Welcome to La Petite Nursery in North Maida Vale, NW6

La Petite Nursery is an early years setting in the heart of North Maida Vale, North West London, caring for children from 3 months to 5 years.

Based at 12 Cambridge Gardens, London NW6 5AY, we have created a nursery that feels warm, welcoming and personal. We want children to feel happy and secure here, and parents to feel confident that their child is known, understood and genuinely cared for.

Our approach to early education brings together ideas from Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Steiner and Forest School, alongside the EYFS and our Jewish values and traditions. But above all, we recognise that every child is different. We take the time to get to know each child and support them as they grow in confidence, independence and curiosity.

A Jewish Nursery in the Heart of North Maida Vale

We are fortunate to be based in such a wonderful part of North West London.

North Maida Vale sits close to Maida Vale, Queen's Park, Kilburn, West Hampstead and Little Venice, making La Petite easily accessible to families from across the local area. We are also just a five minutes walk from Naima JPS, which is especially convenient for families dropping off an older sibling at school before coming to nursery.

With the Bakerloo line nearby, our location also works well for parents commuting into central London.

Our surroundings become part of nursery life too. With places such as Paddington Recreation Ground, Queen's Park and the canals of Little Venice nearby, children are growing up in a lively and diverse part of London with plenty to discover.

Inside the nursery, our rooms have been designed around the different stages of children's development, while our outdoor garden gives children space to explore, grow vegetables, get messy and enjoy being outside.

We want La Petite to feel connected to the community around us, rather than simply being a nursery that happens to be based here.

Caring for Babies From 3 Months Old

We welcome babies from just 3 months old, and we understand what a big step starting nursery can be for the whole family.

Our Dreamers and Explorers rooms have been created with our youngest children in mind. Our team takes time to understand each baby's individual routine, including feeding, sleep, comfort and the little things that help them feel settled.

We also work closely with parents during the settling-in period. Babies don't arrive with identical routines, and we don't expect them to. Getting to know your baby properly is an important part of helping them feel safe and happy with us.

As they become more confident, we gently introduce new experiences and give them plenty of opportunities to explore the world around them.

Fresh Food Prepared by Our In-House Chefs

Food is an important part of the day at La Petite.

We have two dedicated in-house chefs who prepare fresh, nutritionist-approved kosher meals for the children. Meals are cooked at the nursery rather than simply reheated, so children can enjoy fresh food as part of their daily routine.

For babies who are beginning to wean, we work with parents to create an approach that suits their stage of development. New flavours and textures are introduced gradually, with support from our chefs and nursery team.

As children grow, they move naturally towards our main nursery menu.

We also see mealtimes as an opportunity for learning. Sitting together gives children the chance to talk, try new foods, practise using cutlery and develop independence in a relaxed environment.

An Early Years Curriculum Built Around the Child

Children learn best when they are interested, involved and enjoying what they are doing.

Our curriculum is rooted in the EYFS and enriched by elements of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Steiner and Forest School practice. Jewish heritage, traditions and values are also an important part of nursery life.

Rather than following the same activities for every child, our teachers observe what children are interested in and use those interests to extend their learning.

That might mean counting vegetables while gardening, developing fine motor skills while preparing food, discovering insects outdoors or building language through stories and imaginative play.

There is purpose behind what we do, but childhood should still feel like childhood. There is plenty of room for play, imagination, laughter and unexpected discoveries.

Weekly Activities at La Petite

Children enjoy a varied programme of activities throughout the week as part of their normal nursery experience. Our weekly programme includes Hebrew music sessions with our specialist teacher, Zahavi, as well as yoga, gardening and cooking.

Friday is particularly special at La Petite, when we come together for Kabbalat Shabbat. Children also learn about Jewish festivals and traditions throughout the year through music, stories, food and creative activities.

Our garden is another important part of nursery life. Children can plant and grow vegetables, observe how things change through the seasons and experience the satisfaction of caring for something themselves.

These experiences aren't treated as occasional extras. They are woven naturally into children's week. See more about our extracurricular activity: here.

From Baby Room to Starting School

One of the loveliest things about running a nursery for children from 3 months to 5 years is being able to watch them grow. Some children arrive with us as tiny babies and stay until it is time to put on their school uniform for the first time.

During those years, our focus gradually changes with them. Babies need security, consistency and close relationships. Toddlers are discovering independence and testing what they can do. Older children are developing the confidence, communication and practical skills that will help them when they begin school.

Children who have attended La Petite have gone on to schools including Arnold House, Chepstow House, Naima Jewish Preparatory School, UCS Pre-Prep, North Bridge House and Bassett House.

School readiness matters to us, but it isn't simply about preparing children academically. We want children to leave La Petite able to communicate, make friends, ask questions, try things for themselves and approach their next adventure with confidence.

Our Ofsted Inspection

Our Ofsted inspection recognised children who are happy and thriving, engaged staff and a well-planned curriculum that responds to children's interests.The inspection also highlighted areas including our outdoor provision, opportunities for independent learning and the expectations our team has for the children in our care.

We are proud of that recognition, while continuing to reflect on how we can make children's experiences at La Petite even better.

Since our last inspection, La Petite Nursery has moved to a new premises. This move triggered a new Ofsted registration and inspection process, and we are currently awaiting our next inspection, which may take place at any time.

Nursery Opening Hours

La Petite Nursery is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, helping families balance nursery life with work and other commitments. On Fridays, we close at 1pm.

For many of our Jewish families, this gives everyone time to prepare for Shabbat without rushing at the end of the day. Friday afternoons are also valuable for our nursery team. We use this time for planning, staff meetings, professional development and training. Giving our teachers dedicated time to reflect and prepare helps us maintain the quality of care and education we provide throughout the week.

Come and Visit La Petite Nursery

Choosing a nursery is a very personal decision, and a website can only tell you so much.

The best way to decide whether La Petite feels right for your family is to come and spend some time with us.

We would love to show you around the nursery, introduce you to our team and give you the opportunity to see our rooms and garden for yourself. You can also ask us about settling in, routines, meals, our curriculum or anything else that is important to your family.

La Petite Nursery

12 Cambridge Gardens North Maida ValeLondon NW6 5AY

Call us: 07506 394305

You can also complete our contact form and a member of the team will be in touch within 24 hours.

We look forward to meeting you and your family.