving, the right nursery can make all the difference in those crucial early years.

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What Makes a Nursery ‘Top Tier’?

Many top-tier nurseries go beyond what is typically offered elsewhere. While some settings may focus primarily on care or basic routines, these nurseries provide enriching experiences as part of daily life, including music, languages, outdoor learning and creative play. They deliver consistently high standards, often recognised by Outstanding Ofsted or Excellent ISI ratings, and are praised by parents for their communication, care and stability.

They also take a more active role in supporting families, offering insight and guidance as children move toward school, helping parents feel more confident and better informed throughout the process.

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What Type of Nursery Is Right for Your Child?

London offers a wide range of nursery options, each with its own approach to early years education. Understanding the differences can help you decide which type of environment will best suit your child and your family.

Some nurseries follow a play-based model, focusing on exploration, creativity and social development. These settings encourage children to learn through hands-on activities, storytelling, music and free play, helping them build independence and confidence at their own pace.

Others offer a more structured approach, introducing early literacy and numeracy in gentle, age-appropriate ways. These nurseries often follow a daily routine with clear expectations, which some parents find helpful in preparing children for the transition to school.

Montessori nurseries emphasise independence and self-directed learning, with carefully prepared environments and materials that encourage focus, problem-solving and practical life skills. This method suits children who thrive when given time, space and autonomy in their learning.

Some nurseries incorporate outdoor learning or forest school principles, where nature becomes the classroom. These settings are particularly popular with families who value resilience, physical activity and a strong connection to the natural world.

You’ll also find nurseries attached to larger independent schools, which may offer a seamless transition into Reception and beyond. These often have excellent facilities and established reputations, making them appealing for parents thinking ahead to prep school admissions.

When choosing a nursery, think about your child’s personality, your family’s routine and the kind of environment where they will feel happiest.

There’s no single right answer. The best fit is one that supports your child’s wellbeing, growth and love of learning.

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Understanding Prep School Admissions and the 4+ Group Assessment

Private nursery admissions in London can be surprisingly competitive, particularly in the most sought-after areas. Many nurseries require early registration, sometimes shortly after birth, and offer limited places each year. Some nurseries operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others consider sibling priority, interviews with parents, or short child-observation sessions before offering a place.

As children approach age four, many families will also encounter the 4+ Group Assessment, a common entry point for selective pre-prep schools. These assessments typically take place in the year before Reception and involve small groups of children taking part in age-appropriate activities designed to evaluate key developmental areas. These might include communication, listening skills, fine motor coordination, social confidence, and early problem-solving.

While nurseries do not usually conduct 4+ assessments themselves, the best private nurseries will help lay the groundwork, encouraging independence, turn-taking, focus and social development, all essential traits that schools look for during the 4+ process.

To learn more or to help your child prepare, visit our 4+ Group Assessment page.

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How We Selected Our Top 30 Nurseries

1. Excellent Inspection Results
We reviewed formal inspection reports, including nurseries rated Excellent by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and those rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

2. Strong Local Reputation
We considered each nursery’s standing within its local community, focusing on those consistently recommended by parents and known for long-standing quality and care.

3. Experienced, High-Quality Staff
We looked at the experience and qualifications of teaching staff, giving priority to nurseries where educators are warm, skilled and deeply engaged in children’s development.

4. Nurturing Learning Environments
We evaluated the overall atmosphere and physical setting, selecting nurseries that offer calm, well-organised and enriching spaces where children feel confident and secure.

5. Positive Parent Feedback
We took into account parent reviews and testimonials, highlighting nurseries praised for their communication, approachability and supportive relationships with families.

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Best Private Nurseries in London: Top 30 for 2025

