What is the difference between nursery and childcare?

"Nursery" typically refers to a place or facility where young children, usually toddlers up to around three years old, are taken care of during the day. These establishments focus on early childhood education, providing activities that promote learning, socialization, and development appropriate for that age group. Nurseries often have structured schedules, incorporate play-based learning, and may introduce basic educational concepts. "Childcare," on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses the care and supervision of children, covering a wider age range from infancy to pre-adolescence. Childcare facilities or services offer care, supervision, and sometimes educational activities for children when their parents or guardians are unavailable, such as during work hours. Childcare can include nurseries for younger children, preschool programs, after-school care, and even programs during school holidays.

What age should a child start nursery?

The ideal age for a child to start nursery can vary depending on several factors including the child's development, family circumstances, and personal preferences. However, many nurseries accept children from around three months to three years old. Parents often consider starting nursery when their child is between two and three years old. This age range allows children to benefit from the social interaction and early learning experiences that nurseries provide.

When should I start looking at nurseries?

It's a good idea to start looking at nurseries well in advance of when you plan to enroll your child.Generally, starting your search around 6-12 months before you plan to enroll your child is a good timeline. This allows enough time for research, visits, and consideration before making a decision.

When should I start looking at nurseries?

It's a good idea to start looking at nurseries well in advance of when you plan to enroll your child.Generally, starting your search around 6-12 months before you plan to enroll your child is a good timeline. This allows enough time for research, visits, and consideration before making a decision.

How much is nursery per hour in UK?

On average, nursery fees in the UK can range from around £6 to £10 per hour. However, the cost of nursery per hour in the UK varies widely based on multiple factors such as location, the specific nursery, age of the child, and the services offered.

How to find a nursery school place?

Finding a nursery school place involves initial research to identify suitable options based on location, fees, and educational approach. Contact the shortlisted nurseries to inquire about availability, admission criteria, and fees. Schedule visits to assess the environment, staff interactions, and facilities. Once you've decided on a nursery, understand their application process and deadlines. Some may require filling out forms or paying a registration fee. If there's a waiting list, consider getting your child's name on it promptly to enhance the chances of securing a spot. Maintain communication with the nursery staff throughout the waiting period to demonstrate your continued interest. You can easily find nurseries in your area on nurseriesandschools.org

How do I find the right nursery for my child?

Finding the right nursery involves factors like location, educational approach, facilities, and staff qualifications. Start by researching nearby nurseries, checking online reviews, and seeking recommendations from other parents. Visit potential nurseries to observe the environment, how staff interact with children, and assess if it aligns with your child's needs and your preferences for early education. Ask about curriculum, safety measures, and opportunities for social interaction. Trust your instincts and choose a nursery that feels safe, nurturing, and stimulating for your child's developmental needs. Additionally, consider the nursery's educational philosophy, staff qualifications, and the overall atmosphere. Ensure it provides a balance between structured learning and play-based activities, fostering a supportive environment that encourages your child's social, emotional, and academic development. Effective communication and a positive relationship between the nursery and your family are also vital aspects to consider. Nurseriesandschools.org is a one stop solution for your nursery searches.

What time do nurseries open and close?

Most nurseries in the UK typically operate within a range of hours that accommodate working parents. Generally, nursery hours might start as early as 7:30 or 8:00 AM and can extend until 5:30 or 6:00 PM. Some nurseries might offer extended hours or flexible drop-off and pick-up times for parents who require childcare outside of these standard hours, accommodating varying work schedules.

What is the aim of a day nursery?

The primary aim of a day nursery is to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where young children can learn, play, and develop essential skills. Day nurseries typically focus on the holistic development of children in their early years. They focus on fostering social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth through age-appropriate activities and play-based learning. Additionally, day nurseries aim to support families by maintaining open communication and collaboration. They strive to create a partnership with parents or guardians, offering guidance and updates on a child's progress while ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching environment that aids children in their developmental journey.

What is the aim of a day nursery?

