Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Early Education in London
Abacus Ark is a family-run nursery group with over five decades of experience in early childhood education. Founded in 1971 by Angela Carrington, we have maintained a steadfast commitment to nurturing children's holistic development through a blend of Reggio Emilia and Montessori methodologies. Our curriculum prioritises foundational life skills such as focus, independence, and resilience, while integrating STEM to foster curiosity and critical thinking. With four London locations, we provide a secure, stimulating environment where children aged 6 months to 5 years thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.Our dedicated team of educators, many with decades of experience, ensures each child feels valued through individualised learning approaches. We partner with Lune + Wild to deliver organic, paediatrician-approved meals, and utilise the Famly app to maintain transparent communication with parents. Safety remains paramount, with restricted access, monitored environments, and a 1-week settling-in guarantee to ensure parental confidence. As third-generation directors, Anthony and Moira continue our legacy of excellence in child-centred education.
Services
Preschool
Nursery
Curriculum Enrichment
Parent App Access
Healthy Meals
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- Family-run expertise spanning three generations since 1971
- Unique blend of Reggio Emilia and Montessori methodologies
- Secure environments with restricted access and 24/7 monitoring
- Organic meals from Lune + Wild, tailored to nutritional guidelines
- Real-time updates via Famly app for parental engagement
Services
Preschool
Our preschool programme prepares children aged 3-5 for formal education through a balanced curriculum. Structured activities and child-led exploration develop literacy, mathematics, and social skills while fostering creativity through expressive arts. The EYFS framework ensures comprehensive development.
Nursery
Nursery services for infants and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years focus on emotional security and foundational learning. Through sensory play and guided interactions, we cultivate communication skills, physical coordination, and early social awareness in a nurturing environment.
Curriculum Enrichment
Enrichment activities integrate STEM concepts and creative arts to enhance cognitive and motor skills. Daily lessons promote problem-solving abilities and teamwork, ensuring children develop resilience and adaptability through hands-on, experiential learning.
Parent App Access
The Famly app provides real-time updates on children's progress, including photos, videos, and development reports. Parents can schedule meetings with educators and access resources to reinforce learning at home, ensuring continuous engagement.
Healthy Meals
Two daily organic meals from Lune + Wild meet nutritional guidelines for growing children. Menus feature paediatrician-approved ingredients, ensuring balanced nutrition that supports cognitive development and physical activity throughout the learning day.
People
Angela Carrington
Founder
Founded Abacus Ark in 1971, Angela established a legacy of child-centred education. Her vision created nurturing environments where children develop foundational skills through play and exploration, setting standards for quality care.
Laura
Director
Joined the nursery in 1981, expanding services while maintaining family values. Laura's leadership ensured continuity in educational philosophy, blending traditional methods with innovative approaches to early childhood development.
Anthony
Director
Third-generation director Anthony combines finance expertise with educational passion. He modernised operations while preserving core principles, ensuring Abacus Ark remains at the forefront of early years education in London.
Moira
Director
Moira's strategic leadership complements Anthony's vision. With decades of experience in early education, she focuses on staff development and curriculum innovation, maintaining the nursery's reputation for excellence.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care for children aged 6 months to 5 years across four developmental stages: Babies, Young Toddlers, Older Toddlers, and Preschool.
What educational approach do you use?
Our curriculum combines Reggio Emilia principles with Montessori methods, focusing on child-led exploration, foundational life skills, and STEM integration for holistic development.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we serve two organic meals daily through our partnership with Lune + Wild, ensuring nutritionally balanced options tailored to children's dietary needs.
How do you communicate with parents?
The Famly app provides real-time updates on your child's progress, including photos, videos, and development reports, with direct communication channels to educators.
What safety measures are in place?
Our nurseries feature restricted access, monitored environments, and secure outdoor spaces to ensure children's safety at all times during their stay.
