The 30 Best Early childhood development programs in London

“Absolutely wonderful place for my baby, staff are so welcoming and approachable, resources are great too! My favourite in Hillingdon!!”

“We absolutely love the whippersnappers Christmas and fairy land and have taken our children several times. Always so magical with such attention to detail - such a joy to be part of.”

“Jack Letchford, Fantastic exemplary service, He get me updated of the progress of the appointment, provided me with a comprehensive over the installation. Honestly, I have never before experienced such great customer service. I was unsure whether my flat was SkyQ compatible. He was, however, willing to come around to see whether or not it was. Highly recommended.”

“From the moment you step into Puddleducks New Southgate Nursery, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that immediately puts both children and parents at ease. The vibrant, cheerful environment is thoughtfully designed to stimulate young minds and nurture creativity, making it an ideal setting for early childhood education. One standout feature of Puddleducks is its exceptional staff, particularly Sameerah, whose dedication and passion for her work shine through in everything she does. Sameerah is a beacon of kindness and professionalism, consistently going above and beyond to ensure each child feels valued and supported. Her ability to connect with children on an individual level is truly remarkable, fostering a sense of trust and security that is essential for young learners. For any parent seeking a nurturing and stimulating environment for their little ones, Puddleducks, is the perfect choice.”

“A lovely and caring local nursey. My son has been there since he was nine months old. I took him out to another nursery for a few months in the summer thinking that he would enjoy bigger garden space but he never did. We returned to SBS and he's been happy since. They organise Christmas play and summer activities allowing parents to join. My kid sometimes sings Christmas songs at home and I know that he's been practising for the Christmas play. Another plus is that parents in the nursery know each other because there is a playground just right outside of the nursery and plenty of opportunity for parents to exchange info during pick up time. I would recommend SBS.”

“We came across chickywicks by pure chance but immediately fell in love with its homley,loving, caring environment and staff. After our daughter not settling at her previous nursery it was a huge nerve racking step to try again with chickywicks. Our daughter settled immediately we could not believe how happy she went in after how stressful things had been previously. Not only did the chickywicks team make Ada feel completely secure and happy but they also made a very anxious mum feel exactly the same. Every member of staff go above and beyond to make sure any concern or worry was just immediately forgotten. I truly believe that every single one of the team feel passionately about meeting every child's individual needs. Every member of the team are always so friendly and welcoming they not only cared for Ada but they all knew her personality inside out, they always knew at drop off if Ada was having a wobble and made sure they were extra supportive which is exactly what Ada needed. Chickywicks really are just like one big family and although they gave Ada everything she needs to move on, as her parents we would have kept Ada at chickywicks forever! We were not ready for Adas chickywicks journey to end. So from the very bottom of our hearts thank you to all the team at Chickywicks. We will NEVER forget all you have done for Ada and you will always hold a very special place in our hearts. We cant actually put into words how much we would recommend this nursery.”

“Our little child started nursery when he was 11months old and had a quite complex heart condition. The compassion and determination from the Boys and Girls Nursery Stanmore to cater for his complexities and ensure they could take our son on was brilliant. Even before he started they went over and beyond to speak to all of the healthcare professionals to ensure that they could fully cater for our sons needs. From Amy and Chloe and Sharon for all the admin things to get him over the line. From Rachel and team in nursery where they got him turning over (even though he was months delayed) to then crawling and walking. To then Lisa/ Amelia and team in pre-toddlers post his operations helping him build the strength to do all of the activities and become a chatter box. To then Sinead and team in toddlers to then prep him to join his new school. We cannot thank you all enough for your efforts, we as a family are truly grateful and happy that Boys and Girls Nursery was his first academic home.”

“Great nursery. Facilitates are great, especially the big garden which has a climbing frame, fish pond, sandpit, guinea pigs. They even had incubated chicks earlier in the year. The staff are great and have been working there for years which is always a good sign. My daughter loves it.”

“A truly wonderful nursery. The environment is safe, clean, and full of enriching activities. The team keeps me updated regularly and genuinely care about the children. We’re so happy we chose Munchkinz! Munchkinz has been like a second home for my little one. The progress I’ve seen in their confidence, speech, and social skills is incredible. Thank you to all the lovely staff for your dedication!”

“Little Learners Nursery has a fantastic team of welcoming and friendly staff. My daughter is excited to come to school everyday and the teachers have helped build her self confidence with her peers. I would highly recommend this nursery and have done to local parents who now send their children to little learners.”