The primary aim of a day nursery is to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where young children can learn, play, and develop essential skills. Day nurseries typically focus on the holistic development of children in their early years. They focus on fostering social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth through age-appropriate activities and play-based learning. Additionally, day nurseries aim to support families by maintaining open communication and collaboration. They strive to create a partnership with parents or guardians, offering guidance and updates on a child's progress while ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching environment that aids children in their developmental journey.

What age groups are in a day nursery?

Day nurseries typically cater to a range of age groups within early childhood.Day nurseries are for children aged 3 months to 5 years of age. The age groups in a day nursery often include: Babies and Infants: Nurseries may have separate rooms or sections specifically designed for infants, usually from around three months old up to approximately 18 months or two years. Toddlers: Another group within day nurseries is typically toddlers, ranging from around 18 months to three years old. These children might be in a separate area or group within the nursery to cater to their specific needs and developmental stages. Preschoolers: Day nurseries often have spaces for preschool-aged children, usually from around three to five years old. These children might participate in more structured learning activities and preparations for formal schooling.

What comes first nursery or playgroup?

Playgroup comes first. Nursery and playgroup differ significantly in their formality and educational focus. Playgroup primarily centers on play, entertainment, and introductory activities like painting, coloring, and socializing. In contrast, nursery education is more structured, emphasizing various subjects such as math and language. It serves as a foundational educational environment, introducing young children to fundamental concepts like math, language skills, and values in a playful manner, preparing them for later entry assessments into reputable kindergarten programs. The atmosphere in playschools is notably relaxed and playful, fostering a casual environment for children. In contrast, the nursery provides a child's initial exposure to formal education, setting the stage for a more structured learning journey.

Why is nursery important in school?

Nurseries are essential in schools as they provide the foundational education and social development crucial for a child's early years. They focus on holistic development, introducing basic concepts like language, numeracy, and social skills in a structured yet nurturing environment. This early exposure prepares children for the routines and expectations of formal schooling, fostering independence, confidence, and the ability to interact with peers and adults. Moreover, nurseries play a pivotal role in identifying any developmental needs early on, allowing for timely support and intervention. They serve as the initial step in a child's educational journey, setting the stage for future academic success and providing the groundwork for social and cognitive development that forms the basis for later learning experiences.

What is day care for children?

Daycare for children refers to a facility or service that provides care, supervision, and sometimes early education for children during the day while their parents or guardians are at work or unavailable. Daycare centres cater to children of various ages, from infants to pre-adolescents, offering a safe and nurturing environment where children engage in age-appropriate activities, play, and socialization. The primary focus of daycare is to ensure the well-being and safety of children while their parents are away. Daycare centres typically have trained staff who oversees the children, offering meals, structured activities, playtime, and sometimes educational programs tailored to different age groups.

Is nursery part of preschool?

Yes, nurseries are a type of preschool. The term "preschool" is a broad category that encompasses early childhood education for children before they enter formal schooling. Nurseries specifically refer to early education and care centers for young children, typically between the ages of three months to five years old.

What comes after pre nursery?

After pre-nursery, children usually progress to nursery or preschool, depending on the specific terminologies used by different educational settings. Pre-nursery serves as an introductory stage for very young children, usually between the ages of two to three, preparing them for a more structured learning environment.

How do you start a nursery?

