Smithfield House Childrens Nursery

14 West Smithfield, London EC1A 9HY
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10 40 Reviews
  • Smithfield House Childrens Nursery, London
Smithfield House Children’s Nursery - A place where curiosity thrives and every day is an adventure.

Smithfield House Children’s Nursery is a proudly independent, owner-managed early years setting that offers a unique and highly responsive approach to childcare. Independence provides the freedom to adapt services to suit the individual needs, routines, and work commitments of the families who attend, ensuring a level of personalisation that larger group settings often cannot achieve.

Every aspect of the nursery has been thoughtfully designed to support children’s learning, wellbeing, and natural sense of wonder. Each learning environment is spacious, warm, and welcoming, with a layout and atmosphere that encourage both independence and collaboration. Resources are accessible, diverse, and engaging - inviting children to make choices, explore freely, and follow their curiosity wherever it leads.

A strong commitment to inclusion is evident in every part of the nursery's operation. A highly experienced Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) is in place, supported by an additional fully qualified SENDCo, ensuring that every child receives tailored support to meet individual needs. From identifying barriers to learning to delivering specific interventions, the nursery creates an environment where all children feel valued, understood, and empowered to thrive.

Learning extends well beyond the nursery walls. The nursery embraces the city as a vibrant, living classroom, offering children regular opportunities to explore the world around them. Local libraries, parks, museums, and other cultural venues are frequently visited, giving children a tangible connection to their community. Observing city life in action, watching buses, trains, and boats navigate the streets and waterways, becomes a lesson in movement, environment, and society.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Owner

  • Janet MacGregor
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Janet MacGregor BEM (Owner/Senior Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 12

Total Places for Children

  • 50

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • There are parking bays opposite the nursery. They are public bays and carry a parking charge. Nearest tube/rail links are Farringdon, The Elizabeth Line, Barbican, St Pauls, and Thames City Link. They are all within a few minutes walking distance.

Smithfield House Childrens Nursery Reviews (40)

10

Smithfield House Childrens Nursery has a Review Score of 10 (9.975) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Smithfield House Childrens Nursery has 40 reviews.

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Total of 40, showing 21-40
Review from Rachael M (Mother of Child) published on 16 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely atmosphere and great staff. My twins look forward to seeing their carers again after the weekend and have developed so much since attending the nursery. We get regular updates and are kept fully informed as to their progress, which is reassuring.
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Review from Nelly G (Mother of Child) published on 3 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Why did I register my son at Smithfield House Nursery? Because of their exceptional staff.
I went to visit with my son so I could see whether he would be happy being there every day and he started chatted happily to a member of staff and asked to stay longer to play once the visit is over. And this
doesn’t normally happen so I knew hand on heart that my son will be happy there and that he will be well looked after. Call it a sixth sense or a gut instinct but I knew it will be a great place for him to be.
And I was right, he settled in and was happily sharing what he did during the day even telling me which book he was reading during his time at nursery and he knew the name of his little friends in less than a week. The staff really pay attention to the kids and their individual and collective needs. I had trust and faith in them and they did not disappoint.
I can truly recommend the nursery to any parents looking for a place for their children.
My only regret was that my son didn’t start there sooner.
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Review from Neil S (Father of Child) published on 3 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started with Smithfield in February and was, sadly, only there for a month and a half due to the Coronavirus situation. In that short time, however, he thrived and was brilliantly looked after by all staff members. He made a number of friends and I do hope he will be able to see them again
soon. From the initial visit, I knew that this was the place for him to thrive in, with excellent space allocation, resources, and facilities. The staff genuinely cared about his interests and engaged with his love of dinosaurs. Information and communication was impeccable. I speak for both myself and my son's mother when I say I wish we had put him into Smithfield earlier. He will be starting school in September and his short time with Smithfield has given him a good bedrock for his next step. I wish the nursery all the best and hope it moves from strength to strength, it is much deserved for all involved.
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Review from Tracey B (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful, private run nursery in the heart of the city.
Our daughter loved all of her carers in the baby room and learned and grew so much during her time at Smithfield’s nursery.
It is very reassuring as a first time parent to trust that your child is safe, happy and in good hands.
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Review from Salima K (Mother of Child) published on 10 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child spent over 2.5yrs at this nursery before starting school. This place was his second home! The management are wonderful! The carers took good care of the kids and were always communicating with parents. The location is perfect for parents working in the City. It is by far the best nursery in
the area!
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Review from Julian N (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Smithfield House since starting in the baby room. She has absolutely flourished there. She is soon going to leave to start school and I couldn't have wished for a better foundation for her in the early years than Smithfield House. She loves it there, and the staff really do go
above and beyond for the children. They have fantastic outings to different parks, the library, St Pauls, the museum and it's reassuring knowing she is nearby to my work. We all feel Smithfield House is a real 'home from home.'
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Review from Jurgita B (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We started looking for a new nursery for our 3-year-old son almost a year ago when we had to relocate to London. Our criteria were very simple - central location close to our home and a place where every child would receive personal attention since our son did not speak any English at that time.
Smithfield
House Children’s Nursery with its amazing team and management offered all this as well as attention and care from day one. Our son has been having lots of fun playing inside and outside the nursery in the parks of London City over the past ten months. He has also been developing his English and other skills that are crucial at his pre-school age.
I would definitely recommend our Nursery as a place where your kid is safe and keeps growing in all aspects of this word. I am grateful to our wonderful teachers at Smithfield House Children’s Nursery for their care and love.
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Review from Barbara D (Mother of Child) published on 21 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been using Smithfield House Nursery for 3 years and currently have two children there full-time. Both started in the baby room when they were 6-months-old.