“My daughter has been in the Lodge since Jan and we couldn’t be happier. She has flourished in so many areas of development, especially her social skills being surrounded by caring nursery staff as well as other kids. We get great updates with so many photos which gives us so much comfort that my little one is enjoying her day. The environment is very homely with the staff knowing all the children and the owner, Natasha, making the effort to get to know the parents as well.. my daughter especially loves her key worker, Georgeta, who has helped her settle into nursery so well and kept us updated of all her key milestones at nursery”

“Really happy with the way my daighter Isabelle developed in all aspects. She made friends, she loves her teachers. The reception and management is also great, responsive and they don t put money first but the child wellbeing. Adapting easily to child needs and always provide a daily report. Very transparent and professional. Food is also great, many healthy and diverse choices, also i love the fact there are many events, we as parents take part too ( stay and play, macmillan breakfast etc) . Thank you team”

“My daughter has been attending Stanmore BLS since last Sept and she loves the carers, other kids and the Milkyway room itself. She tells is what she played with on a nursery day, how she put her coat on/off etc. She has a lovely rapport with her key worker and all other carers too. She gets excited at the mention of Nursery! She is soon moving up to Orion and the team have arranged frequent visits to the room in advance so she settles easier - she seems to love the new room and I can see from the room visit that she will have a play-adventure everyday. Also happy with the webinars and learning resources BLS offer - I just attended the potty webinar this week and on the back of that we will soon be ready to implement the tools and advice to our daughter.”

“Very welcoming and well run. Lots of activities outside and in for all the different stages of development”

“Staff is super gently! Recommend for any parent, my son didn’t want to leave after one of the courses there”

“My son started this nursery few months ago and he really enjoy the learning experience. Overall atmosphere is positive and motivate children to be on their best behaviour. Teachers and all staff of this school is really hardworking and approachable. I would really recommend the school to everyone. This is an outstanding Nursery.”

“The Nursery is very well equipped and clean. The Head Teacher and staff are excellent. Very caring and understanding each child’s needs. Had lots of fun on Grandparents Day. Would recommend it to friends and family.”

“Best nursery ever! I had a very bad experience with the first nursery my son went to, when we arrived at gingerbread within the first week my son loved it!!!! It was so nice to leave him in the morning smiling and sure he will have a good time! The staff is amazing and very friendly. Kids have so many toys to play with and all the activities are fun. I will definitely recommend gingerbread! Thank you for everything ❤️”

“I would highly recommend this nursery (and have done so to anyone who ever asks me). Our 3 year old boy has been attending for a year and he is so happy here. He has been cared for and nutured so much by the wonderful staff, who clearly love what they do. I watch as they constantly assess his needs and ensure he's happy, does he need to let off some steam in the garden, need a nap, a snack or just some quiet time? They have a Forest School and so many activities which have provided him learning opportunities and much needed fun. The team are professional and communicative, which has always put my mind at ease. We have a 10 month old daughter who will be joining him soon and there is no where else we would rather our children develop, learn and grow. Thank you to everyone at Dulwich Oaks, for everything.”

“I cannot thank Pound Park nursery and all staff enough for my two children having a lovely year 2018-2019. Every member of staff is such an asset to the nursery and it’s so great collecting happy children who love going to that place everyday! And amazing seeing them develop with the child led approach they use. Thanks once I again I highly recommend the nursery”

“Our son, who is 2yrs old now, has been at Beaumont House full time since he was 11 Months old. We have a very good communication with the staff, everybody is very caring, flexible and attentive to him. He is very happy going to the nursery, that's the principal for us. He loves doing messy play, singing, playing in the garden and participating to lots of the experiences that it is proposed!”

“I could not recommend Tinkys nursery more! My daughter has been attending since age 1 and almost 3 now . From social development to academic development, my daughter has made excellent progress in her learning and social skills . Their attention to detail is next to none and they really do keep track of all activities/events each day to report to you on email and collection of your child. The freshly made nutritious meals are just another bonus. The staff are warm, friendly and approachable and my daughter is happy to see them when I drop her off and I know that she’s had a good day when I collect her as she chats about what she’s been up to. She has thrived since starting Tinkys and made special bonds with her peers and care givers . I feel confident leaving her with the lovely team knowing that she’ll have a great day and will be well cared for and treated as an individual.”

