Choosing your child’s first school is one of the biggest decisions a parent makes, and often the first. In North London, where there are many excellent nurseries within a short distance of one another, the choice can feel overwhelming. The good news is that the right nursery usually becomes clear once you know what to look for. Here is a simple guide to help you decide with confidence.

Start with the atmosphere, not the prospectus

A prospectus tells you what a school offers; a visit tells you how it feels. When you walk in, notice the atmosphere. Are the children absorbed and happy? Is the tone calm and warm rather than rushed? Do staff know each child by name? At the early-years stage, a settled, nurturing environment matters more than any single facility. Trust your instinct about whether your child would feel safe and known there.

Look at the size of the school

Smaller nurseries can offer something larger settings find harder to replicate: staff who genuinely know every child, gentle transitions between year groups, and a real sense of community among families. Ask how many children are in each class and what the adult-to-child ratio is. A small, personal setting often means your child is seen as an individual rather than one of a crowd.

Ask about the approach to learning

In the early years, children learn best through play, exploration and outdoor time — not through being pushed too soon. Ask how the nursery balances structured learning with free play, how it uses outdoor space, and how it prepares children for the next stage.

Think about the practical fit

• Location and the daily journey — is it realistic for your family?
• Flexibility of hours — mornings, lunch cover, or full days?
• Wraparound care — after-school and holiday clubs if you need them.
• Where children go next — does the school prepare and support families for the move to their next school?

Visit, and visit again

The best way to choose is to see a school in action. Book a tour, meet the staff, and ask everything you want to know. If it feels right on the day, that instinct is usually worth listening to.

Annemount School has welcomed young children in Hampstead Garden Suburb since 1936. We’re a small, warm nursery and pre-prep where every child is known as an individual.

We’d love to show you around — book a visit to see the school for yourself.