Rank	Nursery	Location	Inspectorate & Rating	Notable Features
1	Thomas’s Battersea Kindergarten	Battersea (Wandsworth)	ISI – Excellent	Kind, structured start at a leading school. Warm, nurturing and academically gentle.
2	Miss Daisy’s Nursery Schools	Belgravia, Chelsea, Knightsbridge	Ofsted – Outstanding	Play-based and nurturing with high prep-school placement. Highly regarded.
3	The Acorn Nursery	Notting Hill (Kensington & Chelsea)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Exclusive, intimate nursery with strong Notting Hill Prep links.
4	Chelsea Pre-Prep	Chelsea (Kensington & Chelsea)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Academically focused with excellent prep school outcomes.
5	The Minors Nursery School	Notting Hill (Westminster)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Warm, established nursery with Alpha Plus links and royal alumni.
6	Knightsbridge Kindergarten	Belgravia (Westminster)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Well-respected nursery with strong prep school connections.
7	Marmalade Schools	Clapham, Battersea, Fulham	Ofsted – Outstanding	Creative, joyful nurseries with strong early years education.
8	Pippa Pop-ins Nursery Schools	Fulham & Kensington	Ofsted – Outstanding	Beautiful settings, experienced staff, excellent enrichment.
9	Broadhurst School	Hampstead (Camden)	ISI – Excellent	Academic nursery known for 7+ success and strong outcomes.
10	Garden House School (Kindergarten)	Chelsea (Kensington & Chelsea)	ISI – Excellent	Structured, nurturing start to this all-through prep school.
11	Eaton House Belgravia (Nursery)	Belgravia (Westminster)	ISI – Excellent	Academic boys’ prep with co-ed nursery and excellent teaching.
12	Jack and Jill School	Twickenham (Richmond)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Strong all-round nursery with high prep school placement.
13	DUCKS (Dulwich College)	Dulwich (Southwark)	ISI – Excellent	Beautiful facilities and excellent early years provision.
14	Phileas Fox Nursery School	Maida Vale (Westminster)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Multilingual and culturally rich setting with nurturing ethos.
15	Tadpoles Nursery School	Chelsea (Kensington & Chelsea)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Family-run, garden setting with strong child-centred care.
16	Puffins Nursery School	Parsons Green (Hammersmith & Fulham)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Small, caring setting popular with families near Thomas’s.
17	St. Mark’s Square Nursery School	Primrose Hill (Camden)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Close-knit community nursery with strong early years practice.
18	Chepstow House School (Nursery)	Notting Hill (Kensington & Chelsea)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Nursery-to-prep pathway with strong Alpha Plus links.
19	Miss Delaney’s Nursery	Holland Park (Kensington & Chelsea)	Ofsted – Good	Well-loved by families for nurturing care and prep links.
20	Rolfe’s Nursery School	Notting Hill (Kensington & Chelsea)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Highly rated Alpha Plus nursery with academic warmth.
21	Hopes and Dreams Montessori	Islington (Central London)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Award-winning Montessori nursery with bilingual options.
22	Hampstead Hill School	Hampstead (Camden)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Pre-prep school with excellent early years outcomes.
23	Mulberry House School	West Hampstead (Camden)	Ofsted – Outstanding	High-achieving, nurturing prep with 7+ success.
24	Eaton Square Nursery	Belgravia (Westminster)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Elegant city nursery with seamless school progression.
25	Gardens Montessori	Kensington (W8)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Gentle Montessori setting with tailored learning paths.
26	Annemount School	Hampstead Garden Suburb (Barnet)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Small, family-run school with excellent early years care.
27	Little Forest Folk	Multiple London sites	Ofsted – Outstanding	Outdoor-focused nurseries promoting resilience and curiosity.
28	Strawberry Fields Nursery	Notting Hill (Kensington & Chelsea)	Ofsted – Outstanding	Creative, arts-rich nursery popular with local families.
29	Little Wetherby (Wetherby Kensington Nursery)	Notting Hill (Kensington & Chelsea)	Ofsted – Good	New co-ed nursery from Alpha Plus with priority access.
30	Ready Steady Go Nursery	Camden Town (Camden)	Ofsted – Good	Community nursery praised for creativity and pastoral care.

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The Top 10 Private Nurseries in Detail

7.1

Thomas’s Battersea Kindergarten

Thomas’s Battersea Kindergarten offers a gentle and structured introduction to one of London’s most prominent independent schools. It is closely linked to Thomas’s Battersea School, which famously educated Prince George and Princess Charlotte, adding to its prestige and appeal. The kindergarten is known for its strong pastoral care, well-qualified staff and an ethos rooted in kindness, confidence, and courtesy. Located in a beautiful Victorian building, it offers bright classrooms, specialist-led activities in music and PE, and regular outdoor play. Entry is non-selective, but demand is extremely high; most families register at birth to secure a place and continuity into the main school.

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Miss Daisy’s Nursery Schools

Miss Daisy’s nurseries, part of the Little Dukes family of nursery schools, are spread across Belgravia, Chelsea and Knightsbridge and are beloved by local families for their blend of play-based learning and traditional values. The settings emphasise emotional confidence, manners and independence, which makes them especially popular with parents targeting top London pre-prep schools. Children benefit from ballet, French, music, and movement sessions, and receive gentle encouragement in early reading and writing. The nurseries have strong relationships with prep schools such as Garden House, Falkner House and Hill House. Entry is non-selective, but early registration is recommended due to long waitlists.

