Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

Ground Floor, St Paul's Church, St John's Hill, London SW11 1SH
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9.7 42 Reviews
  • Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham, London
Abacus Ark Clapham Junction is based in a beautiful church conversion on St. John's Hill and is conveniently located within walking distance to Clapham Junction station.

The nursery is bright and spacious and has been specifically designed to deliver a time-tested curriculum. Children have access to an outdoor area to extend their learning.

Through a ‘holistic development programme’ developed using 50 years’ of experience, each child is provided with a unique and safe experience tailored and delivered to their individual needs.

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Care Provided by Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Teresa Clifton (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 25
  • Total Places for Children
  • 95
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 6 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 2 weeks at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

  • Fees start from £934 per month

  • 4 and 5 day attendance options available

Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham Reviews (42)

Total of 42, showing 1-20
9.7

Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.723) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham has 42 reviews.

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Review from F P (Mother of Child) published on 2 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Incredible staff with so much energy and enthusiasm.
The activities for the children are engaging and fun. My daughter loves the immersive sensory music classes. The food is healthy and nutritious and the staff offer support if your little one struggles to feed themselves whilst also promoting independent
feeding. My daughter couldn't be happier here, she runs in every day and sometimes is sad to leave!

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Review from Sally C (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The best nursery in the city! The team are amazing full of love, fun and super professional. My little boy walks in every day with a smile on his face. The environment they create is amazing and I'm super grateful for all their hard work and love. Can't rate Abacus Ark and the team highly enough.

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Review from Sarah A (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very friendly and warm nursery with lovely staff. Our son has been very happy going in. Outdoor space and regular visits to park or library. Would recommend to other parents looking for a nursery. The app is updated and meals are varied.

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Review from Alastair W (Father of Child) published on 25 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very happy with Abacus Ark Nursery School and we're really pleased with our son's development since joining. The staff are great - they always welcome the children with beaming smiles and a friendly hello in the morning and are always willing to spend time answering questions on pickup to supplement
the info that's shared via the Famly app (which is also very good, well maintained, and updated throughout the day). Four stars for 'Facilities / Outdoor Space' is because the garden area is quite small but Abacus do make up for this by taking the children to nearby parks and playgrounds for more space.
The food is good (looking at the menu he probably eats a better diet than us!), and the nursery have worked with us to jointly improve our son's eating habits which we appreciate. We also really like that included in the fees are activities run by local external providers like Hartbeeps, Playball, Forest School and others. Highly recommend the nursery

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Review from Tabitha Q (Mother of Child) published on 29 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been attending Abacus Ark since October 2022. The teachers there have been nothing but kind, loving and patient. She took a while to settle in but I always felt super confident leaving her in their care because I know she will be well taken care of and she has been! She now loves nursery,
she is excited when we drop her off and walks right in without so much as a look back. She eats extremely well in nursery and gets to do so many fun activities that we wouldn't do at home with her. We couldn't have picked a more impressive nursery.

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Review from Sara S (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We have been very happy for our son at Abacus Ark Nursery School. The staff are amazing and caring. They offer help at all times. Our son is always happy in the morning when we go to the nursery. He learns every day and is becoming more independent. I could not recommend this wonderful nursery enough.

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Review from Andy W (Father of Child) published on 10 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Abacus Ark in Clapham Junction for the past five months, and he absolutely loves it. The excitement when he arrives at 0730 (they offer an early drop-off service) is exceptional. The staff are just as excited to meet him every morning, and I can tell how much they love their
workplace and looking after the children.
They provide daily updates, photographs and eating plans and are always careful to talk through his development at the end of the day. This depth of information is great to help us manage his evening.
The activities that are organised - from trips to Farms and local parks as well as other classes, local music and sensory experience are what help Abacus Ark to stand out.
The management is very proactive, always looking at ways to help parents discover new local experiences, businesses and partnerships - from local schools to butchers. It shows the importance that they place on being part of the community. I can't recommend them highly enough.

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Review from Aletta B (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Abacus Ark has been a daily part of our lives for over a year. Our daughter absolutely loves it there. All teachers are wonderful, they are creative and very attentive to our daughter's needs/interests. All the feedback we have received is constructive and helps us at home helping our daughter continue
learning at home.

Reply from Parent Experience Team, Parent Experience Manager at Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

We're so pleased your daughter loves coming to nursery. That means so much to us. Thank you for your comments about our teachers and the feedback you receive.


