The Best Nurseries in Fulham: A Parent's Guide to Local Nursery Options
Choosing a nursery is a big decision. For many parents, it is the first time their child will spend a significant part of the week away from home, so finding a setting where they feel safe, happy and supported matters just as much as finding one that fits around family life.
If you’re looking for a nursery in Fulham, you’ll find plenty of options to consider. There are full-day nurseries, sessional nursery schools, Montessori settings and smaller independent nurseries, each with its own approach, opening hours and age range.
That choice is helpful, but it can also make the search feel overwhelming.
This guide looks at some of the nurseries parents may come across when searching for childcare in Fulham. Rather than saying that one nursery is the “best”, we’ve looked at the things that can make one setting a better fit for one family than another, including Ofsted ratings, opening hours, age range, learning approach, funding and the overall nursery environment.
Please note: Ofsted ratings and inspection dates can change. The information in this guide should be checked against the latest Ofsted records before making a decision about a nursery.
What should you look for when choosing a nursery in Fulham?
Before comparing individual nurseries, it helps to think about what your family actually needs.
Every child is different, and a nursery that works well for one family may not be the right choice for another. When visiting settings, consider:
- Ofsted rating and inspection date – look at both the rating and how recently the nursery was inspected.
- Age range – check that the nursery accepts your child’s age and whether they can stay there as they get older.
- Opening hours – particularly important if you work full-time or need childcare for most of the day.
- Session options – some settings offer full days, while others mainly provide morning or afternoon sessions.
- Fees and funding – ask what is covered by funded hours and whether there are additional charges.
- Staffing – ask about staff qualifications, experience and how children are supported throughout the day.
- Outdoor play – find out how much time children spend outside and whether outdoor play is part of the daily routine.
- Meals and snacks – check what is provided and how allergies and dietary requirements are managed.
- Settling-in arrangements – a supportive transition can make a real difference, particularly for younger children.
Most importantly, visit the nursery if you can. A website can tell you about a setting, but seeing how staff interact with children will often tell you much more.
Day nurseries in Fulham
The Little Tug Boat
3 Finlay Street, London SW6 6HE
The Little Tug Boat is a small, independent, family-run nursery based in a Victorian house. It caters for children from three months to five years and has a capacity of 37 children.
The nursery prepares meals on site and provides a more intimate environment for young children.
At a glance:
- Ofsted: Good – inspected 8 February 2023
- Age range: 3 months to 5 years
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:30pm
- Open: 51 weeks of the year
- Funding: 15-hour and 30-hour funded places
- Session pattern: Full days rather than half-day sessions
For parents who prefer a smaller setting and need full-day childcare, The Little Tug Boat may be worth considering.
Little People of Fulham
250a Lillie Road, London SW6 7PX
Little People of Fulham is a larger Montessori-inspired day nursery catering for children from three months to five years.
Alongside its early years provision, the nursery offers activities including forest school, swimming, Spanish, yoga and football.
At a glance:
- Ofsted: Good – inspected 26 July 2022
- Age range: 3 months to 5 years
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm
- Funding: 15-hour and 30-hour funded places
- Other options: Childcare vouchers accepted
Its longer opening hours may appeal to working parents, while the range of additional activities may suit families looking for a broader programme alongside the EYFS curriculum.
Beau Peeps Nursery
The Little Tug Boat is an independent nursery in Fulham and is another name that appears in local nursery searches.
The setting is located on Finlay Street and provides early years childcare in a nursery environment.
For parents considering smaller independent nurseries, visiting the setting can be particularly useful. The atmosphere, staff interaction and way children are supported throughout the day can tell you much more than a website alone.
Melrose House Nursery School
Fulham Broadway area
Beau Peeps is an independent nursery with an environment designed with young children’s sensory experiences in mind. Its setting includes features such as magnetic walls, mezzanine areas and an all-weather garden.
The nursery combines the Early Years Foundation Stage with Montessori-inspired ideas and caters for children from around 18 months to five years.
At a glance:
- Age range: Approximately 18 months to 5 years
- Approach: EYFS with Montessori-inspired elements
- Environment: Sensory-focused indoor areas and outdoor space
- Meals: Prepared on site
Parents considering Beau Peeps should check the latest Ofsted information, current opening hours, fees and availability directly with the nursery.
Nursery schools in Fulham
Melrose House Nursery School
55 Finlay Street, London SW6 6HF
Melrose House is an established nursery school with a relatively small intake. Children are divided into two age groups, with Caterpillars for children aged two to three and Butterflies for children aged three to four.
The smaller group structure may appeal to parents looking for a more intimate nursery environment and plenty of individual attention.
At a glance:
- Ofsted: Good – inspected 29 July 2022
- Age range: Approximately 2 to 4 years
- Funding: 15-hour and 30-hour funded places for eligible families
- Provision: Sessional nursery
- Food hygiene: Rated 5 – Very Good, according to the Food Standards Agency inspection in March 2025
If you need childcare for a full working day, check the current session pattern before applying, as this type of nursery provision may not offer the same full-day structure as a day nursery.
