Question 1

What age range do you accept?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

What curriculum do you follow?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Are you Ofsted registered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Abacus Ark nurseries are fully Ofsted registered.

Question 4

How do I arrange a visit?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Is there availability right now?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What are your nursery fees?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Do you accept government funding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept all eligible government funding schemes.

Question 8

Do you offer sibling discounts?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Are meals, nappies, wipes and creams included?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

What are your opening hours?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

How do you support children’s individual needs?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

Do you accommodate dietary requirements?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

How do you share my child’s daily activities?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

Do you also speak to me in person?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Do you update parents on nursery news?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We send newsletters with updates and events.

Question 19

Can I contact the nursery at other times?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

What is your staff-to-child ratio?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 21

How does the settling-in process work?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 22

How do you support the transition to school?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 23

What happens if I need to change days or sessions?

Accepted Answer

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

Nursery School Programmes