Ark Start John Archer - Nursery Clapham Junction
Ark Start operates two not‑for‑profit nurseries in London which create nurturing spaces infused with creativity and independence. Inspired by educational thinkers such as Montessori, Froebel and Reggio Emilia, their curriculum is built around storytelling and the Early Years Foundation Stage, encouraging children to explore literacy, maths and expressive arts through play. The John Archer site near Clapham Junction offers spacious playrooms, a well‑equipped garden and regular trips to parks and galleries, while the Oval site has access to a meadow for forest school–inspired activities. Both settings provide flexible full‑day, morning or afternoon sessions between 8 am and 5 pm and accept free places for two‑ and three‑year‑olds all year round. Meals are optional and charged separately at Oval, with parents able to supply packed lunches.
Overall, families describe Ark Start nurseries as vibrant, community‑minded settings with a strong educational ethos and happy children.
Parents value the joyful, child‑led environment and praise the qualified teachers for inspiring confidence and creativity. They commend the storytelling curriculum and frequent outdoor trips, as well as the flexible hours and caring atmosphere.
Some reviewers note that places are limited and sessions can book up quickly. Others mention that meals incur an additional cost at certain sites.
The Wandsworth Family Information Service summarises Ark Start John Archer as a community‑building nursery where qualified teachers deliver a storytelling‑based curriculum aligned with the EYFS. The setting emphasises joy, creativity, play and independence and offers a wealth of facilities, from arts and crafts to sensory play and gardening. Free places are available for two‑, three‑ and four‑year‑olds, including the 30‑hour offer, and the nursery opens 8 am–5 pm.
Nurseries in Clapham Junction & East Croydon | Ark Start At Ark Start nurseries, we create nurturing environments that emphasise creativity, and independence. Led by qualified teachers we offer year round childcare for 2 – 4 year olds. Our nurseries are about much more than childcare. Our team works together to ensure that every child has a joyful, engaging and secure nursery experience and leaves us ready to start school happily and confidently. Our values underpin everything that we do to enable your child to grow, thrive and learn in a happy, stimulating, safe and secure environment. At Ark Start we give your child not only the start they need but the one they deserve. Our nurseries create nurturing spaces which emphasise jArk Start is about so much more than childcare.
We are building a community where your child feels happy, safe and secure. Our curriculum is structured around storytelling and follows the Department for Education’s Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. Our practice has grown out of our work with Ark schools and our desire that every child should have the best start in life.
Led by qualified teachers and highly-trained staff, our nursery creates a nurturing space which emphasis on joy, creativity, play and independence,
Our values underpin everything that we do to enable your child to grow, thrive and learn in a happy, stimulating, safe and secure environment. Ark Start is about giving your child not only the start they need but the one they deserve.FacilitiesArts and craftsPaintingBall gamesGardenBakingGamesFriendly environmentParksHeuristic playHealthy EatingGardeningICT areaBookcornerPhonicsHomecornerBikesToysPlay areaIndoor playImaginary play areas.PlayBooksICT FacilitiesInternet ConnectionInstrumentsLegoComputerPlaygroundlarge open plan spacePlaydohKitchen and cookingclose to recreational facilitiesLittle people setsCooking and bakingTrain tracksCookingTrain setLibraryConstructionLetters and sounds activitiesMaking puzzlesPuzzlesCreative workshopPuppetsCreative playCreative areaTreasure BasketsCraft activitiesLocal play parkMessy playReading cornerWater PlayReadingVisits to the parkMathsDanceQuiet areaMalleable playMulti Play UnitDollsRefreshmentsDisabled accessMusic and movementMusicRough and tumbleMulti Sensory RoomRole playDressing upMusical instrumentsScienceEducational toysSand playMusic with instrumentsSand and water playEarly Learning Goals TeachingNumeracy and literacy areaNumeracySensory playOut-door playEYFSOpen spaceOutingsFloor playSmall worldOutdoor PlayspaceOutdoor play areaA large range of age appropriate toys and activitiesSingingArk Start operates two not‑for‑profit nurseries in London which create nurturing spaces infused with creativity and independence. Inspired by educational thinkers such as Montessori, Froebel and Reggio Emilia, their curriculum is built around storytelling and the Early Years Foundation Stage, encouraging children to explore literacy, maths and expressive arts through play. The John Archer site near Clapham Junction offers spacious playrooms, a well‑equipped garden and regular trips to parks and galleries, while the Oval site has access to a meadow for forest school–inspired activities. Both settings provide flexible full‑day, morning or afternoon sessions between 8 am and 5 pm and accept free places for two‑ and three‑year‑olds all year round. Meals are optional and charged separately at Oval, with parents able to supply packed lunches.