Thomas Coram Centre stands in the heart of historic Bloomsbury, continuing a nearly 300-year legacy of compassionate care for children that began when Captain Thomas Coram founded the world's first incorporated charity at this site in 1739. This Outstanding-rated maintained nursery school serves children aged 2 to 5, offering high-quality early years education in purpose-built classrooms, a large playground, and landscaped gardens at 49 Mecklenburgh Square. Led by headteacher Ms Perina Holness and a team of qualified teachers and experienced early years practitioners, the nursery has maintained its Outstanding Ofsted rating continuously since 2012, with the most recent inspection in May 2024 reaffirming this exceptional standard. Camden's only maintained nursery, Thomas Coram Centre welcomes up to 116 children in a multicultural environment where inclusion sits at the heart of the mission, with up to 20 per cent of places reserved for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The Centre's educational philosophy is captured in its guiding principle: "Play is the highest form of research," attributed to Albert Einstein. This commitment to play-based learning reflects a deep understanding of early childhood development, where exploration, creativity, and imaginative play form the foundation of all learning. The nursery consciously works to break down gender stereotypes and foster an inclusive environment where all children can thrive regardless of background or ability.
The site itself carries profound historical significance. In 1739, Captain Thomas Coram secured a Royal Charter from King George II to establish the Foundling Hospital in the fields around Bloomsbury, creating a refuge for abandoned children on London's streets. Over three centuries, more than 25,000 children were cared for by the institution. The original hospital became a cultural landmark, with artist William Hogarth serving as a governor and donating works, and composer George Frideric Handel conducting annual performances of Messiah to raise funds. The hospital relocated in the 1950s and evolved into the Thomas Coram Foundation for Children, but the Bloomsbury site has remained a special place for children. Part of the original grounds now houses Coram's Fields, a seven-acre children's park that refuses entry to adults unaccompanied by children.
Today's Thomas Coram Centre inherits this tradition of child-centred care and innovation. Parents describe an atmosphere that is both nurturing and stimulating, with staff who understand that young children learn best through hands-on exploration. The nursery serves a diverse community that reflects the multicultural character of the King's Cross and Bloomsbury areas, creating a rich tapestry of languages, cultures, and experiences within the setting.
As a nursery school, Thomas Coram Centre does not participate in statutory Key Stage assessments, but its Outstanding Ofsted rating speaks to the quality of early years provision. Inspectors have consistently praised the nursery's ability to help children make substantial progress at all levels, with most exceeding age-expected standards by the time they leave.
The curriculum is designed around the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, with a strong emphasis on learning through play. Children benefit from access to two airy wings of purpose-built classrooms, each equipped with resources that support exploration across all areas of learning. The setting balances structured activities with child-led play, allowing young learners to develop independence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.
Staff at Thomas Coram Centre include qualified teachers and experienced early years practitioners, ensuring that children receive expert guidance tailored to their developmental stage. The pupil-to-teacher ratio of 21:1 allows for meaningful interactions, though this figure includes all staff working with children throughout the day. Expenditure per pupil stands at £17,151, reflecting the nursery's commitment to high-quality provision and specialist support.
A significant strength of the Centre is its inclusion provision. With up to 20 per cent of places reserved for children with special educational needs and disabilities, the nursery has developed considerable expertise in supporting a wide range of needs. Staff work closely with families and external specialists to ensure that every child has access to appropriate support and can participate fully in nursery life. This inclusive ethos means that children of all abilities learn alongside one another, fostering empathy, understanding, and respect from the earliest years.
The nursery operates from 8.30am to 5.30pm, 44 weeks a year, offering flexibility for working families. With around 116 to 123 children on roll, the setting is large enough to provide a vibrant community but small enough for staff to know each child and family well.
Facilities include the two purpose-built classroom wings and an extensive outdoor area that is a particular highlight. Parents praise the outdoor space, which features paddling pools, a small hill, climbing poles, and landscaped gardens. This well-resourced playground allows children to engage in physical play, take calculated risks, and connect with nature throughout the year. The nursery's website mentions Forest School provision, suggesting structured outdoor learning sessions that encourage exploration, resilience, and environmental awareness.
The nursery's location in Mecklenburgh Square places it in one of London's most historic and culturally rich neighbourhoods. The nearby Foundling Museum preserves the heritage of Captain Thomas Coram's original hospital, and Coram's Fields offers additional green space where families can spend time together.
Thomas Coram Centre's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is evident not only in its admissions policy but in the day-to-day life of the nursery. Children are encouraged to express themselves, celebrate their identities, and learn about the diverse world around them. The nursery maintains regular communication with families through newsletters and the ParentHub platform, ensuring that parents are partners in their children's learning journey.
