About Square One Nursery

A Trusted Early Years Nursery In Putney Since 1971

Choosing the right nursery is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. You want a place where they will feel safe, happy, valued and inspired to learn, while also knowing they are being supported by experienced professionals who genuinely care about their development.

At our early years nursery in Putney, we have been helping local children build confidence, develop independence and prepare for the next stage of their educational journey since 1971. As an independent, family-run nursery school, we combine exceptional care, experienced teaching and a nurturing environment where children can thrive, have fun and reach their full potential.

We believe that when children enjoy coming to nursery, they learn naturally, develop confidently and build strong foundations for the future.

From Three Local Teachers To A Trusted Local Nursery School

The story of Square One Nursery began in 1971 when three local teachers regularly met with their own children at a nursery school in the area.

Through their experience as educators and parents, they recognised an opportunity to create something special for local families. They believed children deserved an environment where they could receive outstanding early years education, individual attention and the opportunity to develop through play, exploration and positive experiences.

More than five decades later, those founding principles remain at the heart of everything we do.

Today, Square One Nursery is led by Michelle Pittam, the daughter of one of the original founders. Having worked within the nursery for more than 25 years, Michelle continues to build upon the values established by her mother and fellow founders while adapting to the changing needs of modern families and the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

Helping Children Build Strong Foundations For Life

We support children aged approximately two to five years old during some of the most important years of their development.

Our role is not simply to care for children during the day. We help them develop the confidence, communication skills, independence and curiosity they need to flourish both at nursery and beyond.

Through a carefully balanced combination of play-based learning, structured activities, outdoor exploration and personalised support, we help children become confident learners who are excited about their future.

We support families looking for early education for their child in Putney, offering:

Exceptional early years education
Strong school readiness preparation
A nurturing and supportive environment
Individual attention for every child
Experienced teachers who genuinely care
A trusted local nursery with deep community roots

Why Families Choose Square One Nursery

Families often tell us they choose us because we offer something increasingly rare.

Independent & Family-Run Since 1971

We are not part of a large chain, and we are not attached to a primary school. This allows us to maintain our own identity, values and approach while focusing entirely on what is best for the children and families we serve.

Exceptional 1:4 Staff-To-Child Ratio

Our exceptionally high staff-to-child ratio allows us to provide genuine individual attention, helping every child feel known, supported and encouraged.

Experienced Teachers Who Truly Care

Our team brings many years of experience in early years education. We understand child development, school readiness and the importance of creating a positive first experience of education.

One Of The Largest Nursery Gardens In Putney

Outdoor learning is an important part of daily life at Square One Nursery. Our spacious garden provides children with opportunities to explore, develop physical confidence and connect with the natural world.

School Readiness Expertise

Helping children prepare for primary school is one of our greatest strengths. We support children in developing the confidence, independence and social skills they need to make a successful transition to Reception and beyond.

Summer Camp

Our summer camp is run annually for two weeks in August. We accommodate children aged 2-5, not only Square One pupils. Here is some of things we do.

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Our Mission

To provide every child with a happy, nurturing and inspiring start to their educational journey, helping them develop the confidence, curiosity and independence they need to thrive both in school and in life.

We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, supported and excited about discovering the world around them.

The Values That Shape Everything We Do

Children Come First

Every decision we make is centred around what is best for the children in our care.

Learning Through Enjoyment

We believe children learn most effectively when they are engaged, having fun and actively involved in their own learning experiences.

Supporting The Whole Family

When a child joins Square One Nursery, they become part of the Square One family. We work closely with parents and carers, offering guidance, reassurance and support throughout their child’s early years.

Experience Matters

Our experienced team brings knowledge, patience and understanding to every interaction, helping children develop at their own pace.

Confidence Through Care

We focus on building self-esteem, independence and resilience so children feel confident taking their next steps.

More Than Fifty Years Of Supporting Local Families

1971

Square One Nursery is founded by three local teachers who wanted to create a better nursery experience for children in the community.

1970s To 2000s

The nursery becomes a trusted part of the Putney community, building a strong reputation through word of mouth and family recommendations.

Introduction Of The EYFS

The nursery evolves alongside changes in early years education while maintaining its original belief that children learn best through enjoyment, encouragement and positive experiences.

Today

Led by Michelle Pittam, Square One Nursery continues to help local children develop confidence, independence and school readiness while maintaining the values established over fifty years ago.

Trusted By Families

Our reputation has been built over decades through strong relationships with local families and positive experiences shared from one generation to the next.

Meet The People Behind Square One Nursery

At the heart of Square One Nursery is Michelle Pittam, who has dedicated more than 25 years to supporting local children and families.

For Michelle, one of the most rewarding aspects of nursery life is the joy that children bring every day.

Their curiosity, imagination and unique perspectives create a positive and inspiring environment where no two days are ever the same.

Michelle also takes great pride in supporting families, drawing on decades of experience to provide guidance, reassurance and practical advice throughout a child’s early years and school readiness journey.

Testimonials

Happy Parents

Many, many thanks for looking after Tabitha so well during her time at Square One. She is as prepared for school as any child could be – and had a lot of fun in the process.

Thank you so much for providing Ben with an amazing introduction to education. He has loved his time at Square One.

A Nursery That Feels Like Family

Many nurseries talk about creating a community. At Square One Nursery, it is something we genuinely live every day.

We know every child individually.

We build meaningful relationships with parents.

We celebrate achievements, support challenges and work together to help every child thrive.

When families join Square One Nursery, they become part of a supportive and welcoming community that extends far beyond the classroom.

Designed For Families Looking For More Than Childcare

Square One Nursery is ideal for families who want:

Many of our families are looking for reassurance that their child’s first experience of education will be positive, supportive and enjoyable.

That is exactly what we strive to provide every day.

Proudly Based In The Heart Of Putney

Our nursery is located at:

Square One Nursery
Lady North Hall
12 Ravenna Road
Putney
SW15 6AW

Being centrally located allows us to serve families throughout Putney and the surrounding areas while providing a peaceful, welcoming environment with excellent facilities and extensive outdoor space.

Learn More About Square One Nursery

For more than fifty years, Square One Nursery has been helping children take their first steps into education with confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.

As an independent early years nursery in Putney, we remain committed to providing exceptional care, experienced teaching and a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

If you would like to discover what makes us special, we would love to welcome you for a visit and show you our nursery in person.