They say it takes a village to raise a child – but a great childcare service is the next best thing, especially when the “village” is just us, an espresso machine, and a to-do list that never ends.
Finding the right place for your little one is about trust, peace of mind, and knowing they’re in a space that feels just as nurturing as home (minus the crayon-covered walls).
We’ve done the legwork to find the best childcare services in London, from nurseries that actually feel warm and welcoming to professional nannies who somehow manage to keep both kids and parents happy.
So if you need full-time care, an extra hand during the week, or just a break from hearing Cocomelon on repeat, these services have you covered.
How much do childcare services cost in London?
The cost of childcare services in London depends on the type of childcare service. For example, a full-time nursery stay costs around $280 to $305 per week, while an after-school club costs around $69.14 per week. The final cost depends on various factors, including the childcare provider and the child’s age.
How We Chose
- Safety and Licensing – We checked whether each childcare provider meets the necessary licensing requirements in London. We also looked into their safety protocols to make sure that they have secure premises, vetted staff, and proper emergency procedures.
- Staff Qualifications and Experience – We verified staff credentials by reviewing qualifications, training, and years of experience in childcare. We also considered whether providers had specialists for different age groups, including early childhood educators.
- Curriculum and Activities – We evaluated the learning programs and activities offered, whether they focus on structured education, play-based learning, or a balance of both.
- Flexibility and Availability – We assessed the operating hours, availability of part-time or full-time care, and how accommodating they are for working parents. We also checked if they offer flexible scheduling, drop-in services, or extended hours.
1. Little Ones (UK) Ltd
Location: 3 Hanson St.
Contact: +44 20 7183 0309
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
We finally bit the bullet and used Little Ones (UK) Ltd. to find some help with the kids.
Their range of services is pretty comprehensive – everything from nannies and after-school care to housekeepers and au pairs. That was a plus for us, because we weren’t entirely sure what we needed at first, and it was good to know they had options.
What really stood out to us was how thorough their vetting process is. Seriously, we felt so much more comfortable knowing that every potential nanny goes through a face-to-face interview. The company also checks references and requires Paediatric First Aid certification.
As parents, safety is our absolute non-negotiable, so seeing that they were just as serious about it as we are was a huge relief.
We also have to give a shout-out to their consultants. They were fantastic! Really experienced and bilingual, which was a bonus.
Now, the downside: Little Ones is definitely pricey. Let’s just say we experienced some sticker shock. It’s a trade-off – great service and peace of mind, but it comes at a cost.
Goes the extra mile to ensure quality service
“Maya is brilliant she is extremely professional and dedicated, always willing to go the extra mile. She has the unique quality of being able to seamlessly match families with staff and each placement is a resounding success. I urge everyone to give Maya a call, you will not regret it!”
Makes finding the right family effortless
“Wonderful agency to work with! Elliott made the process of finding a family to nanny for incredibly easy. They were professional, communicative, and supportive throughout the entire process. I would definitely recommend!!”
Elyse, Google Review
2. Koru Kids
Location: 128 City Rd
Contact: +44 20 8050 5678
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
We’ve tried our fair share of nanny-hiring platforms, and Koru Kids definitely stands out for making the whole process way easier than we expected.
What really won us over is how simple it is to use. We could search, message, and set up interviews without jumping through hoops. This isn’t always the case with these kinds of services, so that’s a huge advantage for us.
They’ve got options for after-school nannies, full-day care for little ones, and even summer holiday. This flexibility makes it a convenient choice for families with varying childcare needs.
Another big plus is that Koru Kids takes care of all the employer admin, including contracts, payroll, or taxes. For parents who already have a lot on their plate, this is really helpful.
We also appreciate their upfront pricing – starting at £15.50 per hour, with taxes, insurance, and service fees already factored in.
That said, we did hear a few reports of nannies leaving before their agreed timeline, which isn’t ideal if you’re banking on long-term stability.
Provides quick and reliable childcare solutions
“My third or fourth time using Korukids for my childcare needs. Each time better than the last. I am a busy mum of three, with my own business and I desperately needed help over the summer holidays. I turned to Korukids for this task and I found a nanny in 24 hours. I love the tech, it is seamless and so helpful, with Korukids taking care of all the admin – a great service. Thank you!”
Kirsty Cocker, Google Review
Simplifies the search for after-school nannies
“I have used Koru Kids to search for after school nannies. The app is very straight forward to use. The customer service and support through the process is meticulous, detailed and efficient. The process from the nanny search, to signing contracts and having a nanny start working and even support once the nanny has been hired has been smooth and seamless. I would not hesitate to recommend Koru Kids to any families looking for childcare.”
Jeeta Patani, Google Review
3. Number 1 daycare
Location: 32 Bellew St
Contact: +44 7555 153708
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Number 1 Daycare has been a top pick for many London parents since 2010, and we honestly get why.
They offer a range of childcare options for kids as young as six weeks up to five years, whether you need full-time or last-minute emergency childcare. They can even offer you a completely tailored package to fit your family’s needs!
