Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool

4 Shakespeare Road, Finchley, London N3 1XE
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8.7 33 Reviews
  • Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool, London
A place to grow in Finchley Central.

Right in the heart of Finchley Central just minutes’ walk from the tube, the nursery aims to offer every child a rich and stimulating nursery experience while working in close partnership with parents. Providing high-quality care and education for children aged 3 months to 5 year with longer opening times from 7.30am – 6.30pm.

The nursery includes a diverse range of inclusive classes and trips, which every child can attend regardless of whether they take place on days the children attend or not. Before starting with the nursery there will be an opportunity for the child to make settle-in visits to discuss his/her individual needs and settle your child into the nursery. They operate an inclusive approach whereby all families and children are welcome.

The nursery has been awarded an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’ for their commitment to high quality childcare and education (January 2023).

The team would love to meet you and your little one, so book a visit today and they will show you all the nursery has to offer during your own personal tour.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Bernadette (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 38

Total Places for Children

  • 84

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week over Christmas

Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool Reviews (33)

8.7

Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool has a Review Score of 8.7 (8.746) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool has 33 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
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Total of 33, showing 1-20
Review from Alexandra C (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter joined the Finchley Central branch when she was two years old, and since then, I have witnessed her continuous development and progress. She has become more confident in her communication, formed many friendships, and acquired a wide range of new skills.
Another particular highlight has
been the French lessons, which she thoroughly enjoyed and looked forward to each week.
I am especially grateful to all the dedicated staff, and in particular to the managers, for creating such a caring, structured, and joyful environment. Your commitment to the children's well-being and development is truly commendable.
Thank you for all the support and for making my daughter's early years such a positive and enriching experience.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're so pleased to hear of your daughter's progress, confidence and enjoyment of activities like French lessons. Your kind words mean a great deal to our Bright…read more
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Review from Rajeeb S (Mother of Child) published on 15 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is great and my daughter is absolutely thriving! She has been there from the baby room at 1 year old and is now really happy in pre school. The staff are great as are the activities that they do with the kids and support that she gets.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your 5-star review and for sharing your positive feedback with us!
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Review from Y I (Mother of Child) published on 15 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter has been coming to Bright Horizons for just over half a year now and loves coming to her nursery. She used to cry and make a face when being dropped off but now she runs across to her teachers and peers. She loves the messy play and the pictures that they send us truly show her enjoyment.
We've seen her develop so quickly over the last few months from her first words, walking and fully eating independently. I can't thank enough that the staff are doing for her and I can see she's in a happy and safe environment.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. It's fantastic to hear how much your daughter has grown and how happy she is coming into nursery each day. We're so pleased she feels safe, supported and is…read more
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Review from Shivani J (Mother of Child) published on 15 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great staff very helpful and nurturing always delightful greeting the children - my daughter comes home having learnt new things every session.
The nursery is always nice and clean and the outdoor space is perfect for the ages.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're so happy to hear that your daughter is learning and thriving with us. It's great to know you're enjoying the environment and outdoor space as well.
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Review from Hitesh H (Father of Child) published on 10 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool has been amazing in caring for our son over the past few years. The staff are loving, dedicated, and work seamlessly as a team. They go above and beyond to provide the care, guidance, and attention he needs. It's a wonderful, well-run place
that I highly recommend to others in the area.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your 5-star review and for sharing your positive feedback with us! Thank you for your recommendation.
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Review from C T (Father of Child) published on 8 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Bright Horizons has cared so well for our son over the last few years, it's been a blessing to have them nurture and educate him, repeatedly going the extra mile and making sure he is getting the stimulation, guidance and personal care which can be very demanding from a little boy. The staff are loving,
personally invested and work amazingly as a team, with respect for each other, the parents and children, it really is a great find and excellently run, and would highly recommend it to others in the area.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your lovely review! We're thrilled to have been part of your son's journey and appreciate your kind words about our team. Your recommendation means so much to us! Thank you.
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Review from Lydia A (Mother of Child) published on 20 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is amazing, my daughter is so loved and so happy there. The naturalness, warmth and love from the staff are everything it’s a real family!
And they are so personal and such a brill team! My duaghter is happy every day she says nursery was fun! She has lots of friends and is unturned and
cared for beyond belief! We love Bright Horizons Finchley Central and the key amazing members. They help us with everything no matter what.
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Review from T M (Mother of Child) published on 29 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the lovely staff were part of our sons' development and 1st stages back in the UK and helped prepare them for school through creative and educational activities.
I feel very lucky to have found such a wonderful and happy environment for my sons.
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Review from Zakiya D (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool since she was 8 months old. In the 4 years of her attending, there has been quite a few changes of management and staff.
With that said, the current management and staff employed there now are fantastic. They always
lend a listening year and give great advice when your child reaches a new milestone. They are attentive, caring and knowledgable and really spend time to get to know the children and their likes/dislikes.
My daughter has graduated pre-school and will go off to Reception in September - the nursery have given her the stepping stones to be confident and school ready.
