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
  • 25
  • 7
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Date Published
  • 33
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  • 6
  • 27
Reviewer Connection to Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
  • 24
  • 9
Total of 33, showing 21-33
Review from Laura T (Mother of Child) published on 27 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We have recently moved and the team and staff were so flexible with date changes and helping to settle our daughter in. We wanted to stay with Bright Horizons as we had such a positive experience before and we are so happy we did.
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Review from T C (Father of Child) published on 27 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I've had my child here since he was 6 months and he's been here for two years- give or take due to covid! It's always been a warm and well-run nursery and I'm always confident in the care and attention my child gets. The staff are absolute gems and provide a great environment for my boy. In addition,
the recent renovation and equipment make this place a great choice of nursery.
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Review from Yogita Y (Mother of Child) published on 13 November 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a first time parent, finding the right nursery for my 12-month-old son was important not only from a care perspective but a place that will nurture and encourage my son's development as we would in our own home. This proved a challenge until I met the team at Bright Horizons, a refreshing change
from some of the other nurseries we had seen in the area who were commercially driven. The team instantly connected with us and were interested in my son's specific requirements as well as a family and how we felt. What was even more refreshing was it was the first nursery who were confident in saying don't sign up until you try us - see if we are the right place for you. This to me showed me the team were not shy to showcase their operations. A tailormade plan on settling in was created for us and my son was able to build a relationship with his key workers who are excellent at delivering the daily care and development requirements.
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Review from Davide P (Father of Child) published on 4 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter had an amazing time at Magic Nursery in Finchley. As parents, we felt extremely reassured that our daughter was spending her time with a dedicated, professional and kind team who did everything to help her grow healthy, clever and kind.
Big shout out to every single member of the team.
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Review from L Z (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son had an amazing journey with Magic Nursery since April 2016. We are leaving Magic to attend a nursery within a school, which he will then attend when he turns four. This is to help him settle into the new school. In particular, when my son had a couple of seizures in late 2016 (with no identified
medical cause) the Magic team responded quickly and made sure he received the right care. More recently, his key worker and the SENCO worked with the pre-school team to ensure his development is on track with the right support and attention. Last week our son was formally discharged by the pediatrician and we are very happy that he is developing so well as a young boy. My son really enjoys the extra classes/activities available at Magic, such as drama vision, kangaroo kids, stretch n grow, observing newly hatched ducklings, fire engine visits etc. - all very stimulating for young kids. The nursery also has a great lunch menu for kids all year round with a great variety and well-balanced nutrition.
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Review from Ortal (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have both been so happy to see how well our son has come on over his year at Magic, Finchley. He barely spoke last September and now he is chatting non-stop, and that is down to the lovely environment and the great room leaders.
Sadly the time has come to move on, but I will happily praise the
whole staff and my son's experience!
Reply from Geraldine Francis at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you Ortal for your positive review.
We wish you and your family all the best for the future.
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Review from Caroline (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Magic Nursery from the age of 9 months. She has been very happy there. The staff are very attentive, caring and friendly. The management are professional and security is excellent. My daughter has developed a great relationship with her key workers, she is happy going into Nursery
in the morning. She is in a safe and secure environment. The transition between the different rooms was very well organised and my daughter moved happily into the next room. The menu is varied and my daughter has eaten food I may not necessarily cook and has developed very good eating habits, loves her fruit. I like that the Nursery is bright, airy and there is a separate garden area for little and big kids. As well the kids are brought on different outings like the park, supermarket. On a daily basis, there are loads of activities and my daughter has really developed in speech and confidence. We are so happy with Magic, very sad to be leaving, only leaving because of job relocation.
Reply from Geraldine Francis, Nursery Manager at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your review.
We will miss your daughter and your family very much.
We wish you every success with your move and the future.
The Magic Team
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Review from Martin (Father of Child) published on 5 July 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great nursery, the staff do great work and there was constant attention towards our son throughout these past 2 and a half years. We are delighted to have chosen Magic for these key years in our son's development. The dedication of the staff is greatly appreciated.
Reply from Geraldine Francis, Nursery Manager at Bright Horizons Finchley Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Good luck at big school, we will miss you.
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Review from Ander A (Father of Child) published on 8 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started at Magic nursery when he was 24 months and he has been at Magic nursery for more than 2 years. The overall experience has been highly satisfactory. The staff were friendly and professional, while the facilities and management were also good. Our son was delighted to attend the nursery
every morning, willing to play with his friends and enjoy activities. I would say he felt happy, safe and confident there. The learning level acquired in different topics was remarkable, including a good English level starting from scratch. It is definitely a recommendable nursery.
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Review from Kris M (Father of Child) published on 2 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter's time at Magic Finchley has been ideal; the staff are professional and caring, the management is courteous and accommodating, and our little girl really came out of her shell, progressed in many ways, and made some fantastic friends. Thanks for everything.
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Review from LBM (Mother of Child) published on 20 May 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at Magic when she was 18 months old and will be leaving this September for school. She has had the most amazing time at Magic Finchley and had made some wonderful friend during her time there as have I! The staff at Magic Finchley are very professional, friendly and dedicated. The
managers are excellent and if any issues or concerns arise, they respond quickly and appropriately. There is a good mixture of activities as well as classes by external providers which my daughter has enjoyed. She has even picked up a few Mandarin words that she uses at home as the nursery recently started doing Mandarin classes.


No nursery is perfect but Magic is a lovely nursery with great leadership and has been a safe and fun place for my child over the last few years.

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Review from Nicole (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at Magic in Dec 2013 and in her 2 years there, she had a great experience. She had smooth transitions through each stage and her confidence grew as she learnt more and made new friends. The staff are very helpful and accommodating and played a big role in potty training (something
I found difficult). The staff are very vigilant and are always aware of who is coming and going. The meals at the nursery encouraged my daughter to try things she may not eat at home thereby exposing her taste buds to new things. Most important of all she was happy, had fun and felt safe. If I could move Magic near our new house (reason for leaving) I definitely would! Thank you Magic!!!!
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Review from Veronica (Mother of Child) published on 13 October 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In the 2.5 years since my daughter has been at Magic she has been extremely happy and I cannot recall any days when she has not willingly gone into nursery to see her friends and enjoy the activities. We have been delighted with the nursery in every aspect and cannot recommend it highly enough. The
management are very experienced, knowledgeable, helpful and efficient and the staff are truly welcoming and work extremely hard to make sure that my daughter is happy, settled and stimulated. The staff make a big effort to get to know the children and she will miss them and her friends very much. If she is half as happy in her school environment as she has been at Magic then we will be very happy. We will miss you all and hope that the nursery goes from strength to strength as it deserves to. Thank you very, very much.
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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.

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