Desperate for advice on nurseries and other pre-school options in NW3

[marzipanmum]

We're moving to NW3 (between Hampstead and Swiss Cottage) in a few weeks with a 3 year old son. I've checked out the list of local nurseries on Camden's website, and almost all of them close in the school holidays and the majority only offer part-time. What do working women (for whom nanny/au pair not an option) do?

We're moving from Westminster where as well as a number of full-time nurseries, there are also lots of drop in playtimes in churches and community centres. I'm hoping this is also true for NW3? Is there any particular place to find out about these? (I've tried the NCT website, but there doesn't seem to be anything for preschoolers)

Any tips, suggestions, views, advice very gratefully received

Hi marzipanmum, interested to see your message as almost six months down the line from you, we are also locating from Westminster to Hampstead with 1.5year old DS. Was doing research into nursery schools and local playgrounps when I found your message. Would love to know where you ended up sending your DS to nursery and any local playgroups or coffee mornings that helped you all settle in. Thanks!

Hi
My 15 month old daughter goes to Little Acorns in NW3 (towards Gospel Oak). She has been there since last October and loves it.

It's part of the Hampstead Hill School group, and it;s for the babies from 3 months to 2 years. Then at 2 years they go to Hampstead Hill School (between Hampstead and Belsize Park) and they only close one week at Christmas.

I have no complaints at all. Last December it was a bit iffy as it was about to close but they fortunately remained open and even better than before, my daughter thrives there...