Bilingual Montessori Nursery in Tufnell Park

Les Petites Étoiles Montessori Tufnell Park is a private bilingual nursery and preschool welcoming children from 6 months to 4 years old. Conveniently located near Tufnell Park Station, our nursery blends the Montessori philosophy with a multilingual, nurturing environment designed to support children through their most important early years.

Whether you’re looking for a Montessori preschool or a bilingual nursery in Tufnell Park, we offer a calm, stimulating setting that encourages independence, creativity, and confidence.

Curriculum: Montessori Philosophy Meets EYFS

At our Montessori nursery in Tufnell Park, we combine the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with the Montessori method, providing a well-rounded and child-led educational experience.

Our approach encourages independence, choice, and hands-on learning. Children learn to work at their own pace using Montessori materials and benefit from a personalised curriculum designed to nurture curiosity, social skills, and emotional growth.

Whether your child is starting their first steps in nursery or getting ready for Reception, our Montessori preschool helps every child thrive in a way that works for them.

Playground - Les Petites Etoiles Bilingual Montessori Tufnell Park

Ofsted: Outstanding Care and Learning

“Children are extremely motivated by this stimulating and well-resourced environment… Staff carefully create a unique curriculum, which helps children to learn social skills and be independent. As a result, children take ownership of their play by making choices about how to do things and select resources independently.”
(Excerpt from the December 2022 Inspection Report)

Our nursery is rated Good by Ofsted, thanks to our dedicated staff, engaging learning environment, and strong relationships with children and families.

Languages: French, English, and Mandarin

We are proud to be a bilingual nursery in Tufnell Park, where children are immersed in both French and English daily through a natural “one person, one language” approach. This consistent exposure fosters not only bilingual language development but also stronger cognitive and cultural awareness.

Starting in September 2024, we are introducing Mandarin in the babies’ classroom, expanding to toddlers in 2025 and to all children by 2026 — making us a truly trilingual nursery in the Tufnell Park area.

Read more about bilingualism

Opening Hours and Daily Routine

We are open 47 weeks a year, offering flexible, full-time childcare for busy families in Tufnell Park.

  • Drop-off: Between 8:00 – 9:00 AM
  • Pick-up: At 4:00 PM (before tea) or between 4:30 – 6:00 PM

  • Children enjoy time both indoors and in the garden

  • We provide a morning snack, four-course organic lunch, and afternoon tea

Whether you need full-day care or flexible nursery hours in Tufnell Park, we’ve designed our schedule with your family in mind.

Full-Time and Part-Time Options

To meet both the French and English curriculum requirements, children aged 2 years and 9 months or older (as of September 1st) attend full-time.

We offer part-time nursery places for children aged 6 months to 2 years and 8 months, providing flexibility for families.

Organic Food and Healthy Meals

Mealtimes are a valued part of the day at Tufnell Park. We serve:

  • A healthy organic morning snack
  • A freshly prepared 4-course organic lunch
  • A nutritious afternoon tea

All meals are cooked on site using organic ingredients, with no added sugar or salt. Les Petites Étoiles is an ideal choice for families looking for a nursery with home-cooked food in Tufnell Park.

Come Visit Us

We warmly invite prospective parents to book a personal tour with our Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager. Tours usually begin at 10:00 AM and give you the opportunity to experience our classrooms, meet the team, and ask any questions about our bilingual Montessori nursery in Tufnell Park.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age can children start nursery?

Many nurseries welcome children from around 6 months old. At Les Petites Étoiles Tufnell Park, we start from 6 months and support children right through to age 4, helping them prepare for Reception with confidence.

Are there any Montessori nurseries in Tufnell Park?

Yes, Tufnell Park has nurseries that follow the Montessori philosophy. At Les Petites Étoiles, we are Montessori-accredited and combine this hands-on, child-led method with the EYFS framework to give children the best of both worlds.

Do any nurseries in Tufnell Park offer bilingual education?

Some do. At our setting, French and English are part of everyday life, spoken naturally by native speakers in each language. Children pick up both languages in a way that feels fun and familiar.

Can children learn a third language at nursery?

Yes — and many enjoy the challenge! We’ve introduced Mandarin at Les Petites Étoiles starting in the babies’ room, with plans to expand it across all age groups by 2026. It’s a playful, sensory-rich introduction that parents love.

What are typical nursery hours in Tufnell Park?

Most nurseries in the area run from around 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We’re open 47 weeks a year with flexible drop-off and pick-up options to suit busy families and working schedules.

Do nurseries provide home-cooked meals?

Some do. At Les Petites Étoiles, all meals are prepared on-site using organic ingredients, with no added salt or sugar. We serve a morning snack, a four-course lunch, and a healthy afternoon tea every day.

Are there private nurseries in Tufnell Park?

Yes, there are a number of private nurseries locally. Ours is a private bilingual Montessori nursery, with small group sizes, a warm community feel, and a high staff-to-child ratio that helps children thrive.

How do I choose the right nursery for my child?

Start by visiting a few. Look for a warm atmosphere, confident and caring staff, healthy meals, and a strong educational approach. We always welcome visits at Les Petites Étoiles — it’s the best way to see if we’re the right fit for your family.