Private Nursery London: A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right Nursery for Your Child
Choosing a private nursery in London can be challenging: there are many options, a wide range of fees, and different educational approaches to compare. Parents often want clear guidance on what private nurseries offer, how they differ from state or school-based settings, and how to recognise real quality on a visit.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know – from fees and ratios to curriculum styles and what “good” looks like in practice. It also explains where Les Petites Étoiles, our bilingual Montessori nursery, sits within the London nursery landscape.
If you’re comparing private nurseries or starting your search, this is your straightforward, practical overview.
What Is a Private Nursery in London?
A private nursery is an independently run early years setting that charges fees for childcare and education. In London, these nurseries typically:
- Take children from around 3–6 months to age 4 or 5
- Offer longer, more flexible opening hours (often 48–51 weeks/year)
- Include extras such as meals, nappies, enrichment activities, and outdoor play
- Have their own educational ethos (e.g., Montessori, bilingual, forest school)
Even though they are privately run, they must still legally:
- Follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Maintain statutory staff-to-child ratios
- Meet safeguarding requirements
- Be inspected by Ofsted or the ISI
In short, all private nurseries must meet the same safety and educational standards — what differs is how they deliver early years learning.
Why Parents Choose a Private Nursery in London
The demand for private nurseries in London continues to grow. Here’s why many families prefer them:
1. Longer, reliable hours
Ideal for working families who need early drop-off, late pick-up, or year-round care.
2. Smaller groups & higher staffing levels
Many private nurseries go beyond minimum ratios, offering calmer rooms and more individual attention.
3. Specialist educational approaches
Private settings often follow a defined philosophy, such as:
- Montessori
- Bilingual immersion
- Forest school
- Reggio-inspired
- Prep-school-linked early years
This allows families to choose a learning environment that aligns with their values.
4. Strong communication with families
Private nurseries often prioritise relationships, offering regular updates, responsive conversations, and personalised settling-in support.
Les Petites Étoiles (LPE) fits into this category as a private Montessori nursery in London with a bilingual French–English environment and small, caring classrooms.
Private Nursery Fees in London: What to Expect
Fees vary significantly across London. Costs depend on:
- Borough or zone
- Age of your child (under-2 places cost more due to stricter ratios)
- Full-time vs part-time
- What’s included (meals, nappies, trips, enrichment)
You’ll typically see:
- Daily rates (e.g., 8am–6pm)
- Monthly fees
- Termly invoices for school-linked private nurseries
Funding & support you may still access
Even at private nurseries, many families can benefit from:
- 15–30 hours funded childcare
- Tax-Free Childcare
- Childcare vouchers (where still applicable)
- Some employer salary-sacrifice schemes
At LPE, we explain fees transparently and help families navigate funded hours with clarity.
What “Good” Looks Like in a Private Nursery (Easy Checklist)
When you visit a nursery, use this simple framework to evaluate quality:
Environment
- Clean, organised, and safe
- Calm atmosphere, not chaotic
- Child-sized furniture and easy-to-reach materials
- Meaningful access to outdoor space
Staff & Ratios
- Warm, respectful interactions with children
- Low staff turnover
- Ratios that meet or exceed EYFS minimums
- Confident explanations of learning and safeguarding
Curriculum & Approach
- A clear educational philosophy (Montessori, bilingual, forest school, etc.)
- Children visibly engaged, curious, and independent
- A balance of structure and freedom
- Real learning, not just “activities on display”
Communication & Partnership
- Clear settling-in plan
- Regular child updates
- Honest answers to parent questions
- Collaborative relationship with families
📌 Quick screenshot checklist
- Does it feel safe and calm?
- Do staff speak kindly to children?
- Are children busy, focused, and relaxed?
- Can the leadership explain their approach clearly?
- Would your child feel comfortable here?
At Les Petites Étoiles, we encourage parents to observe these elements during their visit.
Types of Private Nurseries in London (Where LPE Fits)
London offers several types of private nurseries. Understanding them helps you choose the best fit.
Traditional private nursery schools
Often linked to prep schools, with strong academics and structured routines.
Montessori nurseries
Child-led, hands-on learning with real materials, independence, and long uninterrupted work cycles.
Bilingual nurseries
Daily exposure to a second language through immersion and consistent routines.
Forest schools
Outdoor-led programmes focused on exploration and resilience.
Large day nurseries
Flexible, extended hours, often part of bigger nursery groups.
⭐ Where LPE fits
Les Petites Étoiles is a private bilingual Montessori nursery, combining:
- Authentic Montessori materials and philosophy
- French–English immersion through daily routines
- Calm, beautiful, child-sized environments
- Strong EYFS alignment
- A caring, community-focused approach
Few nurseries in London combine Montessori + bilingualism + private nursery structure, giving LPE a distinct competitive advantage.
Comparison Table: Private Nursery Types in London
| Type of Nursery | Best For | Key Features |
| Montessori | Independent, curious children | Calm rooms, hands-on materials, child-led pace |
| Bilingual | Families wanting early language exposure | Daily immersion, OPOL, natural routines |
| Forest School | Outdoor-loving children | Nature-based learning, resilience, exploration |
| Prep-linked Private Nursery | Academic-focused families | Traditional structure, school preparation |
| Large Day Nurseries | Full-time working parents | Extended hours, convenience, mixed approaches |
How to Choose a Private Nursery in London: Step-by-Step
1. Clarify your priorities
Think about location, budget, opening hours, languages, educational philosophy, and any individual needs.
2. Shortlist nurseries
Use:
- Local recommendations
- Directory sites
- Ofsted reports
- Nursery websites
Aim for 3–5 strong contenders.
3. Check credentials
Read recent inspection reports and look at staff qualifications, ratios, and curriculum details.
4. Visit in person
Notice:
- The atmosphere
- Staff tone and body language
- Children’s behaviour
- Safety and organisation
- Outdoor spaces
Ask questions about settling-in, communication, and the daily routine.
5. Trust your instincts
Data matters — but so does your gut.
The “feel” of a nursery is often a reliable indicator of whether it’s right for your child.
(You can internally link here to your article “How to Choose a Montessori Nursery in London”.)
Why Les Petites Étoiles Is a Strong Private Nursery Choice in London
Parents choose LPE because we provide:
- A bilingual French–English Montessori environment
- Authentic Montessori practice that builds independence, confidence, and joy
- Calm, beautifully prepared classrooms
- Strong EYFS alignment and safeguarding
- Thoughtful, personalised settling-in
- A warm, close-knit community feel
Children leave LPE confident, kind, curious, and ready for the next stage — whether that’s a prep school, a bilingual school, or a mainstream primary.
FAQs
What is a private nursery in London?
A private nursery is an independently run early years setting that charges fees and must follow EYFS, ratios, and safeguarding laws.
How much does a private nursery in London cost?
Costs vary by area, age, and hours. Many private nurseries accept 15–30 funded hours and Tax-Free Childcare.
Are private nurseries in London better than state nurseries?
Neither is universally better. Private nurseries often offer longer hours, smaller groups, and specialist approaches, while state nurseries may be more affordable.
Do private nurseries in London follow EYFS?
Yes — all registered nurseries must follow EYFS and are inspected by Ofsted or ISI.
How do I choose the best private nursery in London for my child?
Visit a few nurseries, observe the atmosphere, ask about staff ratios, curriculum, communication, and think about where your child would feel happiest.
Book a Visit to Les Petites Étoiles
If you’re exploring private nurseries in London, we’d love to welcome you for a visit.
See our bilingual Montessori environment in action, meet our warm teaching team, and discover why LPE feels like a second home to so many families.
