About Ark Start
About Us
Ark Start was set up by a group of qualified teachers who are passionate about ensuring that every child has access to an excellent early years education and that families have access to flexible and affordable childcare.
The Ark Network
Ark Start is part of Ark, an education charity and Multi-Academy Trust, running primary and secondary schools in London, Birmingham, Hastings and Portsmouth.
Being part of a large education charity helps us provide our children with the best possible education by ensuring we have excellent training opportunities for staff and that our provision is preparing children to start primary school happily and confidently.
Our Nurseries
There are currently two Ark Start nurseries based on South London, with plans to open more nurseries and expand our reach in the future.
Explore Ark Start
From our curriculum and approach to information about our team, booking and fees, explore below to learn more about Ark Start.
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.
In order to register your child, please submit an enquiry form on our website here. You will then be invited to come and visit the nursery.
We are open from 8am – 5pm every day. We are closed for 3 weeks a year and for bank holidays.
Unfortunately not. 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.
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.
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.
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.
