Welcome to Ark Start

Our nurseries are about much more than childcare. Founded by passionate, qualified teachers, we are committed to providing families with excellent early years education.

Our team works together to ensure that every child has a joyful, engaging and secure nursery experience and leaves us ready to start school happily and confidently.

Our Nurseries

We have six nurseries in London, located near Elephant & Castle, Clapham Junction, East Croydon, Holland Park, Ladbroke Grove and Enfield, where we offer flexible and affordable daycare in a stimulating and nurturing environment.

The Best Possible Start

At Ark Start we give your child not only the start they need, but the one they deserve. We have designed a curriculum that helps your child grow, thrive, and prepare for school, all guided by the values that underpin everything we do.

Be Brave

Aim High

Keep Learning

Be Kind

What Our Families Love About Us

Great nursery! The children get a lovely well rounded hands on learning experience. The nursery puts on lots of events (parents are invited) and trips to support the learning. The Ark Start values are embedded into the children’s daily routine and help to build confidence. The staff are friendly, helpful and supportive, this makes it easy to work in partnership with them.

SymParent

I recommend this nursery with all my heart: calm and fun, an excellent playing environment. My boy learned a lot from the staff and he loved going.

Geanina Parent

My daughter loves going to nursery, she has learnt so much since attending in all areas of her development. Great staff. Great indoor and outdoor environment and an extra space on the meadow for forest school sessions.

Manuela Parent

Fantastic nursery, my daughter loves going . Dedicated and friendly staff. Great communication with parents.

Lauren Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

Considering a place at an Ark Start nursery? Find answers to any questions you may have about fees, funding, flexible booking patterns, schedules, and more.

How do I enquire about a place at Ark Start?

To apply for a place, select your preferred nursery and fill the enquiry form. A member of our team will be in touch to arrange a visit and guide you through the application process.

What are your opening hours?

We are open from 8am – 5pm every day. We are closed for 3 weeks a year and for bank holidays. Check our term dates for more details.

Can my child come to nursery for one day a week?

Unfortunately not. We strongly encourage children to attend nursery for at least four sessions a week over two days. This is because children find it easier to settle in and benefit from nursery if they attend regularly.

What do the fees cover?

Fees cover all nursery activities and resources, apart from the following: snacks and meals, nappies and wipes, certain offsite visits (we publish details at the start of the year to help families plan).

What funding support can I access?

There is government support to help with childcare costs. Check how you can access free nursery hours. You can also speak to our nursery team, who will help you understand your entitlements.

What extracurricular activities do you offer?

We think children should experience awe and wonder and strive to create many opportunities for this through the curriculum. Enrichment opportunities include offsite visits, for example to the farm or to the fire station, and onsite experiences such as baking and hatching ducklings and butterflies.

A Day At Nursery

We know that children learn best when they are fully immersed in play, supported by a responsive adult. That’s why we balance fun experiences at nursery with outdoor play and exploration. Children come together to think, discover, and learn with their friends, and also have time to lead their own learning.