N Family Club, East Dulwich

A former bowling green gives N Family Club, East Dulwich its defining feature: an expansive garden with separate space for babies and a messy play zone. Inside the former Dulwich Constitutional Club, a restored Grade II listed Victorian redbrick building, eleven playrooms and an atelier provide space for indoor activities too.

Children aged 3 to 60 months are accepted, with 186 places in total. No Ofsted inspection has been published for this setting yet.

The garden has an independent baby area alongside a designated messy play zone. Forest School-inspired activities form part of outdoor learning here: an approach centred on learning outdoors, rather than a claim that the nursery runs a separate Forest School programme.

The group-wide N Curriculum includes Forest School-inspired outdoor activities at East Dulwich.

Meals are prepared and cooked at the nursery, making food part of the daily care arrangements. Private-day fees include drinks, food and consumables, so these essentials sit within the day rate rather than separate private-day charges.

A Front Of House Manager role supports communication with families. N Café also provides a place for parents to have a drink or snack and meet other nursery families, giving the building a use beyond children's sessions.

Sessions and Attendance

The standard day runs from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; an extended day from 7am to 7pm is offered subject to availability. The minimum booking is three full days each week, including either Monday or Friday. Places run across 51 weeks, so this is an attendance commitment across the year.

Extra ad hoc days can be purchased subject to availability, with bookings made no more than two weeks ahead. Monthly payments cover bank holidays and inset days despite closure; sickness and holidays do not attract refunds.

Getting There

The address is 33 East Dulwich Grove, East Dulwich, SE22 8PW. East Dulwich train station is just 6 minutes walk away, and buggy, scooter and bike storage allows families to leave these at the nursery.

Funding and Paid Extras

Both 15 and 30 hours Early Years Funding Entitlement are offered for eligible children, stretched across the year. Additional private days use an inclusive rate; during funded hours, food and non-food consumables have age-dependent charges, with no charge in some age bands, and families receiving funding may opt out of additional charges.

Current prices come in the nursery's written quotation. A waiting-list registration payment becomes a non-refundable joining payment when a place is accepted; a separate place acceptance payment is credited against the final invoice.

• Weekly commitment. Three full days, including Monday or Friday, is the minimum plan. Compare that pattern with your working week before joining.
• Funded costs. Food, consumables and activity charges depend on the funded arrangement. Request an itemised quotation showing your child's age band and any opt-out choices.
• Baby care. With a separate baby garden area, a visit can concentrate on how outdoor time, sleep and settling fit your child's routine. Ask how their key person will manage that transition.

East Dulwich suits families choosing either full days on the standard day plan or extended days who can commit to the minimum weekly pattern. The former bowling-green garden, baby area and practical storage are tangible reasons to consider it. The funded charge structure deserves close attention before accepting a place.