Nurseries in Islington
Islington is a central London borough known for its vibrant neighbourhoods, cultural venues, independent shops and excellent transport links. Postcodes EC1, N1, N5 and N7 cover areas including Angel, Highbury, Holloway, Clerkenwell and Barnsbury. With a large population of young professionals and growing families, childcare places are in high demand, particularly around Angel and Highbury. Islington benefits from the Northern, Victoria and Piccadilly lines, Overground stations, extensive bus routes and cycle networks. Families enjoy parks, libraries, markets and community centres. Its blend of lively high streets, accessible green spaces and strong early years settings makes Islington an attractive borough for parents seeking central yet family-friendly childcare options.
Market insights for Islington
Parents in Islington typically pay £111 per day for childcare, which is significantly 47% higher than the UK average of £75 per day. This pricing reflects local market conditions, including operational costs, demand levels, and regional economic factors that influence childcare provision. With 8,385 childcare places available across Islington, families have a range of options to consider. Understanding these market insights helps parents make informed decisions about childcare costs and availability in Islington.
- Average daily cost
- £111
- Comparison
- +47% vs UK average
- Total capacity
- 8,385 places
Nurseries near you in Islington
- Clerkenwell Mount Day Nursery
- Muswell Hill Preschool
- Bright Horizons New Southgate Day Nursery and Preschool
- Islington Square Day Nursery & Preschool
- Bright Horizons North Finchley Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Floral Place Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Palmers Green Day Nursery And Pre School
- Bright Horizons Salcombe Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Southgate Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Stoke Newington Day Nursery and Preschool
- Bright Horizons Highbury Day Nursery
- Bright Horizons Mount Carmel Day Nursery and Preschool
- Smithfield House Children's Nursery
- 1a Nursery
- Newpark Montessori Nursery School
- The Co-operative Childcare Islington
- Kido Clerkenwell
- Moreland Primary School 0-2 Provision
- King Square Community Nursery at Rahere House
- Golden Lane Childrens Centre
- Fun In The Forest
- Monkey Puzzle Muswell Hill
- Gan on the Hill
- Kidz Kabin @ Fortismere
- Debutots at Muswell Hill Methodist Church
- 345 Pages Lane
- Rosemount Nursery
- Abi Nursery
- Kidz Kabin Pembroke Studios
- The Playhouse Nursery
Frequently asked questions
In Islington, children can start private nursery from around 3 months old. Funded early education begins the term after a child’s 3rd birthday, with some younger children eligible earlier based on working-parent criteria or household circumstances.
In England, all 3 and 4-year-olds can receive 15 hours of funded early education per week during term time, with many working families eligible for up to 30 hours. There is also funded support for some 2-year-olds based on household circumstances, and entitlement for working parents of children from 9 months old to receive 30 hours per week for eligible families. The exact offer and start dates depend on your child’s age, your work status and when their birthday falls in the school year. Families can also benefit from Tax-Free Childcare if both working parents earn less than £100k per year. For every £8 a parent pays into their online childcare account, the government adds an extra £2 up to a maximum of £2,000 per child per year.
Nursery fees in Islington generally fall between **£95–£165 per day**, particularly in Angel, Barnsbury and Highbury where demand is highest.
Nurseries in Islington are regulated by **Ofsted**, with early years funding administered by **Islington Council**.
Ask about outdoor play, waiting lists, learning approach, how funded hours are allocated and any top-up fees common in central London areas.
Applying for funding
Islington is covered by Islington, the local authority for this area. Search their website for early years funding to apply.
Visit the Islington websiteThe UK's nursery search platform, built for modern parents
Find nurseries near you
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Work out what you'll pay
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