Starting a nursery involves several key steps and considerations: Research and Planning: Begin by conducting thorough research into the requirements and regulations for starting a nursery in your area or country. Understand the legal and licensing requirements, as well as zoning regulations and health and safety standards that apply to childcare facilities. Develop a Business Plan: Create a detailed business plan outlining your nursery's concept, mission, target market, services offered, staffing plan, operational structure, budget, and financial projections. This plan will serve as a roadmap for your nursery's establishment and operation. Secure Funding: Determine the financial resources needed to start and sustain the nursery. Explore funding options such as personal investment, loans, grants, or partnerships to cover startup costs, including facility setup, equipment, staffing, insurance, and initial operational expenses. Location and Facilities: Choose an appropriate location for your nursery that complies with zoning regulations and is accessible and safe for children and families. Ensure the facility meets licensing standards regarding space requirements, safety features, and amenities suitable for childcare. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits: Obtain the required licenses and permits to operate a childcare facility in your area. This typically involves fulfilling regulatory requirements, health inspections, background checks for staff, and meeting specific standards set by local authorities or governing bodies. Staffing and Training: Recruit qualified and experienced staff members who are passionate about early childhood education and childcare. Provide necessary training and certifications required for working in a nursery, including first aid and child safeguarding training. Develop Policies and Procedures: Establish clear policies and procedures for enrollment, health and safety protocols, curriculum, parent communication, discipline, and emergency procedures. Ensure these policies comply with regulatory standards and are communicated effectively to staff and parents. Market and Advertise: Develop a marketing strategy to promote your nursery and attract families. Utilize various channels such as social media, websites, local advertising, and community outreach to reach your target audience. Starting a nursery requires careful planning, adherence to regulations, and a dedication to providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children. Seeking guidance from experts in childcare regulations or business development can also be beneficial in this process.

Why are nurseries closing?

Several factors contribute to the closure of nurseries in the UK; a main reason for these challenges was inadequate funding levels, which were made worse by the impact of Covid-19. The other factors include: Changes in Government Funding: Changes to government funding and subsidy schemes for childcare can significantly impact nurseries. Economic Challenges: Economic downturns or uncertain financial climates can affect parents' ability to afford nursery fees. Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on many sectors, including childcare. Competition and Market Demand: In some areas, there might be oversaturation or insufficient demand for nursery services. Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with strict regulatory requirements, such as staff-to-child ratios, health and safety standards, and educational guidelines etc can lead to nursery closures.

Why is a childminder better than a nursery?

Whether a childminder or a nursery is better for a child depends on various factors, including the child's needs, family circumstances, and personal preferences. Each option has its own advantages. Whereas childminders have: Individualized Care: Childminders typically care for fewer children in a home setting, allowing for more personalized attention. Flexibility: Childminders may offer more flexible hours compared to nurseries, catering to individual family schedules. Continuity of Care: With a childminder, children often experience more consistent care from the same individual over time. Home-Like Environment: Being in a home setting with a childminder can provide a homely and comforting atmosphere, which some children may prefer over a more institutional setting.

Why are nurseries so expensive?

Several factors contribute to the high cost of nurseries in the UK: Operating Costs: Running a nursery involves significant expenses, including staffing (salaries and training), rent or property costs, utilities, insurance, educational resources, and maintaining a safe and stimulating environment. Staffing Ratios and Qualifications: Nurseries in the UK are required to maintain specific staff-to-child ratios and employ qualified staff, which can impact costs. Limited Government Subsidies: While the government provides some financial support for childcare through schemes like the Tax-Free Childcare and 30 Hours Free Childcare for eligible families, the subsidies might not cover the full cost of nursery fees. This leaves a considerable portion of the cost burden on parents. Location and Demand: Nursery fees can vary based on geographical location and local demand. In areas with high living costs or high demand for childcare services, nurseries might charge higher fees to cover their expenses and maintain quality standards. Quality of Services: Nurseries that offer high-quality education, trained staff, specialized programs, and better facilities may charge higher fees to cover these enhanced services.

Acton Montessori Nursery & Pre-school in Greater London

Acton Montessori Nursery & Pre-school

Under Group Of Little Inventors Montessori Nurseries

16 Reviews

Unit 43, Alacia Court Greater London Greater Londons London England W3 8GJ

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4.8

Welcome to the brand new Acton Montessori Nursery & Pre-school in South Acton. A setting where children can learn with confidence and fun in a safe, secure, and stimulating environment, innovative and designed to meet the needs of your child.

OUR VISION is -Positive, caring relationships based on trust and respect, are at the heart of our philosophy. We have a clear vision of what we want to achieve at Little Inventors Montessori Nurseries & Pre-schools:

To provide a safe, happy, caring, secure and stimulating environment for all the children.
To enable all children to develop their capabilities as successful learners and confident individuals.
To help all children to prepare for the future.

