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.

Spring Nursery Menu

February 23, 2026
Blog

Spring at Abacus Ark: Discover Our Fresh Seasonal Nursery Menu with Lune & Wild

Spring has arrived at Abacus Ark London Nurseries, and with it comes a vibrant new seasonal menu created in partnership with Lune & Wild, specialists in high-quality nursery nutrition.

As the days grow brighter and gardens begin to bloom, our kitchen has embraced the fresh flavours of the season. Our spring nursery menu celebrates green vegetables, fragrant herbs and comforting classics, all thoughtfully adapted for young children.

Every dish is carefully designed to support healthy development while introducing little ones to new tastes in a familiar, reassuring way.

At Abacus Ark, we believe that healthy eating in early years settings plays a vital role in children’s growth, wellbeing and lifelong relationship with food.

Nourishing Growing Bodies This Spring

Our seasonal nursery menus are created with children aged 6 months to 5 years in mind. Meals are nutritionally balanced, freshly prepared and aligned with early years dietary guidance, ensuring children receive the right combination of:

Protein for growth and development
Fibre for healthy digestion
Essential vitamins and minerals
Balanced carbohydrates for sustained energy

By introducing seasonal produce throughout the year, we help children understand that food changes with the seasons — encouraging curiosity and positive food experiences from an early age.

Spring Pea Pasta with Chicken

A true celebration of spring, our Spring Pea Pasta with Chicken combines tender chicken with sweet peas, broccoli, fresh parsley and a hint of garlic.

Colourful, nourishing and perfectly balanced for young palates, this dish offers:

High-quality protein to support muscle development
Fibre-rich vegetables to aid digestion
Essential vitamins including Vitamin C and folate
Gentle flavours designed for early taste exploration

It’s light, fresh and packed with goodness — a wonderful introduction to spring vegetables for our nursery children.

Spring Shepherd’s Pie

We’ve also added a seasonal twist to a much-loved comfort classic.

Our Spring Shepherd’s Pie features tender lamb, slow-cooked with tomato and fragrant rosemary to create a rich yet balanced flavour. Topped with smooth mashed potato, it’s wholesome, satisfying and perfect for those cooler spring afternoons.

This dish provides:

Iron-rich lamb to support cognitive development
Slow-release carbohydrates for energy
A comforting texture that children know and love

By adapting familiar meals with seasonal ingredients, we help children feel confident while exploring new flavours.

Why Seasonal Nursery Menus Matter

At Abacus Ark Nursery Schools, mealtimes are about more than just nutrition.

They are opportunities for:

Encouraging independence
Developing fine motor skills
Building social confidence
Expanding vocabulary around food and flavours
Creating positive, shared experiences

In partnership with Lune & Wild, our chef-led nursery catering focuses on high-quality ingredients, seasonal produce and carefully balanced recipes. Children are gently introduced to new tastes and textures in a supportive environment, helping them build confidence with food.

Research shows that early exposure to a wide variety of flavours supports healthy eating habits later in life — something we are proud to nurture across all Abacus Ark London locations.

Supporting Families Beyond the Nursery

We understand that parents value transparency when it comes to nursery nutrition.

Families can learn more about Lune & Wild’s approach to children’s catering by visiting their website.

Our take-home seasonal menu is also available across our Abacus Ark nurseries, allowing families to continue conversations about food at home.

Please speak directly with your Nursery Manager for further details.

Fresh, Thoughtful and Designed for Children

We are proud to bring thoughtfully prepared, seasonal dishes to our children this spring. By combining chef expertise with early years understanding, we ensure that every meal served at Abacus Ark supports wellbeing, learning and happiness.

Download our Spring Menu here and discover what’s cooking this season