The Norwegian Kindergarten In London: Nursery Review

A mini forest, a mud kitchen and two languages give childhood a distinctive rhythm here. The Norwegian Kindergarten In London provides education for children aged 2–6, with a maximum of 26 places. It shares a building and outdoor playground with The Norwegian School in London, but operates as a separate legal entity. Shared premises mean regular contact with older children, rather than an isolated nursery world.

Families need neither Norwegian language skills nor a connection to Norway to join. English and Norwegian are used during everyday activities, making bilingual learning part of play and conversation.

Free play alternates with organised activities inside and outdoors. The mini forest provides trees to climb, while the mud kitchen gives children space to invent and experiment. Tuesday brings a music educator; Wednesday brings a longer outing to places including Cannizaro Park and the Commons. Books, craft projects and puzzles offer quieter alternatives. The pre-school group also has weekly sessions covering literacy, mathematics and personal, social and health education.

The Norwegian Framework Plan for Kindergartens shapes the curriculum. In parent terms, learning happens through conversation, movement, creative work and exploration, with English and Norwegian used together. EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements also apply to the provision. These concern children's safety and care.

In September 2025, staff supported children's development in both languages effectively, including those who initially spoke only one. There was a clear curriculum weakness, however: some learning areas lacked a sufficiently ordered sequence of knowledge across the age groups. Activities could take precedence over what children should learn next. Families should weigh the appealing experiences alongside that concern about progression.

Settling sessions give new children time to form relationships, with staff observing their responses and working alongside parents. Each group has a qualified preschool teacher or someone with equivalent qualifications. A key person completes the two-year-old progress check, giving families a focused opportunity to discuss development.

Communication includes weekly emails and termly parent-teacher meetings. Alle Med assessments track development each term. For children with SEND, Individual Support Plans are developed with parents and normally reviewed twice per term. Standard provision does not include one-to-one support: whether it can be provided as a reasonable adjustment is assessed individually.

Lunch is at 11am, followed by fruit and vegetable snacks around 2pm. A charged cold buffet is served on Mondays and Fridays; families pack lunch on the other days. Nuts cannot be brought in. Children staying beyond 3:30pm need an extra snack. Rest or sleep follows lunch or the fruit snack according to individual needs, with calming music in a darkened room.

In September 2025, children settled readily and received effective help with dressing, toileting and eating; the provision met EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements. Everyday independence receives practical attention.

Attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal route and meet the relevant deadline. Treat choosing this kindergarten and securing the next school place as separate decisions.

Preparation covers children moving to an English Reception class or later to The Norwegian School. Children become familiar with school and after-school care, with additional language support where needed. For children with SEND, transition arrangements can include visits, meetings, visual supports and information sharing with parental consent. These support continuity of care, rather than an admissions advantage.

Standard hours are 8:30am–3:30pm Monday to Thursday and 8am–2:30pm Friday. Charged extended care runs 8am–5pm Monday to Thursday. Full-time attendance and part-time patterns of two, three or four days are offered; children aged five and over must attend full time. Limited funded-only places are offered. Contact the kindergarten for current charges, including meals and extended care.

Labelled waterproof clothing, wellies and indoor slippers suit the daily outdoor routine. For enquiries or a private tour, email mail@norwegiankindergarten.org.uk or telephone 020 8947 7983. The entrance at 28 Arterberry Road is shared with The Norwegian School in London.

Physical access. The kindergarten occupies two floors, has a step between the garden and ground floor, and its toilets are not wheelchair accessible. Families with mobility needs should consider these constraints alongside the individual assessment of adjustments.