Choosing a nursery for a child is a decision that often comes with a mix of excitement and nerves. These spaces are where tiny friendships form, first adventures unfold, and those early steps towards independence begin. Little ones also need that all-important sense of feeling secure beyond the familiarity of home.
In Putney, the early years options are diverse. There are nurseries that celebrate the outdoors, others that prioritise structure and early learning, and some that offer a cosy, home-from-home built around open-ended play. Some children spend their days collecting sticks, inspecting ladybirds and exploring forests, whilst others practise early phonics or stretch into toddler yoga poses. Yet amongst Putney’s most exceptional nurseries, a shared ethos stands out, that each child will be recognised, supported and encouraged to flourish entirely at their own pace.
Here are the very best of them.
Little Forest Folk
For those searching for a nursery in Putney with a sprinkle of woodland charm, Little Forest Folk is an irresistible contender. Just beside Putney Heath, with morning meetups at Roehampton Cricket Club on Telegraph Road, this forest-school nursery gives children an outdoor-focused experience rather than conventional early education. Children aged two and above begin their day with a cosy breakfast before pulling on their waterproofs and wandering into the forest for a day of exploring. Activities range from climbing, balancing, and running through trails, to imaginative role-play, storytelling, den building, mini-beast hunts, drawing, and early-years maths amongst the trees. There’s even wild outdoor cooking on Fridays, and the children enjoy their snacks and lunch in the fresh air before returning to the club for a warm dinner at the end of the day.
The nursery holds an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, a clear seal of approval for the exceptionally high standard of care and education that the team provides. Only around twenty children attend daily, supported by an impressive adult-to-child ratio of one adult to four children. This ensures that every little one receives attention whilst still encouraging independence and adventure. The nursery follows the full Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, integrating learning into a safe but wild environment, where free play, fresh air, exposure to nature, and imaginative activities form the backbone of development. Through natural elements, children learn everything from counting trees and birds to exploring shapes, colours and early scientific thinking. In bad weather, waterproofs go up and tarps are set up or the natural canopy is used, but the fun doesn’t stop. Puddle-jumping, rain-flow experiments and water play become part of the day. Safety here is clearly a priority. Headcounts are regular, staff maintain constant communication via walkie-talkies, and children themselves are involved each morning in setting safe boundaries for their play. All meals are homemade, healthy and nutritious, and for those children who still nap, there’s a sleeping tent with mats and sleeping bags. But perhaps the most enchanting aspect is Little Forest Folks philosophy, that childhood should be spent outdoors, in nature, with curiosity and freedom.
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Hurlingham Nursery School
Hurlingham Nursery School offers a blend of warmth, structure and preparation for school. Situated on Gwendolen Avenue, this independent nursery cares for children from age two up to the pre-school years. Hurlingham’s environment is designed to be secure and supportive, helping all children settle in easily and happily, even if it’s their first time away from home.
The nursery follows an enriched curriculum that builds on the Early Years Foundation Stage, and central to the school’s philosophy are socialisation, confidence, literacy and numeracy. Daily activities cover the all-important early phonics, whilst music, drama, multi-sports, yoga, Spanish, dance, gymnastics, and cooking classes offer children the opportunity to explore different interests. What adds a touch of magic for many families is that older nursery children also take part in a weekly Forest School session, combining indoor learning with the outdoors, and giving them a chance to connect with nature. The typical nursery day is split into morning and afternoon sessions, but there is flexibility for working parents. There’s an Early Bird drop-off from 7:45am at no extra charge, and the Little Learners Club keeps care available until 6pm. Admission is open to children from age two, and parents can take a private tour before admission to get a feel for the environment. All nursery children are guaranteed a place at the main school, which helps make the transition to formal schooling smooth. Hurlingham Nursery school combines a nurturing, home-like environment with a robust early years curriculum, broad enrichment activities and the option for wrap-around care. For parents in search of a nursery that balances social and academic development, and offers flexibility, Hurlingham stands out as a lovely launchpad into school life.
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Bright Horizons
Bright Horizons Putney Day Nursery and Preschool is located on Norroy Road, and is a bright, purpose-built space open from 7am to 7pm. Inside, babies and toddlers benefit from a cosy, sensory-rich environment that encourages messy play, and as children grow, they enjoy access to well-equipped playrooms, and an outdoor play area with a mud-kitchen and water-play facilities. For older preschoolers, there’s a dedicated Ready for School programme focusing on early literacy, numeracy and science, which comfortably guides them toward their next educational step. Their Bright Beginnings curriculum also follows the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage, blending structured learning with playful, child-led discovery to nurture each child’s confidence, curiosity, physical coordination, social skills and emotional wellbeing.
All meals are prepared by an on-site chef, and everything else is taken care of too, from snacks and milk to nappies, wipes, and other day-to-day essentials. Bright Horizons is rated Good by Ofsted, with inspectors noting that children are curious, settled and secure, with caring staff who support development and wellbeing. Staff pay close attention to children’s emotional health, encouraging regular outdoor play, mindfulness, yoga and breathing exercises, while also offering strong support for children with additional needs or those learning English as an additional language. For parents seeking consistency, flexibility, a gentle yet comprehensive early-education approach, Bright Horizons offers a safe and welcoming environment for their child’s first years.
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Outdoor Owls
Another nursery in Putney that truly embraces the wild-child spirit, is Outdoor Owls, where mud, trees, fresh air and minibus sing-alongs are the daily norm. Each morning begins at one of their Kiss & Fly pickup points including St Margaret’s Church, Putney Station and Putney Heath, before boarding the nursery minibus and heading out to Walton Firs Activity Centre. There’s a hearty breakfast upon arrival, before a welcome circle time by the campfire to gather together before the explorations begin. Throughout the day, children aged from 20 months to 5 years old build dens, explore with mud-kitchens, climb trees, dig, hunt for bugs and discover nature. Their holistic curriculum is shaped around body, mind and soul and for older preschoolers, there are also more structured small-group sessions where children practice listening, raising hands, and early literacy, numeracy and science.
Outdoor Owls is open from 8am to 5.45pm from Monday to Friday, and is open 51 weeks a year. Transportation, meals and all activities are all included, making it a convenient option for busy families. The nursery provides nutritious meals including breakfast, lunch, snacks and tea, and children eat together outdoors in their camp setting. On days when a nap is needed, the youngest head back to the cosy tipi for a rest after lunch, and older children who wish to rest may also lie down in the tipi during quiet time. Outdoor Owls Putney is a fresh-air haven that builds grit, imagination and joy. It’s an invitation for little ones to trade carpets and crayons for tree trunks and twig-sticks.
Putney’s nurseries are full of opportunities for children to thrive in their individuality. Whether a child is happiest covered in mud, immersed in books, practising early phonics or meeting new friends, there is a setting in this neighbourhood perfectly suited to nurturing that spark. Putney is fortunate to offer such a strong collection of early-years settings, each with its own strengths and approach, yet together, they form a truly special beginning to life in this area of London.
