At Ark Start, we are about much more than childcare: we believe that early years is a critical phase in a child’s education and that a great start in life...
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Our nurseries are about much more than childcare. Our team works together to ensure that every child has a joyful, engaging and secure nursery experience and leaves us ready to start school happily and confidently.
Our Values
Our values underpin everything that we do to enable your child to grow, thrive and learn in a happy, stimulating, safe and secure environment. At Ark Start we give your child not only the start they need but the one they deserve.
Be Brave
Aim High
Keep Learning
Be Kind
Watch a virtual tour of our nurseries
Our nurseries create nurturing spaces which emphasise joy, creativity, play and independence, led by qualified teachers and highly trained staff.
We have also started our Stay and Plays for under 2s to come and join us.
Great nursery!! The children get a lovely well rounded hands on learning experience. The nursery puts on lots of events (parents are invited) and trips to support the learning. The Ark start values are embedded into the children’s daily routine and help to build confidence. The staff are friendly, helpful and supportive, this makes it easy to work in partnership with them.
SymParent 
I recommend this nursery with all my heart: calm and fun, an excellent playing environment. My boy learned a lot from this staff and he loved going.
Geanina Parent
My daughter loves going to nursery, she has learnt so much since attending in all areas of her development. Great staff. Great indoor and outdoor environment and an extra space on the meadow for forest school sessions.
Manuela Parent
Fantastic nursery, my daughter loves going .
Dedicated and friendly staff.
Great communication with parents.
Lauren Parent
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A Day At Nursery
We know that children learn best when they are fully immersed in play supported by a responsive adult. That’s why we plan every child’s day to include a balance of fun experiences at nursery alongside opportunities to play outside and go out and about.
Nurturing Young Minds
We have created a safe and nurturing environment that allows children to explore, learn and play. We know that time is precious, so every detail is planned out carefully so that children come together to think and find out with their friends as well as have time to lead their own learning.
Our Curriculum
The Ark Start curriculum has been designed by early years specialists and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. It is structured around storytelling, encouraging children to tell their own stories and listen to others’ stories. Through storytelling, we can develop children’s creativity, their own voice and their listening skills. Storytelling also helps us develop a love of reading.
Our Work With Families
At Ark Start we are about so much more than childcare: we value the importance of working alongside families to provide the best for our children.
Our Nurseries
Ark Start is at an exciting time in its evolution. We opened two nurseries in South London last year and aim to expand our reach over the coming years.
Clapham Junction
John Archer
East Croydon
Oval
Our Fees
Explore our fees by nursery for both Ark Start John Archer and Ark Start Oval, discover what’s included in the fees, and learn about the funding options that could be available to you on our dedicated fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering a place at an Ark Start nursery? Below you’ll find some of our most commonly asked questions. You can also explore our full FAQs page.
How do I enquire about a place at Ark Start?
In order to register your child, please submit an enquiry form on our website LINK HERE. You will then be invited to come and visit the nursery.
What are your opening hours?
We are open from 8am – 5pm every day. We are closed for 4 weeks a year and for bank holidays.
Can my child come to nursery for one day a week?
Yes, but we strongly encourage children to attend nursery for at least four sessions a week over two days. This is because children find it easier to settle in and benefit from nursery if they attend regularly.
What do the fees cover?
Fees cover everything with the exception of snacks and meals; nappies and wipes; and certain offsite visits – we publish these at the beginning of the year so families can plan.
What funding support can I access?
There is some government support for childcare costs. You can check your entitlements here: https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs. You can also speak to our nursery team, who will help you understand your entitlements.
What extracurricular activities do you offer?
We think children should experience awe and wonder and strive to create many opportunities for this through the curriculum. Enrichment opportunities include offsite visits, for example to the farm or to the fire station, and onsite experiences such as baking and hatching ducklings and butterflies.
Careers With Ark Start
Ark Start is at an exciting time in its evolution. We opened two nurseries in South London last year and aim to expand our reach over the coming years.
As we expand, we are looking for Early Educators to join our founding team. We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for young children and with the skill, creativity, commitment and energy to deliver excellent provision at either Ark Start Oval in East Croydon and Ark Start John Archer in Clapham Junction.
News & Blog
The latest news, information and updates from Ark Start Nurseries.
Expertise at Ark Start
We are very proud that both our headteacher, Molly, and our head of teaching and learning work beyond the Ark Start network – most recently, they have been consulted by...
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“It’s the most ambitious and supportive setting I’ve worked in.”
Sophie Petherbridge-Conroy has been Nursery Manager at Ark Start Oval for two years and is completing a master’s in Early Years Education. She explains the role the nursery has played...
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