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Review from S P (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery is our lifeline in so many ways. We have two boys here and I feel their care is really tailored to their needs and personalities. Both are thriving, so much they don't even wave bye-bye in the mornings and dash right in. The love their teachers give is so special. There are many activities
the children do. Our favourites are drama, music, yoga, forest school, rugby and cooking sessions. I love the setting of the nursery. It's a family-run business where they know each child personally. I feel the nursery gives an ethos of learning whilst having fun.

Reply from Parent Experience Team, Parent Experience Manager at Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

Your comments mean so much to us and in particular hearing how the boys love coming to nursery every day! Thank you.


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Review from Verity N (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child started at Abacus Ark in November and he has settled in from the word go! He reaches out for his teachers as soon as he sees them and clearly loves it there. They care deeply about what they do, and it’s evident every day.
There is real attention to nutrition in their food and education,
with a strong emphasis on developmental stages and learning. Each day has a different emphasis - drama, music, art and going outside. I love that they have Hartbeeps one day a week as well - having really enjoyed taking my son to those classes while on maternity leave, it was a real comfort to feel he would be continuing to benefit from those at nursery!
The other thing I value is continuous improvement. They listen to parent feedback and act on it. One example is switching to a new app which will work better. They also have a focus on the parent experience e.g. opening up a parent space near the nursery soon.
All in all, a fantastic nursery and we’ve been so happy with it!

Reply from Parent Experience Team, Parent Experience Manager at Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

Thank you very much for your comments. The children really enjoy the performing arts and sports activities we offer, alongside the general curriculum. The feedback you have given is much appreciated.


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Review from Vic B (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Nice indoor space and my child seems to enjoy going. They have a good range of activities during the day which again he seems to enjoy. My child eats really well there and enjoys the food.
Staff are responsive, for example, I asked for more photos of him during the day and they were able to do this
for me.

Reply from Parent Experience Team, Parent Experience Manager at Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

Thank you for your comments. We are so pleased that your child enjoys coming to nursery and taking part in all that we have to offer.


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Review from Chloe L (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at Abacus Ark Nursery for twenty months after my son was there for nearly four years. She is so happy at nursery and loves going in every day. She loves her teachers and I love the fact that we get meaningful updates every day. The activities are varied from rugby to music, yoga
and dance. The staff are so nurturing and caring which is really important to me. I never worry about her well-being when I’m at work because I know she is having the best time. I would not hesitate to recommend the nursery to new parents.

Reply from Parent Experience Team, Parent Experience Manager at Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

Thank you very much for your review. It has been wonderful to see your son and daughter immerse themselves in all that we have to offer. Our parent partnership is so important and so your comments about the feedback you receive and the relationship with the teachers, are very welcome. Thank you for your recommendation of us.


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Review from V B (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Abacus Ark is a fantastic nursery. Children are at the heart of everything they do. The teachers are so kind and the children love them. The children are constantly active, learning and having lots of fun. My child loves it there and when I go to drop him off he runs in.
Having looked at quite a few
nurseries in the area, Abacus Ark really stood out to me.
They have an outside space and often do trips to the park too.
The methods of teaching are age-appropriate, they give children wholesome good quality food, the children are loved, safe and happy.

Reply from , Parent Experience Manager at Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

Thank you so much for your comments. One of our joys is to see the children run into the nursery ready and happy for the day ahead. The wide-ranging activities including performing arts and sport plus plenty of outdoor time is something they all look forward to. Our staff are passionate and committed and so it is wonderful to receive your feedback. Thank you!


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Review from R B (Father of Child) published on 30 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are very attentive and responsive. They always give you a thorough rundown of the day when collecting my daughter. She loves going to the nursery every morning. Management is always updating the parent portal and keeping you abreast of what is happening in the nursery.

Reply from Parent Experience Team at Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

Thank you so much for your kind words. We're so happy to have your child with us!


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Review from Khalil H (Father of Child) published on 30 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had both our daughters enrolled in Abacus Ark, and have over the years, had the pleasure of getting to know the staff (who have been exceptional, particularly during the worst of the pandemic). I noticed during the early days of the Covid lockdown, Abacus Ark went above and beyond to keep us
engaged; offering online classes and opportunities for our children to remain connected. I really felt they embraced technology and tried to innovate. One example was offering to deliver some of the daytime meals our children had. It wasn't something I had thought about, but during that time, we all of a sudden had to prepare a great deal more meals during the week. Our eldest graduated from the nursery, and I was touched by how emotional her teachers were during their ceremony. There's a great deal of positive, emotional energy invested into the children, and I've been very grateful for it.

Reply from Anthony, Director at Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

Thanks so much for your great review and positive words. We're so lucky to have had your children in our nursery!