My second daughter will also start there at the end of the month (8months old too!) and I look forward to her starting her educational journey there.
I highly recommend Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery to all new parents. It’s always hard finding a setting that your child will enjoy but seeing how my daughter has flourished alongside her peers, I have no doubt all children will do well under their care.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Marketing and Campaigns Executive at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We appreciate your kind words. The opportunity to hear from our parents and be reminded of why we do what we do is so valuable.
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Review from Yoav L (Father of Child) published on 21 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
The clothes are stolen and the staff then ignores inquiries.
The headmaster only exists as a weekly email update that is copy-pasted from the previous weeks. Her deputy is rude. Definitely not the quality of management you would expect associated with the name of Bright Horizons.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Marketing and Campaigns Executive at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Hi Yoav, thank you for taking the time to share feedback with us and for bringing this to our attention. We have looked into this case with the nursery manager, and we believe this issue has been…read more
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Review from R W (Mother of Child) published on 17 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My eldest has been here since September 2019 and is finishing preschool. My youngest joined in March 2022 and is now in Toddler Room. Both love going here (and will tell you exactly this if asked!) They enjoy everything offered – the music, dancing, storytelling, art, being in the garden, mealtimes,
as well as phonics, maths, show and tell for my oldest and sensory play for my youngest. The staff here have always been incredibly knowledgeable and kind to them, as such, they feel comfortable learning here. We receive photos of the activities they do and staff always take time to answer any questions, tell us what they have enjoyed and if they have learnt something new. My eldest says of her time “I love playing with my friends here and I get stickers when I’m good. I also LOVE my teachers and they run lots of wonderful and fun activities for me and my friends. The food is yummy and I always eat everything. Thank you for having me and I will miss you when I go to my new school.”
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Review from Haiqa A (Mother of Child) published on 27 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very hardworking and caring staff. Nursery is very clean, bright and spacious. My son loves going there. In the early days of his attendance, staff put every effort to make him feel at home and now he wanders around in nursery like a king.
Nursery is providing a fun learning experience. My son is
2 years old now and already he has developed a habit to put everything in order and in the correct place.
Administration is very friendly and cooperative. They are always welcoming to discuss and keen to address my concerns.
The energy and the positivity of the staff, even at the end of the day, inspires me a lot. When I go to pick him up and see him laughing and playing around, it's so comforting to know that he is happy here.
Thank you so much for providing such good care and affection to my son. I am very satisfied and happy that I chose this place for my son.
Reply from Amanda, Marketing and Campaigns Executive at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We appreciate your kind words. The opportunity to hear from our parents and be reminded of why we do what we do is so valuable. Thank you.
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Review from Amanda T (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had a wonderful experience here. Both as parents and for our child. From day one the nursery helped us as parents to feel confident and coached us through all the developmental changes our child was going through. We have seen incredible improvements in our child's development since they were
a baby there, and continue to be delighted with their progress.
Reply from Amanda, Marketing and Campaigns Executive at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Hello, thank you for your review. We're grateful and appreciate you taking the time to share your ratings with us.
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Review from Y Y (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We can see the nursery keeps growing and improving in the past 2 years. Our kid is happy there, building up relationships with key worker and friends. When there is trouble with kid’s development, nursery helps to explain or create a scenario to let kid understand more. We can see our kid’s transforming.
Reply from Amanda, Marketing and Campaigns Executive at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. It is wonderful to hear that your child is thriving in our nursery.
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Review from D J (Father of Child) published on 29 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has had a great time at the nursery. Thank you for all your efforts!
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Review from M M (Mother of Child) published on 11 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My child loves attending the nursery and she always comes home with new songs and new skills. The nursing team is fantastic and we would like to thank everyone for making it a great experience for our family.
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Review from Luciana L (Mother of Child) published on 11 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Lovely place. My daughter is very happy since day one.
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Review from J B (Mother of Child) published on 11 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
A caring and lovely environment. The children appear to thrive and always enjoy themselves. The management has turned around since my child's arrival and the staff seem happy and motivated. Thank you for nurturing our children in their early years.
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Review from Wendy H (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child is currently in the preschool room which is absolutely amazing! There’s been loads of improvement made. The teachers are so loving and caring. They understand my child’s needs and tailor-made some learning materials for him. What’s most impressive is how they have prepared my child for school
and we believe he will have a smooth transition to school in September.
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Review from Ioana R (Mother of Child) published on 27 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
One of the best nurseries in Finchley Central! My daughter adapted quite well and in a short time.
The facility is very spacious and well equipped. The management is flexible and very professional. The staff are nice and friendly
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Current Review Score: 8.7 (8.746)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.7 (8.746) out of 10 for Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.0 out of 5 from 6 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 4.789 for Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool is calculated as follows: ( (57 Excellents x 5) + (13 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 71 Ratings = 4.789
  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 3.957 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool is based on 6 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 = 3.6
    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 84 number of registered child places is 16.8. 6 Positive Reviews ÷ 16.8 = 0.357
  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 (4)

