Business Details
34 Years
experience
Trusted Arts-Based Preschool in London
Established in 1992, we are a not-for-profit arts-based preschool rooted in the Longfield Hall community. Our curriculum uniquely blends play-based learning with art-led experiences, fostering creativity, curiosity, and self-expression in children aged 2-4. As a Community Interest Company (CIC), we are parent-run and dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where childrens intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development thrive. Our team includes certified Early Years Practitioners, a trained yoga teacher, and educators with specialized qualifications. We hold Ofsted accreditation and are proud to be a Living Wage employer, ensuring high standards of care and education.Our Natural Thinkers programme connects children with nature through outdoor learning, while our Forest School activities build resilience and teamwork. With over 30 years of experience, we prioritize small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong community bonds. Our diverse curriculum includes ceramics, Italian language classes, cooking, drama, and music, delivered by passionate professionals committed to lifelong learning. We maintain transparent communication with families and provide a safe, supportive space where children feel valued and inspired to grow.
Services
Arts-Based Learning
Cooking Classes
Yoga & Mindfulness
Italian Language Lessons
Forest School Programme
Music & Drama Sessions
Ceramics Curriculum
Outdoor Learning
Parent Communication
Enrolment Support
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in arts-based early childhood education.
- Our parent-run, not-for-profit model prioritizes community and child-centric values.
- We integrate ceramics, Italian, yoga, and Forest School into our curriculum.
- Our team includes certified Early Years Practitioners and specialists in art and language.
- We provide secure outdoor spaces and partnerships with local natural areas for exploration.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Community Interest Company (CIC)
- Living Wage Foundation
- Natural Thinkers
What people say
Nurturing family atmosphere
Exceptional staff dedication
Creative, well-rounded curriculum
Strong community bonds
Outdoor learning opportunities
Services
Arts-Based Learning
Our arts-based approach integrates music, drama, visual arts, and imaginative play into daily activities. This method nurtures creativity, self-expression, and emotional development while fostering curiosity and problem-solving skills. Children engage in hands-on projects that build confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
Forest School Programme
Led by qualified practitioners, our Forest School sessions take place weekly in natural settings. Children develop resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness through seasonal activities like den-building and fire-cooking. This programme enhances physical coordination and scientific exploration in an immersive outdoor environment.
Italian Language Lessons
Weekly Italian sessions, taught exclusively in Italian by a qualified instructor, introduce children to basic vocabulary through songs, games, and repetition. These lessons capitalize on young childrens natural language acquisition abilities, fostering cultural awareness and communication skills in a fun, interactive format.
Yoga & Mindfulness
Certified yoga and mindfulness practices support emotional and physical wellbeing. Children learn techniques to manage anxiety, improve focus, and build self-esteem through gentle exercises. These sessions enhance balance, flexibility, and body awareness, promoting calm and concentration in daily activities.
Cooking Classes
Hands-on cooking classes teach children to recognize ingredients, understand food origins, and prepare dishes using fresh produce. Activities like bread-making and smoothie blending connect to learning topics while developing fine motor skills, teamwork, and healthy eating habits in an engaging way.
People
Juliet Williams
Co-Director & Head Teacher
Juliet, a Royal Academy-trained artist, has led The Nest since 1999. She holds qualifications in art education and child protection, combining her passion for fine art with early years expertise to create a nurturing learning environment.
Sarah Williams
Teacher; Ceramics, Art & Drama
With over four decades of nursery teaching experience, Sarah developed The Nests ceramics curriculum. She holds City and Guilds certifications in ceramics and uses her artistic expertise to inspire creative expression in young children.
Angela Miniscalo
Teacher; Yoga & Italian
Angela combines her Fine Arts degree and yoga training to deliver creative and wellbeing-focused activities. She teaches Italian exclusively in the target language, leveraging childrens receptiveness to new languages during early development stages.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We accept children aged 2 to 4 years old, preparing them for primary school reception.
Are government-funded places available?
Yes, we offer 15 and 30-hour government-funded places for eligible families.
What makes your curriculum unique?
Our arts-based approach integrates ceramics, Italian, yoga, and Forest School into daily learning through play and creativity.
How do you communicate with parents?
We maintain daily communication and regular updates to ensure parents are informed about their child’s progress and activities.
Is there outdoor space for children?
Yes, we have secure gardens and access to Myatts Field Park for outdoor exploration and physical development.
Reviews (3)
Imell Santa
Mar 14, 2019
Report
My daughter is incredibly happy at this pre-school. They do AMAZING classes and activities and have lovely, passionate, professional and sweet staff! My daughter has developed so much since starting here. She’s always happy in the morning, getting ready to go to school and has improved speaking, listening, sharing and confidence since she started - which I’m so pleased about!! Very happy with The Nest and the team! So glad we found them last year. I wish we did earlier. Would 1 million% recommend.
Scarlet Friel
Mar 03, 2019
Report
My son is currently at The Nest, and I’m so glad I sent him there, it is a brilliant setting. Lovely staff, and not too big, so everything is very personal and the children/parents know all of the staff. They have been great with my son and really seemed to ‘get’ him and his quirks very quickly. Staff are really kind and helpful. Juliet the manager is fab too. Lovely lessons (French, cooking, Forrest school, computers, dance/drama and ceramics) and trips organised every term. Highly recommend!
Sarah Elizabeth
Feb 12, 2019
Report
The Nest gave my children the best start I could possibly have hoped for. Loved it and remember it very fondly
