What age range do you accept?

Most Abacus Ark nurseries welcome children from 6 months to 5 years. Our Maida Vale nursery accepts children from 10 months to 5 years.

What curriculum do you follow?

We use the Abacus Ark Bespoke Curriculum, created with an independent former Ofsted inspector. It’s guided by our FIRST framework and five pedagogical principles to ensure children are school-ready by Reception.

Are you Ofsted registered?

Yes. All Abacus Ark nurseries are fully Ofsted registered.

How do I arrange a visit?

We offer personal tours with our Parent Experience Manager or Nursery Manager. Book via our website enquiry form, by phone, by email, or through social media.

Is there availability right now?

Availability varies by nursery and age group. We also limit the number of new starters each month to ensure a quality settling-in process. If there’s no space, we’ll add you to the waiting list and keep you updated.

What are your nursery fees?

Fees vary by nursery and age group. See each nursery’s page for details.

Do you accept government funding?

Yes. We accept all eligible government funding schemes.

Do you offer sibling discounts?

Yes. We offer a sibling discount—please contact our admissions team for details.

Are meals, nappies, wipes and creams included?

Yes. Meals and daily essentials are included in your nursery fees.

What are your opening hours?

Most nurseries are open 7:30am–6:30pm. Maida Vale is open 8:00am–6:00pm.

How do you support children’s individual needs?

Our curriculum is designed to nurture each child individually through our five pedagogical principles.

Do you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes. We partner with Lune & Wild to provide nutritious, organic meals and can cater for all dietary needs.

How do you share my child’s daily activities?

We use the Famly app to share photos and key information such as naps, meals, and daily activities.

How do I find out about my child’s development?

We post regular development updates in the Famly app and share spontaneous observations when they happen.

Do you also speak to me in person?

Yes. You’ll receive a face-to-face handover at drop-off and pick-up every day.

What happens if my child is ill or has an incident?

We will call you immediately and record all details in the Famly app.

How will I know about my child’s progress over time?

We hold regular parent–teacher meetings to discuss your child’s development.

Do you update parents on nursery news?

Yes. We send newsletters with updates and events.

Can I contact the nursery at other times?

Absolutely. You can call or message us whenever you have questions.

What is your staff-to-child ratio?

We meet or exceed statutory ratios: 1:3 for under-2s, 1:5 for ages 2–3, and 1:8 for ages 3–5.

How does the settling-in process work?

Across two weeks we gradually increase your child’s time with us. Parents stay initially, then nearby, before moving to full days.

How do you support the transition to school?

In the final year, children are grouped with their school cohort and we liaise with their new teachers to prepare them.

What happens if I need to change days or sessions?

Email us with your request. We’ll accommodate changes wherever possible, subject to availability and terms.

What teaching approach do you follow?

We primarily follow the Reggio Emilia approach, with elements of Montessori.

How do you blend these approaches?

Reggio principles provide the foundation, while selected Montessori methods complement our goal of preparing children for school and the wider world.

How do you track each child’s progress?

We use a continuous cycle of observation, assessment, planning, and delivery, with both formal reviews and spontaneous observations. Parents are kept informed and involved.

Do you adapt learning to children’s interests?

Yes—children are at the centre of their learning. Their interests shape our daily and weekly planning.

Our Nursery Curriculum | Early Years Education London

Nursery
School Curriculum

World-Famous Methods for Strong Foundations

Reggio-Based & Montessori-Inspired Learning For Well-Rounded Future Success

Building Bright Futures at Abacus Ark

We nurture the whole child with a curriculum that blends STEM, EYFS principles, and play-based learning. We focus on developing Focus, Independence, Resilience, Social Understanding, and Trustworthiness (FIRST), empowering children to explore, grow, and thrive with confidence in a nurturing, curiosity-driven environment led by caring educators.

Nurturing Young Minds With FIRST Steps

We guide your child as they step into the world with confidence, curiosity, and resilience. Through our FIRST Steps curriculum, we combine a strong academic foundation with hands-on learning experiences, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With the guidance of skilled teachers, your child prepares to embrace opportunities and overcome challenges with enthusiasm.

Building Future Innovators Through STEM

Our curriculum integrates STEM principles to spark curiosity and critical thinking. Through hands-on activities and exploration, children build problem-solving skills, creativity, and a love for discovery. This engaging approach lays the foundation for future learning, empowering your child to navigate an ever-evolving world of innovation and possibilities.

Encouraging Development Through EYFS Principles

Our hands-on environment integrates Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles, helping children develop focus and confidence. They learn self-sufficiency, emotional resilience, social awareness, and responsible decision-making. We empower them to explore their world while building essential skills for lifelong success in a supportive atmosphere.

Benefits Of Our Reggio Emilia-Inspired Approach:

We Walk in the Shoes of the Child

We view each child as curious, capable, and engaged in their learning, honouring their interests, ideas, and unique perspectives.

We Create Purpose-Driven Environments

Each room has zones that support your child's learning and play, matching their developmental needs at every age.

Our Curriculum Is Dynamic & Responsive

Our curriculum is flexible and adapts to your child's growing interests, letting learning unfold naturally through their curiosity and discoveries.

Our Teachers Are Facilitators

Teachers act as co-learners, guiding and engaging with children to support and challenge their thinking.

Education Is a Shared Responsibility

Parents and the community actively contribute to the learning process, creating a supportive network for families.

Self-Led Learning Inspires Independence & Curiosity

The Montessori Method centres on the learner. Your child chooses their daily tasks from age-appropriate, hands-on activities rooted in the Reggio approach. Activities like sorting, storytime, and scribbling lay vital foundations for maths, science, and literacy.

Teachers Are Guides In Learning And Partners In Discovery

Teachers serve as co-learners, guides, and researchers. They actively listen, observe, and engage with children, offering support and challenges that expand their thinking. By facilitating rather than directing, our teachers foster a collaborative, respectful learning environment where curiosity and creativity flourish.

A Prepared Environment Supports Cognitive Growth

Your child thrives in a carefully organised classroom that encourages exploration and discovery. Uncluttered, bright, and spacious environments stimulate your child’s cognitive development through age-appropriate immersive activities and size-appropriate furnishings.

Practical Skills Now Are Life Skills Later

Practical life skills are central to the Montessori Method. Watch your kids develop self-esteem and independence as they learn to dress, wash, share, and take turns. Children contribute to the classroom community and take responsibility for their own development.

We Emphasise the Development of Crucial Life Skills Such As Focus, Independence, Resilience, Social Awareness, and Trustworthiness—Essential Building Blocks for a Bright and Successful Future.

Outdoor Play Builds a Connection With Nature

With our Reggio-Montessori approach, we believe exploring nature is key. Your kids enjoy access to lush, green spaces every day, and spending time outdoors helps them build physical confidence and develop the gross motor skills they need for future learning and discovery.

Parent Partners Create a Sense Of Community

In our approach, education is a shared responsibility with a strong emphasis on community. Our Famly app keeps you connected to the classroom throughout the day, with managers and staff providing regular updates. Parents play an active role as volunteers, helping to build connections and foster a strong sense of community within the nursery.

How Old Is Your Child?

Home From Home

Little Explorers

Community
Builders

The Village /
Wider World