Pippa Pop-ins
165 New King’s Road, London SW6 4SN
Pippa Pop-ins is a long-established nursery school in Fulham and is part of the Dukes Education group. It takes children from the age of one and combines the EYFS with Montessori-inspired activities.
The setting places an emphasis on helping children develop confidence and independence while supporting their individual interests and development.
At a glance:
- Ofsted: Good – inspected 6 March 2025
- Age range: From 1 year
- Funding: 15 hours for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds
- Tax-Free Childcare: Accepted
- Locations: There are two nearby New King’s Road settings, including 165 New King’s Road
Fees and session arrangements can vary, so parents should check the latest information directly with the relevant Pippa Pop-ins setting.
Montessori nurseries in Fulham
Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools
Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools has two locations in Fulham and provides Montessori-inspired early years education for children aged two to five.
The Montessori approach generally places an emphasis on independence, practical life skills, sensory learning and allowing children to develop at their own pace within a carefully prepared environment.
Dawmouse is primarily sessional provision, making it potentially more suitable for families who do not require full-day childcare every weekday.
Parents considering Dawmouse should check the current Ofsted information, opening hours, fees and availability for the specific Fulham setting they are interested in.
Caring Hands Nursery & Kindergarten, Fulham
99 Moore Park Road, Fulham, London SW6 2DA
Caring Hands Nursery & Kindergarten is an independent nursery in Fulham providing early years education and childcare for children aged two to five.
Our approach is centred around the Early Years Foundation Stage, while incorporating Montessori-inspired activities and opportunities for children to develop independence, confidence and practical skills.
As a smaller setting, we aim to get to know every child as an individual and understand their interests, personality and stage of development.
What does Caring Hands offer?
Families looking for a nursery in Fulham may find Caring Hands particularly suitable if they are looking for:
- Full-time daycare from Monday to Friday
- Morning and afternoon session options
- 15-hour and 30-hour funded childcare places for eligible families
- EYFS-led early years education
- A smaller nursery environment
- Individual attention and support for children’s development
- Regular outdoor play at a nearby local park
- A different language introduced each month
Caring Hands is registered for 15 children aged two to five, creating a smaller environment where children can build familiar relationships with practitioners and other children.
Caring Hands at a glance:
- Ofsted: Good – inspected 7 December 2021
- Age range: 2 to 5 years
- Capacity: 15 children
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
- Open: 51 weeks a year
- Funding: Eligible 15-hour and 30-hour funded childcare places
- Food hygiene: Rated 5 – Very Good, according to the Food Standards Agency inspection in January 2025
- Staff: Practitioners qualified to Level 3 or above, with first-aid training and enhanced DBS checks
We believe children learn best when they feel secure, listened to and encouraged to explore. That’s why we focus not only on planned learning activities, but also on play, conversation, outdoor experiences and the everyday opportunities that help young children become more independent.
The best way to decide whether Caring Hands is right for your child is to come and see the nursery for yourself.
You can arrange a visit by calling 020 7371 7177 or emailing manager.fulhamcaringhands@hotmail.com.
What is the best nursery in Fulham for a 2-year-old?
Starting nursery at two is a major step for both children and parents. At this age, children are becoming more independent, but they still need plenty of reassurance, familiar faces and responsive adults around them.
When looking for a nursery for a 2-year-old in Fulham, don’t simply compare headline fees or Ofsted ratings. Think about what your child will experience each day.
Settling in
Ask how the nursery introduces new children. Can parents stay for part of the first session? What happens if your child becomes upset?
A good settling-in process should recognise that children respond differently to starting nursery.
The daily routine
Ask what a typical day looks like. How much time is spent playing, learning, eating and being outdoors?
For two-year-olds, there should be plenty of opportunities for child-led play as well as activities planned around their development.
Staff interaction
Watch the practitioners during your visit.
Do they get down to the children’s level? Do they listen when children speak? Do they respond calmly when a child needs help?
These small interactions can tell you a great deal about the atmosphere of a nursery.
Development and EYFS
Ask how the nursery observes children’s development and shares progress with parents.
The Early Years Foundation Stage covers important areas of development, including communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development.
Communication with parents
Find out how you’ll hear about your child’s day.
Some nurseries use apps, while others rely on conversations at collection time, written updates or a mixture of approaches.
Full-time daycare in Fulham
If you’re a working parent, the nursery’s opening hours can be just as important as its educational approach.
A nursery that looks ideal on paper may not work if its hours don’t fit around your commute or working day.
When comparing full-time daycare in Fulham, check:
- What time the nursery opens and closes
- How many weeks of the year it is open
- Planned closure periods
- Whether meals and snacks are included
- How funded hours are structured
- Whether additional charges apply
- What happens if you need occasional changes to your normal sessions
It’s also worth considering the journey. A nursery that is only a few minutes further away may sound insignificant, but that journey happens twice a day, five days a week.
Government-funded nursery places in Fulham
Government-funded childcare can make a significant difference to the cost of early years education for eligible families.
