West Hampstead, a leafy and well-connected area of North West London, is home to a variety of high-quality nurseries that cater to a range of educational philosophies and family needs.
Early years childcare and nurseries play a fundamental role in a child’s development well before school begins. In these early environments, children develop not only foundational language, cognitive and motor skills, but also emotional intelligence, confidence, self‑regulation and social interaction. High-quality childcare nurtures curiosity, fosters independence and aligns closely with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to successfully lay the groundwork for future learning.
Based on reviews from DayNurseries.co.uk, Ofsted reports and parent testimonials, here’s a detailed look at the top nurseries in West Hampstead – and what makes them stand out.
N Family Club
Rating: Outstanding
As one of the most highly recommended nurseries in the area, N Family Club is designed to deliver a forward-thinking and child-led learning experience. First opened in December 2019, the nursery was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in December 2021 and subsequently named the best in the UK by Nursery World in 2023.
The environment feels more like a creative campus than a traditional nursery, with spaces such as an atelier for art, a sensory lab, a mini kitchen for practical play and even a stage for music and drama. Outdoors, children benefit from a water zone, vegetable patch, an adventure playground and giant sandpit, while the front garden has a large undercover buggy park. All nursery meals are freshly prepared on-site and have been developed in collaboration with Laura Matthews, formerly Head of Nutrition at Jamie Oliver.
At N, the nursery experience has been created with the whole family in mind. The weekend Family Club programme includes expert-led talks, summer fitness classes, seasonal parties and a program of parent-and-child classes. A dedicated front-of-house team is also available to assist parents, along with a convenient breakfast bar.
Kido Nursery
Rating: Outstanding
Kido provides a safe and inspiring learning environment where children are empowered to thrive. The Golders Green nursery, rated Ofsted Outstanding in November 2021, is situated just a few hundred metres from the Golders Green underground station and close to Golders Hill Park and petting zoo.
The nursery features spacious open areas, an art studio alongside a garden equipped with a sandpit and mud kitchen for children to explore. Babies have their own dedicated and walled-off section of the garden for safe outdoor play and one of the nursery’s most distinctive features is an indoor slide that connects the mezzanine level to the ground floor.
Kido’s innovative curriculum is inspired by leading educational approaches, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia and the theory of Multiple Intelligences. Developed by an international team of specialists, it successfully aligns with requirements of the EYFS framework. Children also benefit from multilingual instruction, nutritious daily meals and snacks and all necessary nappies and wipes that are provided on-site.
Casa Dei Bambini
Rating: Good
Casa Dei Bambini School and Nido Montessori Nursery offer a Montessori education for children aged 10 months to 6 years, holding accreditation from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).
The school emphasises personalised learning, respecting each child's individual path and developmental needs and kids are encouraged to progress according to their own rhythm. With small group sizes, children can form meaningful friendships, while the mixed-age environment encourages peer learning and social development. The school’s owner is also the Head Teacher, to maintain and develop a personal connection with every child. Family involvement is also a key priority and each month, parents are welcomed into the classroom to explore the Montessori approach and discover practical ways to bring it into their own homes.
Children benefit from a secure, sunlit garden, which becomes an extension of the classroom during good weather, with open access throughout the day. Regular outings to nearby parks and playgrounds happen twice weekly and activities such as music, dance and ballet are also offered.
Bright Horizons West Hampstead Station
Rating: Good
Found in Compayne Gardens, Bright Horizons is a well-established childcare provider known for its structured approach to early learning and it continues that tradition with its recent Ofsted rating. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, enhanced by a “Ready for School” program that introduces early maths and literacy and fosters strong connections with various private and state schools to support a smooth transition to primary education.
The spacious, landscaped garden provides plenty of room for outdoor activities, featuring climbing frames, a racetrack, a water feature, a growing area and an outdoor reading nook. Alongside the classrooms, there is a dedicated children’s kitchen where young chefs can explore healthy food choices and take part in cooking and hands-on experiments.
Communication is another strength, parents are kept regularly updated through a digital platform that includes photos, observations and key developmental milestones.
Les Petites Étoiles
For parents seeking a bilingual or Montessori experience, Les Petites Étoiles is a perfect option. This nursery offers a trilingual program in English, French and Mandarin, which begins from as early as six months old. The learning environment is rooted in the Montessori philosophy and encourages children to take initiative and explore independently within a carefully structured setting. The classrooms are calm, open and well-organised, while the teacher-child ratios remain low to ensure individual attention.
In addition to its multilingual curriculum, Les Petites Étoiles also distinguishes itself through its strong focus on nutrition and sustainability. The nursery offers a vegetarian menu prepared with organic ingredients, serving a four-course lunch and healthy snacks that are free from added salt and sugar.
The Little Learners Montessori Cricklewood
Rating: Outstanding
Since its establishment in 2012, The Little Learners Montessori in Cricklewood has been offering high-quality childcare and authentic Montessori education for children aged 2 to 5 years.
The nursery has consistently achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted, with the most recent inspection in April 2024 marking the third such recognition since opening. Inside, the setting includes two large and well-resourced classrooms and a secure, soft-surface outdoor garden to provide children with a stimulating and safe environment for both learning and play.
West Hampstead offers a wealth of high-quality early years education and whatever your family’s priorities, you’ll find a nursery here that fits your vision. Choosing the right setting is an important milestone and in West Hampstead, the choices are truly excellent.
