Session types
Wraparound (8am - 9am), Morning (9am - 12pm), Afternoon (12pm - 3pm), Wraparound (3pm - 5pm), Core Day (9am - 3pm), School Day (8.15am - 3.45pm), Full Day (8am - 5pm)
Ark Start, John Archer
Ofsted: Good
(Jan 2023)
Number of places
45 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2023
Local authority
Wandsworth
About this day nursery
Ark Start John Archer is conveniently located in Clapham Junction, offering high-quality childcare in a spacious and stimulating environment. Catering to children from 9 months old, the nursery provides flexible hours throughout the year, with options for both term-time and stretched all-year-round care.
The nursery is led by highly qualified early years teachers and a dedicated team who run engaging 'time to find out' sessions focused on literacy, maths, understanding the world, and creative arts, all designed to foster children's language and critical thinking through play. The facilities include well-equipped playrooms tailored for different developmental stages.
Being hosted by Ark John Archer Primary Academy, the nursery benefits from exceptional resources and ensures a smooth transition to primary school. The team is committed to providing a fantastic start in life for every child, emphasizing a nurturing atmosphere where individuality is celebrated.
Our ethos
Sarah believes that every child deserves the best start in life. Inspirational learning in Early Years is provided through a safe, stimulating and enriching environment that enables children to develop character and independence through play and by engaging in high quality interactions with the adults in Nursery.
What it's like
Children are quick to separate from their parents at this nurturing setting, enjoying their time at nursery feeling happy and safe as they play and explore. They benefit from a well-organised environment and make independent choices about what to play with, supported by visuals from staff.
High-quality childcareFlexible hours and sessionsExperienced and qualified staffPlay-based learningSmooth transition to primary school
Pricing & funding
Fees are charged per three-hour session and vary depending on the child's age group. Meal and snack charges are billed separately, with distinct rates for core days and full days, as well as reduced rates if a packed lunch is provided.
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Good to know
- Fees are charged per three-hour session.
- Meals and snacks are not included in the standard session fees.
- Core Day meals include lunch and snacks.
- Full Day meals include breakfast, lunch, tea, and snacks.
- Discounted meal charges apply if a packed lunch is provided.
Key facts
Opening hours
8am - 5pm, Mon - Fri, 48 weeks per year
Age range
9 months+
Term time / All Year
Mixed
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Ark Start, John Archer
Last inspected 19 January 2023
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 quick to separate from their parents at this nurturing setting, enjoying their time at nursery feeling happy and safe as they play and explore. They benefit from a well-organised environment and make independent choices about what to play with, supported by visuals from staff.
Inspector highlights
- The manager is passionate and driven in her intent to offer the very best early years experience.
- Children's early literacy skills are progressing very well with a key focus on developing these skills.
- Staff use a variety of opportunities to develop children's communication and language skills, including Makaton signs and learning words in children's home languages.
- Staff challenge children as they learn and encourage them to think for themselves, developing critical-thinking skills.
- The nursery maintains a robust recruitment procedure and staff receive intensive induction and regular training on safeguarding.
Areas to develop
- 1provide a more consistent approach to behaviour management to better support children's understanding of appropriate behaviour
- 2strengthen opportunities for children to develop their self-help skills further.
Inspection #10251585 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
The manager and staff ensure that all children receive the help and support they need. They work together with parents and other professionals and use this information when setting targets for learning. This helps all children make good progress from their starting points.
Outdoor space
Older children help their friends do the zip up on their coats before going outside.
Parent Reviews of Ark Start, John Archer
5.0
(6)
Jo Chrobak Interiors, Architecture & Mentorship
a year ago
My little girl loves coming here and has made lots of friends at nursery. Every teacher and staff member is fantastic. A special shout out to Zoie, Di and Levi - you always go above and beyond and I appreciate it!
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Sym Best
4 years ago
Great nursery!! The children get a lovely well rounded hands on learning experience. The nursery puts on lots of events (parents are invited) and trips to support the learning. The Ark start values are embedded into the children’s daily routine and help to build confidence. The staff are friendly, helpful and supportive, this makes it easy to work in partnership with them.
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Dan Garrigan
2 years ago
Great nursery. My daughter has loved her time there. Kind, caring teachers. Lots of learning through play. Good communication with parents. Excellent value for money compared to other nurseries.
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David Cervera
12 months ago
We love this nursery and would highly recommend it to local parents thinking about early years care for their children.
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Erzsebet Racz
a year ago
Amazing nursery, my son loves going there. The teachers are caring, loving, and teach the kids so many things!
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Ark Start, John Archer. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Most recent inspection
19 January 2023
Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.
View full Ofsted reportFrequently asked about Ark Start, John Archer
About the setting
Ark Start, John Archer registered in 2020 and is located in the London Borough of Wandsworth. It operates on weekdays, from 8am to 5pm, for most of the year. The manager holds a level 6 qualification in childcare.
- URN
- 2601916
- Registered person
- Ark UK Programmes
- Day care type
- Full day care
- Register
- Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register
- Establishment type
- Childcare on non-domestic premises
- Previous rating
- Not applicable
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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more