Nursery admissions at Thomas Coram Centre are managed directly by the school, rather than through Camden Council's central admissions system. Parents should contact the nursery at admin@thomascoram.camden.sch.uk to enquire about available places and the application process. The nursery serves children aged 2 to 5, and applications are typically considered on a rolling basis, though early contact is advisable given the nursery's strong reputation.
As Camden's only maintained nursery school, Thomas Coram Centre occupies a unique position in the local early years landscape. Maintained nursery schools are state-funded settings led by qualified headteachers and staffed by qualified teachers, offering an alternative to private nurseries and school-based nursery classes. These settings are relatively rare, and the combination of Outstanding Ofsted ratings, specialist leadership, and the commitment to inclusion makes Thomas Coram Centre a sought-after option for families in the area.
Parents should be aware that attendance at the nursery does not guarantee a place at any particular primary school. Children transitioning from nursery to Reception must apply through Camden Council's primary admissions process, with the deadline for September 2026 Reception places falling on 15 January 2026. Families should visit Camden Council's school admissions website to understand catchment areas, oversubscription criteria, and the application timeline for their preferred primary schools.
The nursery's central Bloomsbury location and Outstanding rating mean that competition for places is likely to be strong. Families interested in applying are encouraged to visit the nursery, meet the staff, and discuss their child's needs and the family's requirements regarding hours and funding.
Thomas Coram Centre offers a rare combination of historical heritage, educational excellence, and inclusive values. As Camden's only maintained nursery school, it provides a quality of early years education that is hard to match, with qualified teachers, specialist leadership, and a commitment to helping every child thrive. The Outstanding Ofsted rating, sustained over more than a decade, reflects consistent high standards, and the nursery's reputation in the local community speaks to the trust parents place in the setting.
For families seeking an inclusive, play-based nursery with a strong educational foundation, Thomas Coram Centre is an excellent choice. Children with special educational needs and disabilities will find a particularly welcoming and supportive environment, with staff who have deep expertise in early years inclusion. The outdoor facilities are a standout feature, offering rich opportunities for physical development, creativity, and connection with nature in the heart of the city.
The nursery's location in historic Bloomsbury places children in a culturally vibrant neighbourhood, and the legacy of Captain Thomas Coram's compassionate vision for vulnerable children remains alive in the Centre's values today. Parents who value a multicultural setting, expert early years teaching, and a genuine commitment to equality and inclusion will find Thomas Coram Centre a compelling option.
Prospective families should contact the nursery early to discuss availability, as places at this Outstanding setting are likely to be in demand. For those fortunate enough to secure a place, Thomas Coram Centre offers an exceptional start to a child's educational journey, grounded in play, nurtured by expertise, and enriched by a heritage of care that spans nearly three centuries.
Yes, Thomas Coram Centre is an Outstanding nursery school, rated as such by Ofsted continuously since 2012, with the most recent inspection in May 2024 reaffirming this judgement. It is Camden's only maintained nursery, led by a specialist headteacher and staffed by qualified teachers and experienced early years practitioners. Children make substantial progress and most exceed age-expected standards by the time they leave. The nursery's commitment to inclusion, with up to 20 per cent of places reserved for children with special educational needs, and its excellent outdoor facilities make it a particularly strong choice for families seeking high-quality early years education.
Applications are managed directly by the nursery, not through Camden Council's central admissions system. Parents should contact Thomas Coram Centre at admin@thomascoram.camden.sch.uk or call 020 7520 0385 to enquire about available places and the application process. The nursery offers places for children aged 2 to 5, operating from 8.30am to 5.30pm, 44 weeks a year. Early contact is advisable given the nursery's Outstanding rating and strong local reputation.
No. There is no automatic right of entry to any primary school for children attending the nursery. Families must apply separately for Reception places through Camden Council's primary admissions system. The deadline for September 2026 Reception applications is 15 January 2026. Parents should research primary schools early, understand catchment areas and oversubscription criteria, and submit applications through the council's online system.
The nursery is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm, 44 weeks a year, offering flexibility for working families. As a maintained nursery school, it is state-funded, and eligible families can access government early years funding for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds. Parents should contact the nursery directly to discuss their child's eligibility, funding arrangements, and the hours available.
The nursery positively welcomes children of all abilities and reserves up to 20 per cent of places for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Inclusion is at the forefront of the Centre's philosophy, and staff have considerable expertise in supporting a wide range of needs. Families with children who have SEND are encouraged to contact the nursery to discuss their child's specific requirements and the support available.
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