Meet the Team (3)

Bernadette

Bernadette

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Having worked in the Early Years sector for the past 29 years, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience.


My experience extends from working in the children's ward at Barnet General Hospital, working with the Local Authority as an Early Years advisor, and working as a Group Manager and Manager in Day Nurseries.


I am a mother of three grown-up children and as a mother myself, I am passionate about providing the best possible Care and Education.


I have a passion for making a difference in every child's life and delivering quality.


I am lucky enough to have successfully led previous teams in achieving four consecutive outstanding Ofsted inspections.


I am looking forward to joining and leading the team at Finchley Central, meeting and building relationships with the parents, carers and of course the children!

Sameerah

Sameerah

Job Title: Deputy Manager

After 20 years in marketing and PR for an international company, Sameerah's daughter’s diagnosis with complex learning disabilities inspired a career shift to Early Years education, honouring her mother’s legacy as one of Pakistan’s first Montessori-qualified teachers.


Now pursuing a Level 5 qualification, she holds certifications in Autism, Advanced Makaton, and Mental Health, enabling her to support children’s development and work closely with parents.


Witnessing children’s curiosity and achievements brings her deep fulfilment and purpose.

Natalia

Natalia

Job Title: Third In Charge

I have worked in childcare for over 4 years, I’m level 3 qualified in the early years and I’m currently studying my level 6 at Middlesex University. My passion has always been to work with young children. I enjoy planning activities based on children's interests. I have started my journey as an apprentice and worked hard to get where I am today. I have always enjoyed working in the early sector. I love seeing children grow and develop. I enjoy supporting children to meet their needs. My heart has always been for the early years sector. I am a good team player and a role model to my team. I am a quick learner and able to work under challenging situations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool

What is the Age Range of Children that Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool accepts?

Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool Open?

Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool have capacity for?

Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool has capacity for a total of 84 Children.

How far is Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool to the centre of London?

7.1 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

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