It is a very friendly and happy place which both my children enjoy. The balance between play and development is good. They have four

different age group rooms which means the activities for each room are tailored to the developmental age of the children.


The space is large, particularly for central London and because there is no outside space at the nursery, the children go for walks most days and enjoy the local parks, museums, libraries and sights of London.


We are very happy with the care and development our children receive and would recommend the nursery.

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Review from Gail C (Grandmother of Child) published on 20 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I live with my daughter and grandson. My grandson initially attended another nursery in London. He used to arrive home a frustrated and angry child. Since changing nurseries, he is far more content and happy. I arrived to collect him after he had only been at nursery for a few days and got my timing
wrong.
I believed the nursery closed at 7pm. The team were all sitting with my grandson waiting for me to arrive. They could not have been kinder to me. Nobody reprimanded me or wanted me to feel guilty in any way at all. I would certainly recommend this nursery team to any parent.
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Review from Michelle W (Mother of Child) published on 20 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son joined Smithfield House after being expelled (aged 2) from his previous nursery for problematic behaviours. I was nervous about how he would get on at Smithfield House and expected to have the same experience, being regularly called in to answer for his climbing, meltdowns and aggressive outbursts.


Instead what I found was the sympathetic, caring staff were able to identify where he was becoming frustrated and helped to turn friction points in his day into activities and teaching moments. Almost immediately I saw a change in my boy's demeanour and behaviour. He is calm, less angry and his development has really accelerated.


Now we have arrived at a place where the managers and the rest of the staff are helping me see and appreciate the magic little character that my boy is. As a single mother, they act as a much needed sounding board and help me form strategies to help my boy reach his potential. My boy is the centre of my universe. I wouldn't have him anywhere else.

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Review from Jay G (Father of Child) published on 20 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attends Smithfield House Nursery in the Red Robin’s group with the wonderful team leader and her warm, welcoming team. My son has wonderful experiences with his group, like trips to St Paul's Cathedral, The Millennium Bridge to watch boats go by and the City Library. He is challenged and stimulated,
as a result, I can see his development coming on in leaps and bounds. He uses the skills he learns on outings at home too, like walking next to me holding hands and not always trying to break away.


What I love about Smithfield House is that the personal care and attention my son receives, makes me feel like he has a second family. When we approach nursery in the morning, he runs towards the entrance and that gives me such a reassuring feeling of confidence in our decision to enrol him at the nursery and trust that he is cared for. Communication with carers is excellent and their observations are so useful.


If it takes a village, this is the village you want helping you raise your child.