Many nurseries in Fulham offer funded childcare places, including 15-hour and 30-hour arrangements where applicable.
However, the way funded hours are provided can differ between nurseries.
For example, settings may have different rules around:
- Which sessions funded hours can be used for
- Whether funding is offered during term time or stretched across the year
- Meals and other additional charges
- Minimum session requirements
- Availability of funded places
If you’re relying on funded childcare, ask the nursery to explain exactly how the funding works before accepting a place. This will help you understand your actual childcare costs rather than simply comparing the number of funded hours advertised.
How to Choose Between Nurseries in Fulham
There isn’t one nursery that will be perfect for every family.
Instead, create a shortlist based on your own circumstances.
Location
How easy is the nursery to reach from home or work?
A convenient location can make everyday nursery life much easier.
Age range
Check whether the nursery accepts your child’s age and whether they can remain there as they get older.
Sessions
Do you need full-time daycare, part-time care, mornings, afternoons or a combination?
Learning approach
Some parents specifically look for Montessori education, while others prefer a nursery centred around the EYFS or a combination of approaches.
There is no single approach that suits every child. The important thing is understanding how the nursery puts its approach into practice.
Environment
Look around the rooms and outdoor areas.
Are the children engaged? Do they have access to a variety of activities? Is there space for active play as well as quieter activities?
Staff
The relationship between children and practitioners is one of the most important things to consider.
Look for staff who are warm, attentive and interested in the children they are caring for.
Funding and fees
Don’t compare nurseries based only on the advertised headline price.
Ask exactly what is included and whether there are additional costs.
Questions to ask when visiting a nursery
Taking a short list of questions with you can make nursery visits much more useful.
Consider asking:
- What does a typical day look like?
- How do you help children settle into nursery?
- How many children are usually in each group?
- How do you communicate with parents?
- How do you monitor children’s development?
- How much outdoor play do children have each day?
- What happens when the weather is poor?
- Are meals and snacks included?
- How do you manage allergies and dietary requirements?
- What funded childcare options are available?
- Are there any additional charges for funded places?
- What happens if my child needs additional support?
- How often are parents invited to discuss their child’s progress?
- What happens when my child moves on to school?
Don’t be afraid to ask the same questions at every nursery you visit. Comparing like-for-like information makes it much easier to see which setting feels right for your family.
Frequently asked questions about nurseries in Fulham
What are some of the most well-known nurseries in Fulham?
Parents searching for childcare in Fulham may come across settings including Pippa Pop-ins, Little People of Fulham, The Little Tug Boat, Melrose House Nursery School, Beau Peeps and Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools, as well as independent nurseries such as Caring Hands.
The right choice will depend on your child’s age, the sessions you need, your preferred approach to early years education and the environment you feel most comfortable with.
What is the best nursery in Fulham?
There isn’t one nursery that is best for every child.
The best nursery for your family will depend on factors such as your child’s age, the hours you need, location, fees, funding, learning approach and how comfortable you feel with the staff and environment.
Visiting your shortlisted nurseries is one of the best ways to make the final decision.
Which nurseries in Fulham accept 2-year-olds?
A number of nurseries in Fulham accept children from the age of two. Caring Hands Nursery & Kindergarten provides early years education and childcare for children aged two to five.
Availability can change throughout the year, so it’s always worth contacting nurseries directly to ask about current places and waiting lists.
Are there Montessori nurseries in Fulham?
Yes. Parents looking for Montessori-inspired childcare in Fulham can consider settings such as Little People of Fulham and Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools.
Some other nurseries, including Caring Hands, also incorporate Montessori-inspired activities alongside an EYFS-led approach.
Does Caring Hands offer full-time daycare in Fulham?
Yes. Caring Hands offers full-time daycare from Monday to Friday, as well as morning and afternoon session options, subject to availability.
The nursery is open from 8:00am to 6:00pm, 51 weeks of the year.
Does Caring Hands accept government-funded childcare?
Yes. Caring Hands accepts eligible 15-hour and 30-hour funded childcare arrangements, subject to eligibility, availability and the current funding requirements.
Parents should contact the nursery directly to discuss their circumstances and find out how funded hours can be used.
Finding the right nursery in Fulham
There are plenty of nurseries to choose from in Fulham, and the right option will look different for every family.
For some parents, long opening hours will be the priority. Others may prefer a smaller setting, a Montessori-inspired approach, a nursery close to home or flexible morning and afternoon sessions.
Ofsted ratings and fees are useful starting points, but they shouldn’t be the only things you consider. Take time to visit the nursery, talk to the practitioners and, where possible, see how the children interact with the adults around them.
If you’re looking for a nursery in Fulham for children aged 2 to 5, Caring Hands Nursery & Kindergarten would be happy to show you around and answer any questions you have.
We’re based at 99 Moore Park Road, Fulham, London SW6 2DA, and offer EYFS-led childcare, full-time daycare, flexible sessions and eligible 15-hour and 30-hour funded childcare places.
Call us on 020 7371 7177 or email manager.fulhamcaringhands@hotmail.com to arrange a visit.