One thing we really love is their bilingual Anglo-Spanish program. They weave it into play-based learning that follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, giving kids the chance to pick up a second language from an early age.
Booking is easy too since they offer an online system for appointments. Plus, they’re active on Instagram and Facebook. This keeps parents in the loop without feeling like you have to chase them for updates.
The only catch? They’re in seriously high demand, so if you’re thinking about enrolling, make sure to book early before spots fill up.
Listens to parents and addresses concerns with care
“My daughter has been attending this nursery for nearly a year now – she absolutely loves it! She asks to go even on her days off. The staff do lots of age appropriate activities with the children which is focused on their development (ie, pincer grip activities etc), taking them to local areas (shops, park), the food is healthy and the staff really care about our children there. I feel so comfortable leaving my daughter in the care of all staff here. They listen to the parents when we have concerns, can be contacted throughout the day and the nursery app is regularly updated throughout the day so we can see our little ones enjoying their day. I wouldn’t send my child anywhere else!”
Molly Horn, Google Review
Creates a happy and nurturing environment for children
“My child is very happy here! The staff are lovely and very professional, we receive good communication via the nursery app, the meals seem healthy. We started attending in October and we had a ‘parent’s evening’ to discuss our daughter’s development a couple of months later which was helpful and reassuring. Our child is absolutely delighted when we drop her off in the morning and always seems happy at the end of the day. We would highly recommend.”
Jess Van Niekerk, Google Review
4. Mini Bees Childcare
Location: 1, Fields, 9 Sidworth St
Contact: +44 20 3475 5514
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
We checked out Mini Bees Childcare, and there’s a lot to like about it.
One thing we noticed right away is how well-designed the space is. The rooms are big, bright, and actually feel like they’re set up to get kids thinking and interacting.
They also pack in a lot of extras, which is great if you’re looking for something beyond just basic childcare. Their sports sessions, ballet, and ‘Little Bakers’ activities give kids plenty to do.
Several parents we talked to also said that they’ve seen real progress in their child’s speech and social skills after enrolling here.
Another major plus is their government-funded childcare program. This provides 15 free hours a week for kids as young as nine months, and they’re working on expanding to 30 hours. That’s a game-changer for a lot of families.
But there’s a catch – getting in isn’t easy. They’re in high demand, so if you’re considering it, you might want to move fast before all the spots are gone.
Provides tailored care and engaging activities
“Our daughter has been attending Mini Bees since May 2023, and has loved it from the start. Everyone we have met at the nursery has been so warm and caring. The staff truly go above and beyond in helping her grow and develop, with lots of activities, attention and tailored care. The nursery is very spacious and clean. My partner and I are very happy to have found a nursery where we know our child is safe, happy and thriving; I would recommend the nursery to anyone.”
Mercy, Google Review
Ensures variety with different activities each day
“It is beautiful large premium nursery while the fees is less than other nurseries around. Very good staff who took care of my little daughter, who needed more attention. Great food suitable for children, also suitable for children with allergies. Every day something different. The daily transition at pick and drop is very smooth with smile on the face.”
Global DVP Ltd, Google Review
5. Rosiah Childcare Services
Location: 7 Broome Way
Contact: +44 7982 905326
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Led by a Level 3 Early Years Educator, the childcare service at Rosiah Childcare Services goes beyond standard daycare – it’s a setup designed to fit modern schedules.
It offers evening and weekend care, which we consider a rare find. This makes a huge difference for parents who don’t follow traditional schedules and need more flexibility.
The location is another highlight. Being in a newly built apartment complex with its own private playground and picnic area gives kids a safe outdoor space, which not every childcare service can offer. It’s also wheelchair accessible!
Parents we’ve heard from have praised the clean space and balanced meals. Most of them also appreciate how much their kids’ speech and social skills have improved after enrolling them at Rosiah Childcare Services.
The low child-to-caregiver ratio also means more one-on-one attention, which is always a win.
That said, the smaller group sizes mean spots fill up fast. If you’re thinking about enrolling, don’t expect to just walk in and sign up on the spot—you’ll likely need to plan ahead.
Creates a happy and engaging childcare experience
“We have been using Rosiah’s childcare service, in particular Peace as a childminder, for the last 8 months (when the little one was 10 months) and we are very happy. Our child goes there almost full time and he enters happily. She interacts with the kids constantly and prepares activities for them to develop through play. She makes sure to adapt her interactions to our kid. In our case he is quite smart and she follows this and challenges him where he needs, while helping him improve if he’s starting to fall behind on something. She keeps us posted through the day and sends us pictures of their activities. I feel extremely lucky that she was our first childminder; as I feel like it has really made the transition to childcare easy for him.”
Alicia De la Serna, Google Review
Creates a home-away-from-home experience
“Miss Peace has been very helpful with my childcare needs. We have used her wraparound childcare service for a few years. She has always been on time to pick my daughter up and my daughter has developed a bond with Miss Peace and her family. Her service is without a doubt, a home away from home experience. We are very pleased to have found Rosiah Childcare Services.”
Lonia Onwochei, Google Review