“Warm, professional, and truly child-focused Little Lamps Nursery has been amazing for my 3.5-year-old daughter. The staff are caring, patient, and attentive even during her early settling-in and recent illness. Every day is packed with creative play, emotional learning, and genuine joy. They celebrate each child’s background and make families feel supported. My daughter always excited to go to nursery! means that she is enjoying and love being with her friends and teachers. Couldn’t ask for better!”

“We’ve sent both our DS to this nursery over the last 3 years. The consistency of care is fantastic; same consistent carers mean they have really taken care and helped our sons to develop. They worked with us through any “leaps”, teething or potty training situations. The chef David has been amazing, catering to their dietary needs (vegetarian, no onion/ garlic) with a smile and enthusiasm. The boys over the years have really enjoyed each day and their time especially with the Montessori approach. We get verbal feedback at the end of each day (whether a quick brief or more detailed as required). We loved that the boys were taken outside to the green common next door whenever feasible and were exposed weekly to music afternoons and exercise / sport sessions. They come back having painted, played, read books, learnt about culture and everything in between. The carers have been amazing - Kim, Rosa, Camilla, Lucy, Tiana, Prima, Cara, Leena, and recently Saheeda - we’ve known most of these over the last 3 years if not all of them (and they are still there!) - that consistency of presence and care has been incredible in providing a “second home” to our children. They know our boys, and saw them grow up from less than 12 months of age to 3 years. It was a really warming and caring environment which helped nurture our sons at such a young age. The love given to them (even at their worst times) was and has been invaluable. We’ve (all of us) had a truly happy experience with the fortune green team. From our perspective and from what I heard from parents at other nurseries, this is the one of the best nurseries in West Hampstead; despite others perhaps being more convenient location wise, or “newer”. Finally, this review has not come as a one-off assessment or as a new parent who recently joined; it’s over 2-3 years of experience with two very different type of DS. Thank you to the fortune green team for being there with us for our boys; my wife and I will not forget our time together and for ALL the right reasons. Lots of love S&K, A&V.”

“A lovely children’s centre with a beautifully designed play room and has great learning opportunities for different ages. There are a range of different areas for play such as small world, role play, reading areas, arts & crafts, sensory & music and also equipment for physical development, allowing children to thrive in all areas of learning. The staff are very attentive, supportive and welcoming. They are always smiling which is reassuring for children, especially those who are new to the setting!”

“My son started attending the nursery when he turned 2. He had a speech delay and struggled with social play. It only took a month for me to see how much of an astounding effect Ihsan had on my son. He started talking more, playing with other kids, listening to instructions etc and a major part of this development was the staff at Ihsan nursery. They also supported him with the local SENCO and support plan meetings with me and his key carer. This made me feel so assured that the areas where my son needs assistance in developing would be focused on and worked on during his time at nursery. It wasn’t just as if I was leaving my son with babysitters but I was taking him to a nursery that actually considers and really cares about helping children develop essential skills and qualities that will help them for the rest of their lives. I also used to take my twin daughters to the stay and play from when they were around 1 till they were ready to join the nursery. They absolutely loved it. I would go almost everyday and they had different themed activities, friendly staff and a clear routine (play, clean up, circle time) which really helped my daughters once they started nursery at Ihsan. My kids love it at Ihsan and I’m so proud that they are part of the Ihsan family.”

“We absolutely love this venue at Sevenoaks. Perfect for meet-ups. We have playdates here with our children and their friends/family on many occasions, aswell as having my sons exclusive party hire here 2 years running. Stress- free. He is crazy about this play centre, and he always loves the adventure. They also give a free pass valid for 6months if you hold ur party here. Its clean, very well run and inviting. Great parking too! There's a cute cafe and snacks for adults and little ones. The staff are brilliant, attentive, extremely helpful and caring. Its such a great venue to inspire amazing learning through play. We highly recommend Little street.”

“Very special ,beautiful place, such an antidote to the busy road nearby.”

“The children centre /stay and play is great, the rooms are big, toys are nice, and there are good activities. thank you”

“Amazing place for under 5s. Lots of outdoor space and really well set up for children to explore and play. Staff is lovely and well trained for child-led play. Developmentally, my kids have hit so many milestones thanks to playgroups here and I have grown as well as a parent joining in to play with them.”