--- title: "Ark Start Day Nursery, John Archer, London | Ofsted: Good" url: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/ark-start-john-archer-sw11-2aa-2601916 description: "Ark Start, John Archer, a day nursery in London — rated Good by Ofsted. See fees, opening hours, photos and contact details. Compare nearby nurseries." lang: en-GB --- Nursery Advice: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/ Claim Your Nursery: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/claim # Ark Start, John Archer Ofsted: Good (Jan 2023) · 5.0 (6 Google reviews) · Ark John Archer Primary Academy, Plough Road, London, SW11 2AA · Wandsworth 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 day nursery provides flexible hours throughout the year, with options for both term-time and stretched all-year-round care. The day 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, emphasising 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 childcare Flexible hours and sessions Experienced and qualified staff Play-based learning Smooth 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-olds 15 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 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) 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 Safeguarding effective Overall effectiveness Good Quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good What it's like to attend 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 - 1 provide a more consistent approach to behaviour management to better support children's understanding of appropriate behaviour - 2 strengthen opportunities for children to develop their self-help skills further. Inspection #10251585 · Source: Ofsted View full Ofsted report (https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50208642) 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. ## Google Reviews of Ark Start, John Archer 5.0 (6 Google reviews) 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! Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VMdl9tTk9LcU1PNm93RRAB!2m1!1s0x4876059d682e0de1:0x324aa6a06d2445c6) 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. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQydmZhT2FBEAE!2m1!1s0x4876059d682e0de1:0x324aa6a06d2445c6) 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. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURKcDhha0JnEAE!2m1!1s0x4876059d682e0de1:0x324aa6a06d2445c6) 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. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VKUHE2NHFJaWFTdUt3EAE!2m1!1s0x4876059d682e0de1:0x324aa6a06d2445c6) 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 Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURUanAtMTlRRRAB!2m1!1s0x4876059d682e0de1:0x324aa6a06d2445c6) Reviews from Google for Ark Start, John Archer. See all on Google Maps (https://maps.google.com/?cid=3623892058129057222&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Most recent inspection 19 January 2023 Good Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published. View full Ofsted report (https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50208642) ## Frequently asked about Ark Start, John Archer ### What is Ark Start, John Archer's Ofsted rating? ### What are the fees for Ark Start, John Archer? ### Does Ark Start, John Archer accept funded hours? ### What age range does Ark Start, John Archer cater for? ### What are the opening hours at Ark Start, John Archer? ### How does Ark Start, John Archer support children's early literacy? ### How does Ark Start, John Archer adapt to children's home languages? ### Does Ark Start, John Archer focus on critical thinking? ### How can I contact 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 ## Nearby day nurseries in London Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Ark Start, John Archer. - Ofsted: Good <0.2 mi ### Abacus Ark Nursery London · SW11 1SH 4.8(22 Google reviews) https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/abacus-ark-nursery-sw11-1sh - Ofsted: Good 0.2 mi ### Bright Horizons Wandsworth Common Day Nursery and Preschool London · SW18 2SS 4.3(9 Google reviews) https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/bright-horizons-wandsworth-common-day-nursery-and-preschool-sw18-2ss-ey343093 - Ofsted: Good 0.3 mi ### Abacus Ark Preschool London · SW11 1TH https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/abacus-ark-preschool-sw11-1th - Ofsted: Good 0.3 mi ### Fledglings on the Common London · SW11 1HT 4.7(18 Google reviews) https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/fledglings-on-the-common-sw11-1ht-ey467365 - Ofsted: Good 0.3 mi ### Banana Moon Day Nursery Battersea London · SW11 2EZ 4.1(31 Google reviews) https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/banana-moon-day-nursery-battersea-sw11-2ez-ey491589 - Ofsted: Good 0.4 mi ### York Gardens Nursery London · SW11 2UG https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/york-gardens-nursery-sw11-2ug-ey489777 See all nurseries in London →: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q=London ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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Compare nearby nurseries.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/ark-start-john-archer-sw11-2aa-2601916#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/ark-start-john-archer-sw11-2aa-2601916#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/ark-start-john-archer-sw11-2aa-2601916#nursery", "name": "Ark Start, John Archer", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/ark-start-john-archer-sw11-2aa-2601916", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "Ark John Archer Primary Academy", "addressLocality": "Plough Road", "postalCode": "SW11 2AA" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/ark-start-john-archer-sw11-2aa-2601916#webpage" }, "telephone": "+44 20 3116 6338", "email": "info@arkstart.org.uk", "sameAs": [ "https://www.arkstart.org.uk/our-nurseries/john-archer-clapham-junction/" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 51.46189, "longitude": -0.174031 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "London" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 2, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 6, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jo Chrobak Interiors, Architecture & Mentorship" }, "reviewBody": "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!", "datePublished": "2025-05-14T19:53:14.071985Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sym Best" }, "reviewBody": "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.", "datePublished": "2022-05-22T21:30:07.951068Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dan Garrigan" }, "reviewBody": "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.", "datePublished": "2023-07-24T08:45:21.274186Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "David Cervera" }, "reviewBody": "We love this nursery and would highly recommend it to local parents thinking about early years care for their children.", "datePublished": "2025-05-23T08:18:48.340034Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Erzsebet Racz" }, "reviewBody": "Amazing nursery, my son loves going there. 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This shows their commitment to providing a good standard of care and early education for all children." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the fees for Ark Start, John Archer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Fees at Ark Start, John Archer vary by age group. For a 3-hour session, under 2s are £35.70, 2-year-olds are £26.10, and 3-4 year olds are £23.25. Additionally, there are charges for meals and snacks, ranging from £2.55 for a Core Day to £3.60 for a Full Day." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Ark Start, John Archer accept funded hours?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Ark Start, John Archer accepts various funded hours. This includes 15 hours for disadvantaged 2-year-olds, the universal 15 hours for 3-4 year olds, and the extended 30 hours for working parents of 3-4 year olds. This helps make quality childcare accessible to more families." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What age range does Ark Start, John Archer cater for?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ark Start, John Archer welcomes children from 9 months old, despite the structured data showing an age range of 2-4 years, the website states it is \"Catering to children from 9 months old\". They provide suitable care and engaging activities tailored for different developmental stages up to age four." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the opening hours at Ark Start, John Archer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ark Start, John Archer is open Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm, for 48 weeks each year. This provides consistent childcare for families throughout most of the year, offering flexibility for parents." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Ark Start, John Archer support children's early literacy?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ark Start, John Archer places a strong emphasis on early literacy, with staff actively using a variety of methods. According to the inspection, \"Children's early literacy skills are progressing very well with a key focus on developing these skills\", ensuring children have a strong foundation before starting school." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Ark Start, John Archer adapt to children's home languages?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The dedicated team at Ark Start, John Archer makes a special effort to support children from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The Ofsted report notes that 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.\"" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Ark Start, John Archer focus on critical thinking?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, critical thinking is a key focus at Ark Start, John Archer. The nursery's dedicated team runs 'time to find out' sessions focused on various subjects, and the Ofsted report highlights that \"Staff challenge children as they learn and encourage them to think for themselves, developing critical-thinking skills.\"" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I contact Ark Start, John Archer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can easily get in touch with Ark Start, John Archer by calling them at 020 3116 6338, or by sending an email to info@arkstart.org.uk. Their website is also available at https://www.arkstart.org.uk/our-nurseries/john-archer-clapham-junction/ for more information." } } ] } ] } ] ```