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Review from Richard C (Father of Child) published on 30 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been at Abacus Ark for a year now, and they have been absolutely amazing. We love it, and more importantly, our son absolutely loves it and adores his teachers and everything they do together.
The teachers are so friendly and nice and have been brilliant with us, right from the early days
of our son settling in through to the present day.
They do so many activities at the nursery, and we love the pictures that they send, and we can see our son having so much fun. And we love the fact that they do special things for so many occasions eg, last week he came home with a card and a photo for Mother’s Day. It is so so sweet.
The teachers keep us fully up to date at all times and have really helped his development.
We would (and very much have to everyone we know) recommend them to anyone. Five stars all the way!

Reply from Parent Experience Team at Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

Your comments are very much appreciated. Our teachers are very passionate and committed, and so it is lovely to hear that your son loves coming to nursery every day - that means so much to us. We thoroughly enjoy watching your son grow and develop and find pleasure in all that we have to offer. We're glad you liked the Mother's Day card he made for you!


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Review from Chiara V (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our child is having a wonderful experience at Abacus Ark Nursery School! The teachers are exceptional, warm, dedicated and honest - all qualities that we were looking for when deciding to entrust a nursery with the care of our child. He has learned so much since starting at nursery, the quality of teaching
alongside the emotional safety provided are really supporting his development. There is a good communication with the families - or at least this was our experience - that helped us all support our child through inevitable difficulties in adjusting to change and growth. 5 stars indeed!

Reply from Parent Experience Team, Parent Experience Manager at Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

It is a pleasure to be caring for your child and we very much appreciate your comments. All the things you mention are at the core of our values and it is wonderful to hear that your and your child's experience of Abacus Ark is such a positive one. Thank you.


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Review from C H (Mother of Child) published on 29 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

If I could’ve picked up Abacus Ark and taken it with me when we left London, I would! The love, care and devotion that went into our daughter's development was exceptional and I have no doubt the foundations she has built during her time at Abacus will stand her in good stead for the rest of her life.
From learning journeys to details on daily routines and everything in between, we were so well informed about our little one's day, we never had to worry. The thought that is put into all of the activities the children take part in is clear to see, from yoga to rugby, cooking and drama, there never seemed to be a dull moment, and my daughter was always so happy and fulfilled at the end of the day. My overwhelming feeling is gratitude for the amazing start to education they have provided, along with lots of cuddles and kisses!

Reply from Parent Experience Team, Parent Experience Manager at Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

Thank you so much for your review. We have really enjoyed caring for your daughter and seeing how much she has grown and developed. She has certainly immersed herself in all that we have to offer which has been a delight to see. Thank you for entrusting her care to us and for your support of us.


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Review from Kate S (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am incredibly happy to be sending my son here, he is very happy and always keen to go in every morning. The activities are excellent, even for the very little ones they have included music, drama, yoga, cooking, and rugby tots with lots of outside playtime. The teachers are incredibly enthusiastic
and caring and I feel my son is in very safe hands. The daily feedback is great and includes photos and videos plus there are regular development milestone updates.

Reply from Parent Experience Team, Parent Experience Manager at Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

There is nothing that makes us happier than when we receive feedback that a child really enjoys coming to nursery. It's lovely to watch your son get involved with all that is on offer and to see how much he is growing and developing. The staff thoroughly enjoy helping the children gain the most from the activities. Thank you so much for your feedback - we really appreciate it.


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Review from Fergus H (Father of Child) published on 25 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Abacus Ark Nursery School is an amazing nursery where your children will develop and grow in a happy and safe environment. Both my kids have been there and have come out super confident and ready for school. Every day is fun and they used to come back raving about what they’d been up to. I would recommend
to anyone to send your children here as the staff are outstanding, super friendly, and have nothing but the interest of your son/daughter in mind.

Reply from Parent Experience Team, Parent Experience Manager at Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

Thank you very much for your review. Our staff work so hard to create a safe and happy environment for our children to learn and play in and it is lovely for us to have this acknowledged. Promoting confidence and making sure the children are ready to start their reception class is so important to us and so great that we have helped yours on their way.


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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.723)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.723) out of 10 for Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.828 for Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham is calculated as follows: ( (176 Excellents x 5) + (21 Goods x 4) + (7 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 204 Ratings = 4.828

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 4.895 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham is based on 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 95 number of registered child places is 19. 17 Positive Reviews ÷ 19 = 0.895

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham

What is the Age Range of Children that Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham accepts?

Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham Open?

Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham have capacity for?

Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham has capacity for a total of 95 Children.

How far is Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham to the centre of London?

3.1 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Abacus Ark Nursery School Clapham has a Platinum Service – more info.