Nurseries in City of London
The City of London has 10 early-years settings and 350 places in all. By type: day nurseries 6, independent schools with early years provision 2, pre-schools 1 and school nursery classes 1. Postcode districts covered are EC1A, EC1M, EC2Y, EC3A, EC4A and EC4M, and the stations nearest to the settings include Barbican 3, Aldgate 2, Moorgate 2 and St. Paul's 1.
Inspection results are quick to read. New-style Ofsted report cards: 3, with 1 strong in at least 4 of 6 areas. Among settings still showing a previous-framework grade, Outstanding 0 and Good 4. Awaiting a first inspection: 0.
If you cannot find the right fit here, widen your search to the surrounding boroughs from the London nurseries page. Whichever you choose, check the fees for the City of London and the funded-hours routes before you book a visit.
City of London in numbers
10
early-years settings
- Day nurseries
- 6
- Independent schools (early years)
- 2
- Pre-schools
- 1
- School nursery classes
- 1
- Registered places
- 350
New Ofsted report cards
- Inspected under report cards
- 3
- Strong or exceptional in at least 4 of 6 areas
- 1
- Safeguarding standards not met
- 0
Report cards began in November 2025, so most settings still hold a grade from the previous framework.
Previous framework grades
- Outstanding
- 0
- Good
- 4
- Requires improvement
- 0
- Inadequate
- 0
- Not yet inspected
- 0
Every setting in City of London
10 of 10 settings in City of London
| Setting | Postcode | Places | Ofsted inspection | Nearest station |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barbican PlaygroupPre-schoolOfsted report for Barbican Playgroup | EC2Y | 20 places | Strong in 2 of 6 areas | Moorgate 210 m |
| Charterhouse Square SchoolIndependent school (early years) | EC1M | — | School inspection | Barbican 20 m |
| Childcare at The Aldgate SchoolDay nurseryOfsted report for Childcare at The Aldgate School | EC3A | 16 places | Good | Aldgate 140 m |
| City Child NurseryDay nurseryOfsted report for City Child Nursery | EC2Y | 56 places | Expected standard in all 6 areas | Barbican 250 m |
| Hatching Dragons CityDay nurseryOfsted report for Hatching Dragons City | EC2Y | 60 places | Good | Barbican 280 m |
| Newpark Childcare CentreDay nurseryOfsted report for Newpark Childcare Centre | EC2Y | 26 places | Strong in 5 of 6 areas | Moorgate 310 m |
| Smithfield House Children's NurseryDay nurseryOfsted report for Smithfield House Children's Nursery | EC1A | 100 places | Good | Farringdon 310 m |
| St Paul's Cathedral SchoolIndependent school (early years) | EC4M | — | School inspection | St. Paul's 130 m |
| The Aldgate SchoolSchool nursery classOfsted report for The Aldgate School | EC3A | — | Early years: Good | Aldgate 140 m |
| The Children's Centre Goldman SachsDay nurseryOfsted report for The Children's Centre Goldman Sachs | EC4A | 72 places | Good | City Thameslink 150 m |
No settings match these filters.
Map
Settings by postcode district
- EC1A 1 setting
- EC1M 1 setting
- EC2Y 4 settings
- EC3A 2 settings
- EC4A 1 setting
- EC4M 1 setting
Fees
| Average weekly price (nurseries) | Inner London | Outer London | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 2 | |||
| 25 hours a week, no funded hours | £238.01 | £216.94 | £188.75 |
| 50 hours a week, after 30 funded hours | £185.10 | £171.39 | £148.82 |
| Age 2 | |||
| 25 hours a week, no funded hours | £222.18 | £213.99 | £174.85 |
| 25 hours a week, after 15 funded hours (extra-support 2-year-olds) | £88.87 | £85.60 | £69.94 |
| 50 hours a week, after 30 funded hours | £180.69 | £172.62 | £140.72 |
| Age 3 and 4 | |||
| 25 hours a week, after 15 universal funded hours | £86.54 | £82.67 | £67.20 |
| 50 hours a week, after 30 funded hours | £179.13 | £158.31 | £132.72 |
Free childcare in City of London
- Working parents (from 9 months)
- Apply on GOV.UK for an 11-digit code and give it to your provider; re-confirm every 3 months. Apply on GOV.UK
- 2-year-olds with extra support
- Apply through the council. The council page explains who to contact; no separate online form was found. Apply
- All 3 and 4-year-olds (15 hours)
- No application to the council: speak to your chosen provider.
City of London Family Information Service
Checked against the council website on 22 October 2026.
More in City of London
Nurseries in City of London: questions
How big is the early-years choice in the City of London?
The City of London has 10 early-years settings with 350 places between them. Day nurseries: 6 of the 10.
Are any City of London nurseries rated Outstanding?
Under the previous Ofsted framework, Outstanding 0 and Good 4. New report cards: 3, with 1 strong in at least 4 of 6 areas. Highest-rated lists need at least 3 qualifying settings in an area.
How do I get funded childcare hours in the City of London?
For working-parent hours, apply on GOV.UK for an 11-digit code and give it to your provider; you re-confirm it every 3 months. Two-year-old hours based on benefits go through the council, and every 3 and 4-year-old can get free hours by speaking to a provider. The City of London Family Information Service page sets out local offers; check GOV.UK for current rules because some council wording is older. See the City of London funding page.
Are there childminders in the City of London?
The Ofsted data we hold counts 0 registered childminders in the City of London. Childminders in neighbouring boroughs may still suit your commute; the childminders guide explains how to check a childminder's registration and latest report.
Which stations are closest to City of London nurseries?
Settings by nearest station: Barbican 3, Aldgate 2, Moorgate 2, St. Paul's 1, City Thameslink 1 and Farringdon 1. Use these as a starting point, then confirm walking time on a map.