Our Ethos

The school’s focus is on families and children, with a strong emphasis on pastoral care.  Learning is individualised, with importance placed on concrete experiences. Whilst all of our classrooms are equipped with Chromebooks, iPads and interactive boards, traditional skills such as reading, handwriting and phonics, are valued and are taught daily.  We regard these skills as essential tools, but the focus is always on creative thinking. Playtimes are carefully planned and resourced so that children have the opportunity to immerse themselves in play.  We are a school full of happy, thriving children who excel academically.

Our History

The Children’s House was set up in 1973 by a group of local parents, to provide high-quality early years education in Islington. It was originally run in a parent’s home and then in St Stephen’s Church in Canonbury Road.  Following various fund-raising schemes, the current Nursery building on Elmore Street was purchased.

Parents wanted to build on the Nursery provision and in 2005 we leased a Victorian school building on King Henry’s Walk and opened the Upper School.

Today 

Our present-day Nursery is in Elmore Street and caters for children ranging in age from 2½ to 4 years.  The Upper School in King Henry’s Walk, houses our children from Reception to Year 4. Our first Year 3 cohort started in September 2022 and we will grow organically year-on-year to a full Prep School. School expansion details can be found here.

The Nursery consists of two enormous open-plan rooms; one downstairs for the youngest children and one upstairs for pre-reception children.  The children belong to small classes with a teacher and a teaching assistant.  As well as a wide range of activities and learning opportunities in the school, they enjoy a variety of weekly outings, which provide regular access to outdoor learning.  These venues vary throughout the year and include the Almorah Community Garden, King Henry’s Walk Community garden, soft play at Queensbridge Leisure Centre and The Upper School playground.

The Upper School has five light-filled classrooms, an enclosed playground and the use of the neighbouring church hall.  We are fortunate to have an Astro pitch and Adventure playground close to the school and also use nearby leisure centres for sports and PE.