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Best nursery schools in Dulwich

Our local expert introduces the nurseries that Dulwich families turn to, from term-time Montessori options to all-year-round childcare providers. Read on to learn which settings are most in demand and what parents should know about applying early.
Pre-school pupil doing some colouring in at DUCKS
Pre-school pupil at DUCKS, Dulwich

Dulwich has a range of childcare options – from small local providers to branches of national chains. Partou, Bright Horizons, N Family Club and LEYF all have a presence here. The best, of course, are in high demand so parents are advised to research and secure places at the earliest opportunity. It’s quite common to put children’s names down soon after the 12-week scan.

Dulwich Oaks Montessori Nursery School offers education and childcare for children aged 12 months to 5 years, is open 51 weeks a year and is well regarded by parents. Other options recommended by locals include EDG Nursery in East Dulwich Grove, Little Legs Forest School Nursery in Vancouver Grove and Gumboots Nursery and Pre-School in Crystal Palace Road, all for children from 3 months to 5 years. Others include My Favourite Nursery in East Dulwich for children from birth to 5 years and Partou, a Dutch childcare group which runs four nurseries in Dulwich and Norwood. 

For parents looking for a first taste of education during conventional term times (rather than all-year-round childcare), Herne Hill’s Halfmoon Montessori Nursery is a popular option, especially as it’s only a two-minute walk from North Dulwich Station. There are nurseries and pre-schools attached to a number of local primary schools including Bessemer Grange Primary School and Rosendale Primary School, which (unusually for a state school nursery) operates 8am-5.30pm and is open 48 weeks a year.

Local private school nurseries include Dulwich College’s DUCKS Kindergarten and Infants’ School (taking children from 6 months) and Rosemead Preparatory School, Dulwich Prep & Senior and Herne Hill School where children start at 2 years old. Just over the Dulwich border, The Villa Pre-Preparatory School and Nursery in Lyndhurst Grove is an option for parents with children aged 2 and up.

Lambeth borough offers four enhanced nursery places at Rosendale Children’s Centre for children 2-5 with severe social communication needs, who have a diagnosis or are waiting for a clinical assessment.