Community nursery in the heart of London with over 600sqm of wooded garden
The most important classroom has the sky for its ceiling
Collingham Gardens nursery is a non-profit community nursery run by parents for 24 inner-city children in the heart of Bloomsbury, just a 5-minute walk from Kings Cross. Founded in 1983, it is built around a magical, semi-wild garden.
Most days at Collingham Gardens are spent playing and exploring outside whatever the weather. Our ethos is inspired by one of the great pioneers of nursery education Margaret McMillan: ‘The most important classroom has the sky for its ceiling’.
The nursery emphasises the importance of children discovering and learning through their own interests and choice of play. Staff are here to observe each child and then provide support, or extend their play-led learning.
Childhood, as it is meant to be.
Community-based
We are more than just a nursery where you drop your kids off and pick them up at the end of the day. Parents are core to the running and administration.
Outdoor play
Our nursery is situated in a large, magical outdoor garden space and we are inspired by the Forest School Approach.
Small groups
Collingham Gardens is home to just 24 children, from a variety of backgrounds, aged 2 to 5, allowing them the space to grow and expand their confidence.
Innovative education
Our setting features a unique educational ethos, combining the Forest School Approach with elements of Steiner and Reggio Emilia.
Unique location
We are located in the heart of Central London, just a 5-minute walk from Kings Cross.
Exceptional Care
Our core staff have been with the nursery for years and provide the perfect combination of warmth and care for the development of young children.
Parent Reviews
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“The teachers are wonderful and our daughter is so confident since being there. It's also a really nice size - not big at all, so all of the kids know each other, and as a parent, there are opportunities for getting involved and meeting the other parents. It has much more of a community feel than other nurseries I know about. It isn't at all 'corporate', which I really like. I thoroughly recommend this nursery, it's great.”
Sophie (March 2025)
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“Lovely nursery, with brilliant staff and an amazing green space for the children to enjoy. Forest-school type of curriculum where the children thrive. The place has only 2 classrooms and relatively small number of children, which makes the care of the staff very personal.”
Sebastian (March 2025)