Little Inventors Montessori Nurseries

: A place to learn, develop and grow.

OUR VALUES We have a clear understanding of our values at Little Inventors Montessori Nurseries & Pre-schools:

HAPPINESS AND WELL BEING- showing kindness
ENGAGEMENT- being involved, responsive, interested and interesting
RESPECT- promoting a culture of tolerance, inclusion, diversity, equality, fairness and opportunity
COMMUNICATION- being genuine, open, honest and sincere
ACHIEVEMENT- highest quality, high expectations, aiming high
INTEGRITY- means doing the right thing, even when no one else is watching
PARTNERSHIP AND CARE - being reflective and learning from parents as partners, developing strong nurturing relationships
CHALLENGING - testing ourselves and those around us, not accepting the status quo
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE - developing skills for learning, life and work

Open 51 weeks of the year.

Fees Structure

Amenities

Montessori Education
Schemas
Sensory Play
Enabling Environment
Other Learning
Funding Spaces
Early years foundation stage (EYFS)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are we doing a virtual show arounds?

Yes, we are doing the showarounds. Please email or call us to book.

16 Reviews

Mother of Child (Mother)

Published on August 28, 2020

I just wanted to write to say a big thank you. My son Leo loves coming to your nursery and sees you all as family. He is so happy and that's because of the wonderful caring staff, providing a safe and nurturing environment. I've found that all staff are warm and friendly and encourage the children. I feel able to go to work knowing that Leo is safe, happy and well cared for. I felt it is important to let you all know what a fantastic job you're doing and how much Leo loves you.

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Mother of Child (Mother)

Published on December 1, 2020

Loved the nursery since day 1. They‚A very welcoming and understanding and caring. They have different activities every day and clean. Helped my child develop in so many areas and her language is better. Their meals are very good and the value for money is outstanding. Just would love to have more time spent outdoors with the kids.

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Ochini (Mother ) (Parent)

Published on March 26, 2021

We truly appreciate the care and attention to our baby's development that this Montessori gives. I always feel that the staff and management are passionate and try to do what they can for our child's learning. We enjoy seeing the range of activities he gets to do via updates on the app. Very happy we chose to take him to a Montessori.

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Sabine Rochow (Parent)

Published on April 14, 2021

Both my children go happily every day to Acton Montessori. They love the activites and have tied close relationships with their carers. Acton Montessori offers a lot of interesting and fun activities that stimulate creativity and learning. Activities change regularly to keep the children interested. Children are supported individually and helped to become confident individuals that believe in their abilities and take interest in trying and learning new things. But above all, children are truly appreciated and loved at Acton Nursery!

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Nesma Ahmed (Parent)

Published on May 18, 2021

Very good nursery looking after the children make them feel happy ❤❤❤

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Karolina (Parent)

Published on May 18, 2021

We love this place - very accommodating, and great activities!

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Nour (Parent)

Published on May 18, 2021

We love it here. The manager and staff are very engaging and keen on each and every child in the nursery. My kid is learning a new thing everyday and we’re so happy here.

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Jadine Forrester (Parent)

Published on May 18, 2021

I will love to take this opportunity to thank Alma and the team for an outstanding job. They go above and beyond to ensure my son nursery life is enjoyable and interactive. I was delighted to hear my son Khalil felt comfortable enough to call his key worker mom; because that ensured me that he's well looked after. Even after moving home, the team made us feel welcomed rejoining the nursery. So a big thank you.

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Edward (Parent)

Published on August 4, 2021

Have so much plaint things to say regarding this nursery!!! My son officially started this week after his settling in and I just want to make it clear on how great the staff are here, every single member of the team have made myself and my partner feel like part of a family, our son was at first very unsettled with being away from his parents but everyone has made his settling in so easy and without fail he goes in and out of the nursery openly and with a huge smile ok his face…. Fantastic nursery and happily recommend to friends & family…

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Merve Peluso (Parent)

Published on July 27, 2023

Acton Montessori has far exceeded our expectations with exceptional education and support. The nurturing environment has fostered tremendous growth in our daughter. The dedicated staff's personalised approach makes a remarkable difference. They keep parents informed with daily updates, including toileting, meals, and activities, through a convenient app. Our daughter learnt potty training with their help. Although the outdoor area is not large, they make up for it by taking children to the nearest park for outdoor activities. Highly recommended!

