Top 7 Best Day Care Centers in London

Finding the perfect day care center for your child in London can be a daunting task. With a myriad of options available, it’s essential to choose a place that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s expectations. Our comprehensive guide on the ‘Top 7 Best Day Care Centers in London’ aims to simplify this process by highlighting the most reputable and nurturing environments for young learners.

When selecting a day care center, consider the following services and aspects:

Curriculum: Look for centers that offer a well-rounded educational program.
Safety and Security: Ensure the facility adheres to stringent safety protocols.
Qualified Staff: Check for experienced and certified caregivers and teachers.
Facilities: Evaluate the quality of indoor and outdoor play areas.
Meals and Nutrition: Inquire about meal plans and dietary accommodations.
Cost: Compare pricing, which can range from $300 to $1,500 per month.
Location: Consider the convenience of the center’s location in relation to your home or workplace.
Parent Reviews: Read testimonials and feedback from other parents.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the best day care center for your child’s growth and happiness. Dive into our guide to discover the top picks that London has to offer.

1. Nanny Job
2. Mytamarin
3. French Nanny London

4. Hampstead Au Pair Agency
5. Conewood Street Children's Centre
6. Kids City
7. Nssport

Number of companies

1965

Verified reviews

4,61

Average rating

+442078594925

1. Nanny Job

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,9/5

8 - 9 Stephen Mews, W1T 1AF, London

Child care agency

Why we chose them

Nanny Job stands out as the UK’s largest specialist nanny website, facilitating seamless connections between parents, nannies, and agencies since 1999. Rated as “Excellent” by users, this platform emphasizes the importance of finding the right childcare professional. Parents can browse thousands of nanny profiles for free and make contact with their ideal candidate for a one-time fee. The platform offers a straightforward process where parents can post jobs and receive applications directly from interested nannies, ensuring a stress-free experience without hidden costs or ongoing subscriptions.

Nannies seeking employment benefit from a free service that allows them to register, create profiles, and apply to numerous job opportunities from both parents and top nanny agencies. The site also caters to agencies, enabling them to fill vacancies efficiently by posting jobs and reviewing potential candidates. This comprehensive approach makes finding or offering childcare services simple and effective, positioning the platform as an essential resource for childcare solutions across the UK.

2. Mytamarin

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,9/5

5-7 Buck St, NW1 8NJ, London

Child care agency
Health consultant

Why we chose them

myTamarin stands out as a premier child care agency and health consultant, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of families. Specializing in connecting families with experienced nannies and maternity nurses, the company ensures that only the most reliable and safest professionals are recommended through a thorough interview process. Whether families require full-time care, temporary assistance, or specialized support for newborns, myTamarin provides options like live-in or live-out nannies, nanny-housekeepers, and culturally adaptable overseas nannies. This ensures that families find the perfect match, whether they need Mary Poppins for daily care or an extra pair of hands during holidays.

Beyond just placements, the company offers ongoing support akin to a concierge service, guiding families through every step of their childcare journey. Their newborn care extends to maternity nurses and night nannies, offering 24-hour or night-only assistance, with online support available for more convenient and cost-effective options. Additionally, myTamarin provides resources for new parents, including sleep training, tailored routines, and feeding support. This holistic approach makes them a valuable choice for families seeking expert guidance and reliable childcare solutions.

+442086094759

3. French Nanny London

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,9/5

14 Barnard Rd, SW11 1QS, London

Child care agency
Day care center
Recruiter

Why we chose them

French Nanny London has been a trusted partner for families seeking quality childcare since 2012. Renowned for their rigorous selection process, they specialize in matching families with qualified nannies, housekeepers, and maternity nurses. Their approach is deeply family-oriented, ensuring they understand each family’s unique dynamics and needs. With over 20 years of childcare expertise, their team is dedicated to providing a stress-free experience, allowing parents to focus on choosing the right person for their family. This commitment to excellence has solidified their reputation as a leading agency in the field.

The company offers a range of services, including roles as a child care agency, day care center, and recruiter, focusing on English, French, and multilingual speaking staff. Their personalized service is reflected in the glowing testimonials from families and nannies alike, highlighting their caring and efficient approach. As parents themselves, the team at French Nanny London takes pride in their ability to provide peace of mind and happiness to both children and their families. Their extensive network and successful track record make them a premier choice for those seeking reliable childcare solutions.

+442074350200

4. Hampstead Au Pair Agency

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,7/5

108 Greenhill, Prince Arthur Rd, NW3 5TY, London

Child care agency

Why we chose them

Hampstead Au Pair Agency is a specialist childcare agency based in London, dedicated to providing families with perfectly matched au pairs. Known for its personalized and professional service, the agency ensures that all au pairs have childcare experience, are already in the UK, and are available for face-to-face meetings. They offer a free replacement guarantee and focus on advanced au pairs with good English skills, making it a cost-effective solution for families seeking reliable childcare. The agency is highly praised for its responsiveness and ability to understand the unique needs of each family, as reflected in numerous positive reviews from satisfied clients.

