Opening hours
Open for 50 weeks of the year, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays.
Abacus Ark in London (NW6)
Ofsted: Good
(Mar 2023)
Number of places
60 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Mar 2023
Local authority
Camden
About this day nursery
Abacus Ark is a family-operated nursery group, established in 2012 by Anthony Ioannou, extending a legacy of nurturing early childhood education that began with his grandmother. Joined by his wife Moira in 2016, the day nursery combines traditional values of care with a contemporary educational outlook.
Their philosophy centres on fostering confidence, curiosity, and happiness in young children within a secure and stimulating environment, akin to a second home. The curriculum, named 'FIRST Steps', focuses on essential life skills such as focus, independence, resilience, social awareness, and trustworthiness, alongside an academic foundation featuring STEM activities.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches, Abacus Ark promotes a dynamic, child-led learning experience where educators act as facilitators. The day nursery prioritises comprehensive child development through enrichment activities, supported by nutritious meals, provided essentials like milk and nappies, and a commitment to safety with secure premises.
Parents are kept connected through the Famly App, offering real-time updates on their child's progress. Abacus Ark serves as a supportive community for families, guiding them through their parenting journey with flexible hours and dedicated support.
Our ethos
Abacus Ark's philosophy centres on fostering confidence, curiosity, and happiness in young children, creating a secure, stimulating environment. Their 'FIRST Steps' curriculum focuses on life skills and academics, inspired by Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches to promote a dynamic, child-led learning experience where educators act as facilitators.
What it's like
Children are confident and motivated to learn in this warm and happy nursery. Staff value each child, follow babies' care routines from home, and provide a curriculum that reflects children's interests and helps them develop skills in preparation for school.
Family-runReggio Emilia-InspiredMontessori PrinciplesSTEM FocusedNutritious Meals Provided
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
Pricing on request
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Request pricing →Key facts
Food
Two hot meals provided daily, in partnership with Lune + Wild
Age range
6 Months - 5 Years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Session types
Full day
Registered with Ofsted
July 2013
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Abacus Ark
Last inspected 20 March 2023 · Jenny Beckles
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Children are confident and motivated to learn in this warm and happy nursery. Staff value each child, follow babies' care routines from home, and provide a curriculum that reflects children's interests and helps them develop skills in preparation for school.
Inspector highlights
- Children are confident, motivated and settle happily as staff follow babies' care routines from home.
- The curriculum is varied and interesting and helps children gain a good understanding of the world and respect difference.
- The outdoor area is spacious and provides good opportunities for climbing, balancing and jumping, with organised games to develop coordination.
- Children develop independence and good mathematical, communication and physical skills.
- The manager supports staff well through coaching, training and well-being initiatives.
Areas to develop
- 1extend children's awareness of good oral hygiene further
- 2develop children's understanding of the value of eating well consistently and more fully
Inspection #10279851 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
Outdoor space
The outdoor area is spacious and provides good opportunities for children to develop climbing, balancing and jumping skills. Staff organise challenging games using balls and cones to develop children's physical coordination and are vigilant about children's safety outdoors.
Google Reviews of Abacus Ark
4.9
(32 Google reviews)
Evie Annika
5 months ago
As a nervous first time mum it was a big step to leave my then 1 year old ex-prem to nursery, but Abacus Ark has been absolutely wonderful and we couldn’t have chosen a better nursery. The staff is kind and caring, the communication is always brilliant and the athmosphere supportive and encouraging. My child has developed beautifully whilst in Abacus Ark. A big recommendation!
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Lizzy Stevens
a year ago
My son attended Abacus Ark for 1.5 years from when he was 12 months old (we had to move out of London for my work). We had such a wonderful experience - the teachers are so caring and supportive and they create a wonderful environment with each day filled with wonderful and creative activities which really support the children's learning. My son formed such a deep and special bond with his teachers and his friends and he had a such a positive nursery experience as a result! I would highly recommend Abacus Ark.
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Isadora Andrade
a year ago
My son, has been attending Abacus Ark and it has been an amazing experience for us. The staff are so kind, patient, and professional, always going above and beyond to ensure the children feel comfortable and happy. The nurturing environment and engaging activities have helped him become more independent and curious. Already sad that he will be moving to big school next year and I am sure he will dearly miss everyone! Thank you for all the support and caring Abacus Ark team.
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Azhar Kultassova
a year ago
Both of my twins have been going to Abacus Ark since they were 1,5y old and we have such a fantastic experience! We transitioned from baby room to toddler room to preschool room now. I cannot express how much we love this nursery and all the teachers! Everyone is so caring and attentive and it’s clear that they genuinely love what they do. Many of the teachers have been there for years which means a lot; they always come up with new activities and keep kids engaged. They always action on any feedback they get from parents. My kids absolutely love it here and I am already sad thinking about moving to a big school 🫶
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Elli Mardas
a year ago
I couldn’t be happier with our decision to send our daughter to Abacus. She has been there since she was one, and I can’t thank the teachers and staff enough for making her so happy every single day. Their love, care, and attention are truly reflected in her incredible progress—I’m constantly amazed by the things she learns. One of my favourite parts of the day is receiving photos and videos of her from her teachers. She has formed such a special bond with both her teachers and peers, and it’s heartwarming to see. We were so impressed, that we registered our son at Abacus even before he was born, and we can’t wait for him to become part of the Abacus family!
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Abacus Ark. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: February 2014
- March 2023Good
- August 2017Good
- February 2014Good
Frequently asked about Abacus Ark
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