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Review from Georgina L (Mother of Child) published on 20 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can’t recommend this nursery enough. I was really apprehensive about leaving my son to go back to work but I’ve been nothing but made to feel at ease by all the staff. The care provided is simply amazing! My son’s development has evolved so much over the last 8 months thanks to all of the wonderful
staff.
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Review from Stefano S (Father of Child) published on 20 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is a wonderful place. The staff are brilliant, very easy to talk to and approachable, you can see there is so much love and care taken for all these children in the nursery!
My son grew to be a very well mannered, confident and happy child which has really helped him when moving onto
school! I loved the care he received from the nursery, they have done an amazing job with him and I cannot thank them enough for being so brilliant and caring and also making all the children and parents feel so welcome and calm. Being a first-time parent, I became fully confident that I was leaving my son in the best place. As well as the brilliant and challenging activities that are set out for all the children each day, they also all get to go out every day whatever the weather and get to explore all around the city of London. Last year, the children even all went on trips to the London aquarium and got to ride on the cable cars and even visit the police horses! Which in my eyes is brilliant. 10/10.
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Review from Nathan K (Father of Child) published on 20 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to thank Smithfield Nursery. My daughter attended there for two years, the staff were brilliant and helped my daughter settle and enjoy her time there. Thoroughly recommend Smithfield Nursery.
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Review from Alison M (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Smithfield House is an outstanding nursery who have provided amazing care for my children over 6 years. The nursery management and staff are wonderful and I feel blessed to have been able to leave my children in such a nurturing, caring environment.
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Review from Matt D (Father of Child) published on 19 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been enjoying the services of Smithfield House Children’s Nursery for almost three years, and currently, have two children attending. My children love going to nursery and I feel that they receive a good balance of play and learning activities, especially trips to local parks and museums. Staff
are personable and it is a very happy, clean and safe environment.
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Review from Candice J (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a disabled mum, it was quite a challenge for me to find the right child care provider for my child. I drive past 6 nurseries every day on my way to nursery and none of them comes close to the warm embrace my son and I feel when we walk into Smithfield Nursery. The provider that is both supportive
of my needs as a parent and also makes my son feel like he is a part of a family when he arrives. I couldn't express my gratitude in knowing that when my son is in this setting he is well placed, with all of his needs being met. My son is always full of character and there he is being stimulated, challenged and he is enjoying his day at nursery he so politely tells me every afternoon. I was wonderfully surprised when my boy didn't even cry to settle at this nursery that was a true reflection of their professionalism along with their ethos, values and approach means that they are able to run a nursery setting that I highly recommend as the best nursery in City of London!
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Review from Claire W (Mother of Child) published on 11 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 4-year-old son has been at Smithfield House Children’s Nursery since he was 4 months old when I returned to work full time; I work in the City and I wanted my child to be close to my place of work. Smithfield is owned and run by experienced professional, and the over years she has acquired a great
team of reliable, kind and caring staff; all very reassuring. Locating close to work was an excellent decision, I haven’t ever worried about drop off or pickups and on the rare occasion I had to collect my son due to illness - I was just around the corner (the ambulance station with paramedics is located just outside and St Bart’s is just across the road!). I love the fact he visits the local parks, libraries and smaller museums - he’s seen more than me! My son is developing into a kind and well-mannered child and I’m grateful for the support and kindness they’ve shown from day one. We have made great friends and I will miss everyone when my son starts school in September.
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Review from Paola S (Grandmother of Child) published on 11 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Two of my grandchildren attended this nursery over a 4 year period. They thrived and developed into wonderful happy and articulate children. The staff are brilliant at preparing the children for primary school and very kind, helpful and caring staff!
A wonderful environment for early learning in the
city of London!
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Review from Agata L (Mother of Child) published on 11 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 11-month-old daughter started nursery, in a baby room, in May.
At first, I was terrified I would not be with my little girl and nobody would understand her as I do.
Thanks to the calmness of the staff, settling-in went very smooth for me also. Day by day, I'm witnessing how my girl is opening to
other people and is building an amazing relationship with her key-worker. I see how she enjoys playing with staff and has started to interact with other children too. All the ladies there tirelessly answered millions of my questions and another million phone calls.
Personally, I think it was the best decision for her development.


Smithfield Nursery has an excellent location if you live or work in City. It has very nice, colourful interiors, much more attractive for children than other nurseries we visited.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.975)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.975) out of 10 for Smithfield House Childrens Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.975 for Smithfield House Childrens Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (117 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 120 Ratings = 4.975
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Smithfield House Childrens Nursery is based on 10 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 50 number of registered child places is 10, which has been reached with 10 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (7)

Meet the Team (11)

Janet

Janet MacGregor BEM

Job Title: Nursery Founder/Senior Manager Joined: 2011

- City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Childcare & Education
- Paediatric First Aid
Over 30 years of experience in Childcare
Awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) in the King's New Years Honours List 2025 for services to Early Years Education.

Gail

Gail Gilbert

Job Title: Finance Manager Joined: 2011

Over 30 years of experience in childcare.

Shaney

Shaney Selwyn

Job Title: Deputy Manager/SENDCO Joined: 2019

- IAO Level 3 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare (Early Years Educator)
- Level 3 for Early Years Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinators (SENDCOs) in Private, Voluntary, and Independent
(PVI)
- Paediatric First Aid.

Gulfer

Gulfer Efe

Job Title: Room Leader: Pre-school Joined: 2024

Level three: Early Years Educator-
Paediatric First Aid

Demi

Demi Burgess

Job Title: Childcare Practitioner: Pre-school Joined: 2022

- Level 2 Childcare in Childcare & Education
- Paediatric First Aid

Maria

Maria Amoako-Britten

Job Title: Childcare Practitioner: Pre-school Joined: 2022

- NVQ Level 3 Children's Care, Learning & Development
- Paediatric First Aid

Julie

Julie Johnson

Job Title: Room Leader: Toddler Room Joined: 2023

- NVQ 3 in Childcare & Education
- Paediatric First Aid

Sinead

Sinead Simms

Job Title: SEND Practitioner Joined: 2024

- Level 3 Early Years Care & Education
- Level 3 SENDCo

Elle

Elle Tyler

Job Title: Room Leader: Baby Room Joined: 2022

- NCFE Cache Childcare and Education Level 3
- Paediatric First Aid

Malika

Malika Ellotfi

Job Title: Childcare Practitioner: Baby Room Joined: 2020

- NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for The Early Years Practitioner
- Paediatric First Aid

Kate

Kate Bunten

Job Title: Nursery Chef Joined: 2021

Level 3 Food Hygiene

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Smithfield House Childrens Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Smithfield House Childrens Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.