The agency’s directors, Livia and Mark, are noted for their exceptional support and attention to detail, guiding both host families and au pairs through the entire process. They conduct personal interviews to assess the needs and personalities of potential au pairs, ensuring the best matches. Their comprehensive service includes organizing interviews, setting up calls, and providing ongoing support after placement, making the process seamless for first-time users. Hampstead Au Pair Agency is recognized for its efficiency and commitment to quality, gaining a reputation as one of the most trusted agencies in the industry.

+442075274440

5. Conewood Street Children's Centre

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,0/5

14 Conewood St, N5 1DL, London

Child care agency
Children's amusement center

Why we chose them

Conewood Street Children’s Centre is a vibrant child care agency and children’s amusement center located in Islington. Part of the Bright Start Islington initiative, the center offers comprehensive support for families with children under five. The services are designed to accompany families from pregnancy through to a child’s fifth birthday, providing a seamless blend of child care, early education, and family support. With a focus on health and development, the center offers everything from child health clinics and support with breastfeeding to speech and language development and parental mental wellbeing support.

The center serves as a community hub where parents can connect, share experiences, and access a wide range of activities and resources. From indoor and outdoor activities to specialized support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, the center ensures that families receive tailored support. Additionally, families benefit from services like free vitamins, support with feeding, and home learning strategies. The center is an essential resource for families in Islington, providing guidance and support to help parents navigate the early years of parenthood with confidence and ease.

+442086785968

6. Kids City

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,4/5

1-4 Brixton Hill Pl, SW2 1HJ, London

Child care agency

Why we chose them

Kids City stands out in our directory for its exceptional dedication to providing quality child care. Known for their commitment to nurturing and educating young minds, they offer a safe and stimulating environment that supports the development of children. Their passionate team focuses on creating engaging experiences that foster creativity and learning, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention and care.

Chosen for their innovative approach, this child care agency prioritizes the well-being and growth of every child. They incorporate a variety of activities designed to enhance social, emotional, and cognitive skills, making them a trusted choice for parents seeking reliable childcare solutions. By maintaining a supportive atmosphere, they help children thrive and prepare them for future educational endeavors.

+447935220938

7. Nssport

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,5/5

Upper Richmond Rd W, SW14 8ED, London

Child care agency

Why we chose them

NSSport offers a dynamic range of childcare solutions, specifically designed for children aged 4-11 years. They specialize in holiday activity programs and term-time school services at East Sheen Primary School, among other locations. Their services include engaging breakfast clubs, after-school care, and sports sessions that aim to instill a passion for health and fitness. NSSport’s approach is centered around providing children with positive experiences, allowing them to pursue their interests while promoting active lifestyles through various sporting activities.

The company is also deeply involved in local communities, actively participating in school fundraising events and fairs. They extend their offerings to include local football camps and birthday party packages, making them a versatile choice for childcare and recreational activities. By focusing on fun and active engagement, they help foster a love for sports and fitness in young children, contributing positively to their development. This commitment to quality and community involvement is why we’ve chosen to feature them in our directory.

FAQs

What services do day care centers in London typically offer?

Day care centers in London usually offer a range of services including full-day care, half-day care, after-school programs, educational activities, and meals. Some centers may also provide specialized programs like language classes or music lessons.

How much does day care typically cost in London?

The average cost of day care in London ranges from €1,000 to €1,500 per month, depending on the type of care and the age of the child. Prices can vary based on location and the specific services offered.

What qualifications should staff at a day care center in London have?

Staff at day care centers in London should typically have qualifications in early childhood education or childcare, such as NVQ Level 3 or equivalent. Many centers also require staff to have first aid certification and undergo background checks.

How can I choose a good day care center in London?

When choosing a day care center in London, consider factors such as the center's reputation, staff qualifications, safety measures, curriculum, and the overall environment. Visiting the center and speaking with other parents can also provide valuable insights.

What is the typical child-to-staff ratio in London day care centers?

In London, the typical child-to-staff ratio varies by age group. For infants, it’s usually 1:3, for toddlers 1:4, and for preschoolers 1:8. Ratios may differ based on the specific policies of the day care center.

Are meals included in the day care fees in London?

Many day care centers in London include meals and snacks in their fees, but it’s important to confirm this with each center. Some centers might offer meal plans as an additional service.

What are the operating hours for day care centers in London?

Day care centers in London typically operate from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, although hours can vary. Some centers may offer extended hours or flexible scheduling to accommodate working parents.

What should I consider when visiting a potential day care center in London?

When visiting a day care center, consider the cleanliness, safety measures, staff interactions with children, the quality of toys and learning materials, and the overall atmosphere. It's also helpful to ask about the daily routine and any specific policies they have in place.