Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, for 48 weeks of the year.
Abacus Nursery School
Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2024)
Number of places
80 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2024
Local authority
Wandsworth
About this day nursery
" The nursery is committed to creating a stimulating and caring environment where children from a young age are encouraged to become critical thinkers and independent learners. Emphasis is placed on providing consistent care and a warm atmosphere for babies, ensuring a calm yet engaging start to their developmental journey.
The curriculum extends beyond traditional classroom learning, with a strong focus on outdoor exploration and Forest School activities, designed to build confidence and curiosity. The aim is for every child to acquire lasting memories and essential skills that will prepare them thoroughly for their future academic and personal endeavours.
Our ethos
Abacus Nursery School is committed to fostering each child's "spark of genius" by creating a stimulating and caring environment that encourages critical thinking and independent learning. Their approach incorporates outdoor exploration and Forest School activities to build confidence and curiosity, preparing children for future endeavours.
What it's like
Children demonstrate through their interactions with staff that they feel happy and secure. Older children excitedly arrive at the nursery, independently hang up their belongings ready to explore and seek their friends, while younger children who are settling take comfort in staff, who warmly offer reassurance. Children of all ages enjoy actively exploring the different areas of the nursery, independently access activities, and are provided with opportunities to be physically active.
Forest SchoolCritical ThinkingOutdoor Exploration
Pricing & funding
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
Term time / All Year
Mixed
Established
Opened in 1994 (re-registered 2008)
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Abacus Nursery School
Last inspected 15 February 2024 · Megan McClellan
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 demonstrate through their interactions with staff that they feel happy and secure. Older children excitedly arrive at the nursery, independently hang up their belongings ready to explore and seek their friends, while younger children who are settling take comfort in staff, who warmly offer reassurance. Children of all ages enjoy actively exploring the different areas of the nursery, independently access activities, and are provided with opportunities to be physically active.
Inspector highlights
- Children feel happy and secure.
- Children independently access activities and explore different areas.
- Staff foster a love of reading through animated storytelling.
- Staff provide a range of physical activities, developing gross motor skills.
- There is good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Areas to develop
- 1strengthen opportunities for children to extend their communication and language skills further
- 2build on the existing good practice and seek further ways to help all staff develop their teaching skills.
Inspection #10305469 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
There is good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Leaders make effective use of the services available to help families in order to ensure children thrive and succeed.
Outdoor space
Staff provide children with a range of opportunities to be physically active. Children develop their gross motor skills as they climb over climbing equipment, learning to manage their own risks safely.
EAL / language support
Staff speak calmly in the child's home language to comfort them, which allows children who speak English as an additional language to build their confidence and develop a sense of belonging.
Parent Reviews of Abacus Nursery School
4.8
(17)
sophie d
a year ago
My children have been going to the Abacus nursery School in Balham led by Carolyn for a few years and I highly recommend it. Carolyn and the long-serving staff, Allyson, Marie, Nicola, Fatima, to name a few, have a wealth of experience, always available to give advice if you ask, and they are really good role models for the children. They were an anchor during the pandemic and have been a second family. The children love it just as I loved the atmosphere when scouting nurseries a few years ago.
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Kevin Mc
10 months ago
Our daughter went to Abacus nursery and loved it. The kids are given lots of care and attention. Carolyn and team are the absolute best. Highly recommend.
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Sarah Batty
a year ago
My daughter has just left as she starts school in September and I’m so sad to say goodbye to this fantastic nurturing nursery. The staff are wonderful across the board and the long service of almost every staff member is testament to the atmosphere and ethos of the place. Particular praise has to go to the managers Carolyn and Alison who look after the kids as if they were their own, but who also manage to inspire and teach the children while they are having an absolute ball. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this nursery and I can’t praise it highly enough!
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Ilias Zikopoulos
4 months ago
Echoing the other great reviews, it's such a nurturing and loving environment. Stability is key for a child's emotional well being and development and with a very low staff turnover Abacus offers an excellent environment for the little ones to thrive. All staff from the baby room to pre school look after the kids as their own. The manager has been there for decades and she is just fantastic, as is every carer. My daughter had the best of times there - it was so sad to have to say goodbye!
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A Hollingsworth
2 years ago
Abacus Nursery is an amazing place - I've had three children attend and they have all been looked after with the utmost care. Most of the staff have been there for years, which really helps create a happy and loving home from home for the children. The nursery is extremely well run, they have a lovely programme of activities, and most importantly the children are really happy. No hesitation in recommending to other parents.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Abacus Nursery School. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: May 2009
- February 2024Good
- February 2018Good
- December 2013Good
- September 2012Requires improvement
- May 2010Good
- May 2009Good
Frequently asked about Abacus Nursery School
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