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The Acorn Nursery

The Acorn Nursery, located in Notting Hill, is one of London’s most discreet yet sought-after nurseries. With just a few dozen pupils and a very low public profile, places are reserved years in advance, often based on word-of-mouth and personal recommendations. The school fosters an unhurried, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore at their own pace. Though academic preparation is understated, the nursery has strong links with Notting Hill Prep and other prestigious pre-preps in West London. Parents praise its calm atmosphere, experienced staff and beautifully maintained building with outdoor space.

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Chelsea Pre-Prep

Chelsea Pre-Prep is known for its focused early learning approach and consistently strong outcomes at the 4+ stage. Located off the King’s Road, this nursery blends academic structure with a caring, engaging environment. Children are introduced to phonics, early maths, and handwriting through interactive lessons and play, and also take part in music, yoga, cooking and sport. The school regularly feeds into elite prep schools including Garden House, Wetherby, Falkner House, and Thomas’s. Registration is essential well in advance, especially for popular term start dates.

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Knightsbridge Kindergarten

Knightsbridge Kindergarten is a favourite among families in Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico who are looking for a structured yet nurturing start. With more than 20 years of experience, the school boasts excellent indoor and outdoor facilities, including a garden, sensory room and soft play area. Weekly sessions in Spanish, music, sport and drama are part of the standard curriculum, and the nursery offers tailored support as families navigate the prep school admissions process. Its pupils often progress to Garden House, Thomas’s, and Falkner House.

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Marmalade Schools

Marmalade Schools is a small group of independent nurseries located in Clapham, Battersea and Fulham. Founded by former teacher Rozzy Roberts, the schools are celebrated for their joyful, creative approach and strong academic grounding. Each location (such as Marmalade Cat or Bear) has its own character, but all share a curriculum enriched with French, ballet, drama and yoga. Children learn through hands-on projects, storytelling and collaborative play, with teachers who take time to know every child. The settings are known to prepare children well for schools like Thomas’s, Eaton House, and Broomwood.

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Pippa Pop-ins

Pippa Pop-ins was established in 1992 and has locations in Kensington and Fulham. Now part of Dukes Education, it offers a premium early years experience with a well-balanced daily routine. Children enjoy home-cooked meals, sensory play, outdoor exploration, and foundational literacy and numeracy in a calm, orderly environment. Staff are praised for their warmth and experience, and parents appreciate the structure provided in preparation for schools like Falkner House, Norland Place, and Glendower. With sibling priority and term-time flexibility, it is a long-standing favourite for many London families.

7.8

Broadhurst School

Broadhurst School in Hampstead offers a hybrid nursery and pre-prep experience, making it ideal for families focused on long-term academic goals. The school is known for its strong results at 4+ and 7+ and often places children into selective prep schools such as Westminster Under, UCS, and Highgate. Children receive a firm grounding in early reading, writing and maths, while still having plenty of time for art, music and imaginative play. The environment is structured and ambitious but warm, with small class sizes and a strong pastoral programme.

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Garden House Kindergarten

Garden House Kindergarten, located just off Chelsea’s Sloane Square, is the early years entry point to one of London’s most prestigious prep schools. With distinct boys’ and girls’ schools from Reception onward, the co-educational kindergarten offers a nurturing start within a traditional setting. The curriculum is gentle but purposeful, with a focus on character, confidence and social development. Facilities include specialist music, PE and art instruction, and children are encouraged to take pride in their work from an early age. Garden House families are often deeply loyal, with siblings commonly following the same educational path.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right private nursery in London is an important milestone for any family. With competitive admissions processes, varying entry points and long waiting lists, it can be difficult to know where to begin. This is especially true if you're considering nurseries that act as feeders to top London pre-prep schools.

At Ivy Education, our Nursery Consultancy service helps families navigate this process with clarity and confidence. From choosing the right nurseries to understanding application timelines and school reputations, our expert consultants provide personalised advice tailored to your family's needs and priorities.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for help with 4+ admissions preparation, our 4+ Group Assessment sessions are designed to help your child feel confident and prepared in a group setting. Led by experienced early years specialists, these sessions replicate the types of activities and dynamics your child will encounter during real assessments.

Wherever you are in the process, Ivy Education is here to support your family in securing the best possible start to your child’s education.

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FAQs

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