Lianne (Parent)

Published on August 17, 2023

My daughter has been attending Acton Montessori Nursery & Pre-school since June 2023 (just before her first birthday) and I am very impressed with the care and education she has been receiving. A challenge my daughter has is her reluctance to try food and I was very nervous to put her into nursery but I had to return to work. The staff have consistently tried to get her to eat and their hard work is paying off. She is now taking food from the staff and is willing to try new foods. They take great care of her and she has very strong bonds with the staff. Her love for music has also grown since being at nursery. I love that they have a parenting app where they upload pictures of my daughter so I can see what she has been doing. They note whether she has had a wet nappy and if she what she has eaten and had to drink. Overall I'm very happy with the nursery and I trust that my daughter is with people who genuinely care about her when I cannot be there.

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Stephanie (Parent)

Published on September 1, 2023

We put our son in the nursery since Jun'23, when he just turned 6 months old. He loves going to the nursery every day and he loves playing with all the staffs and the other kids. They have a range of different activities planned every week so my son can get the stimulation that he needs. The staffs are very friendly and there is a good partnership between the staffs and us. I like that they give us updates through the app. We're so glad that we made the decision to put our son in this nursery.

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Chloé Levis (Parent)

Published on December 6, 2023

Our son went to Acton Montessori nursery from 1,5 until 2,5 years old. I was very happy with everything, from the facility, to the food and of course the staff. Nazrin is very professional and kind and spends time with the children. Big thank you too to Dan who is fantastic with children and Ikram as well who is always smiling and Julia. Cristiana and Tanvi are also great and we always felt confident and comfortable dropping off our son who loved going there every day. The staff do their best to update the parents through the Famly app about activities, food, etc with pictures. Nazrin also gets the parents involved regarding special celebrations whether they are religious or not. Montessori is to me the best system for early years as the children can interact with younger and older children and learn more and faster than if they were separated in different rooms. We had to leave because we are moving otherwise we would have stayed and placed our future child there as well. It’s been an absolute pleasure and I wish all the best to the staff and Acton Montessori nursery. Chloe

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AnnaMarkova (Parent)

Published on April 22, 2024

My daughter Liza has been going to Acton Montessori Nursery since 02/07/23. The atmosphere in the nursery is very friendly and welcoming. Liza settled in very easily. She goes to the nursery with great pleasure every morning. My child enjoys learning and playing at the setting. Liza loves all the staff team and all the kids. The nursery manager is a real professional, who loves children and her work. I am very grateful to the team for everything and would definitely recommend the nursery!

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JustynaStankiewicz (Parent)

Published on May 3, 2024

Acton Montessori is a great nursery. Manager & the team are fantastic & very professional. They are very supportive and caring towards children. Our daughter loves the nursery and all the teachers and staff. She is always very excited about activities & events organized by the teachers. Since she started back in September 2022, she has developed a strong bond with teachers and made a great progress in her preschool journey. We also love the Famly app that nursery offers.

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ShamaWardere (Mother)

Published on April 3, 2025

The best nursery in South Acton by far and I am speaking from experience with other well known nurseries in the area. One of children attended another nursery in the pasted for a whole year and in his own words he loved this nursery the most and wouldn't go any other nursery. I love the way children are looked after by dedicated staff who show constant commitment to child development and care. My daughters attend the nursery now and every day they came home with a big smiles

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Type of Service

Age Range

Group/Owner
Person in Charge
Number of Staff
Number of children
Parking No
Buggy shed No

Monday 07:30:00 - 18:30:00
Tuesday 07:30:00 - 18:30:00
Wednesday 07:30:00 - 18:30:00
Thursday 07:30:00 - 18:30:00
Friday 07:30:00 - 18:30:00