Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Early Learning Centres in London
Abacus Ark has been a trusted provider of early childhood education since 1971, rooted in a family legacy of nurturing young minds. Founded by Angela Carrington and expanded through three generations, our nurseries combine the Reggio Emilia approach with Montessori principles to foster independence, curiosity, and resilience in children aged 6 months to 5 years. Our curriculum, enriched with STEM and creative arts, is designed to build foundational life skills while ensuring a safe, stimulating, and home-like environment.With four London locations, we prioritise holistic development, nutritious meals through partnerships with Lune + Wild, and seamless parent communication via the Famly app. Our dedicated team, led by directors Anthony and Moira, ensures every child thrives through individualised learning and a commitment to safety, community, and academic excellence.
Services
Preschool Programs
Toddler Care
Baby Care
STEM Curriculum
Parent Communication App
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We offer a unique blend of Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches for holistic development.
- Our curriculum integrates STEM to foster critical thinking from an early age.
- Four secure, state-of-the-art nurseries across London with flexible hours.
- Nutritious, organic meals provided daily through our partnership with Lune + Wild.
- Dedicated Parent Experience Team ensures seamless communication and support.
What people say
Nurturing environment
Qualified educators
Excellent communication
Nutritious meals
Home-like atmosphere
Services
Preschool Programs
Our preschool programs prepare children aged 3-5 for formal education through a curriculum blending Reggio Emilia and Montessori methods. Structured activities and child-led exploration develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Expert teachers integrate STEM concepts to spark curiosity while fostering independence and resilience in a safe, stimulating environment.
Toddler Care
Tailored care for toddlers aged 15-36 months focuses on sensory play, motor skills, and early communication. Themed zones encourage exploration, while consistent routines build emotional security. Educators support transitions to independence, balancing guided learning with free play to nurture confidence and social awareness in a home-like setting.
Baby Care
Dedicated care for babies aged 6-15 months prioritises bonding, sensory development, and safe exploration. Low staff-to-child ratios ensure individual attention, with activities promoting motor skills and language development. A calm, nurturing environment mirrors home, helping infants build trust and foundational cognitive abilities through gentle, responsive interactions.
STEM Curriculum
STEM integration begins at age 2, using play-based experiments to teach problem-solving and critical thinking. Children explore concepts like patterns, measurement, and cause-effect through hands-on activities. This early exposure cultivates analytical skills and a natural curiosity for science and mathematics in an age-appropriate, engaging manner.
Parent Communication App
The Famly app provides real-time updates on your child's progress, including photos, videos, and developmental reports. Parents can schedule meetings, access menus, and stay informed about daily activities. This tool strengthens home-school collaboration, ensuring families remain actively involved in their child's learning journey and care.
People
Anthony
Director
Anthony leads Abacus Ark with a passion for early childhood education, combining finance expertise with hands-on nursery experience. He champions innovative curricula and maintains the family's commitment to nurturing, high-quality care across all London locations.
Moira
Director
Moira co-leads Abacus Ark, focusing on operational excellence and staff development. Her leadership ensures consistent delivery of the nursery group's educational philosophy, blending creativity with academic rigor to support every child's growth.
Questions
What age groups do you cater to?
We provide care for children aged 6 months to 5 years, with tailored programs for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
What curriculum do you follow?
Our curriculum blends Reggio Emilia principles with Montessori methods, enriched by STEM activities to foster holistic development and school readiness.
Are meals included in the fees?
Yes, two organic, paediatrician-approved meals daily are provided through our partnership with Lune + Wild, including milk, nappies, and wipes.
How do you ensure child safety?
Our nurseries feature secure entrances, fenced outdoor areas, and monitored environments. Staff undergo rigorous training to maintain a safe, supportive space for all children.
Can parents visit the nursery?
Yes, we offer personal tours by appointment. Complete our contact form to arrange a visit and meet our team.
Reviews (3)
Anna Panitkova
Mar 31, 2021
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We were very fortunate to get into this garden! We were looking for a nursery during the lockdown period and most nurseries did not let go inside, and how can you choose a nursery? When I met and made a virtual tour of the nursery Abacus Ark(Maida Vale), my heart suggested me that it was the one. After communicating with all the nurseries around, I can say with accuracy, in this nursery your child will be in good hands! There is very clean, teachers are just wonderful: caring, kind, creative and positive! Despite the fact that they do not have its own territory outside, they are constantly walking
Zuz Vrablik
Mar 25, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
Lovely staff, great reliable service, highly recommend!
Lovely staff, great reliable service, highly recommend!
Alexandra Popa
Sep 03, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
The best nursery I worked for. Professional, educative, a safty, lovely, joyful and peaceful place to work and to keep your child. Nice staff, caring for children, always bringing a smile on their face, always wanted to achieve more for your child and making sure it is a clear place. Worth for it. #the best
The best nursery I worked for. Professional, educative, a safty, lovely, joyful and peaceful place to work and to keep your child. Nice staff, caring for children, always bringing a smile on their face, always wanted to achieve more for your child and making sure it is a clear place. Worth for it. #the best
