“I have sent all three of my children to Little Starlings and couldn't have asked for a better start to nursery life. Lisa and the team could not be more loving and comforting to the children. My children became more confident and independent through their time there. I couldn't recommend the nursery more.”
48 Endlesham Road, SW12 8JL
Nursery near Wandsworth Common
Little Starlings is a term-time nursery in Balham, a short journey from Wandsworth Common. Families from the SW12 and SW18 side of Wandsworth Common regularly visit the nursery, travelling in on foot, or by bus or car for the school day session. The nursery is on Endlesham Road, off Nightingale Lane, and welcomes children aged 16 months to 5 years. With flexible Monday to Thursday sessions and both 15-hour and 30-hour funded places available, it suits families looking for consistent, high-quality early years care without a long commute.
Why families choose us
Our approach
Families from the Wandsworth Common side of SW12 and SW18 tend to value a calm environment and individual attention, and that fits how Little Starlings runs. The nursery operates as a single mixed-age group with no split into rooms by age bracket and no rigid timetable. Children move between activities at their own pace, each guided by a key person who knows them individually rather than a room leader managing a large cohort. It is a noticeably different experience from the larger settings on the Wandsworth side.
In practice
Every new family gets a call from Lisa before their child starts. She asks about their routine, what helps them settle, and anything specific the team should know. That preparation makes a genuine difference in the first week. Staff retention is high, with most of the team having been there for over ten years, so the relationships your child builds with adults at the nursery stay consistent from one term to the next. The 10-day settling programme gives children the time they need, and extra sessions are added at no extra charge if more time is required.
For families in Wandsworth Common
Wandsworth Common families have a straightforward choice of routes into Balham, whether by bus, car or a short walk depending on which side of the common you are on. The 219 and 155 both connect well, and the journey is typically 10 to 15 minutes. Sessions run Monday to Thursday, term-time only, which works well for families who want childcare that follows the school calendar. Many parents from SW18 find the smaller group size a welcome contrast after visiting larger nurseries with longer waiting lists.
Address
48 Endlesham Road, SW12 8JL
Phone
07803 324821Opening hours
Mon-Wed | 9:15am-3:30pm Thu | 9:15am-1:00pm
Ages
16 months to 5 years
Ofsted
Rated Good
Funding
15 & 30 hours government funding accepted
Getting here
From Wandsworth Common, Little Starlings is accessible by bus or car in around 10 to 15 minutes depending on where you are coming from. The 219 bus runs between Wandsworth Common and Balham, and the 155 also connects the area. By car, Endlesham Road is a straightforward drive via Nightingale Lane, with on-street parking available on Endlesham Road and the surrounding streets during session hours. Families from the Nightingale Triangle and the roads surrounding Wandsworth Common find the journey easy enough to manage as part of the morning routine.
We also serve families from
Ofsted Rated Good
What local parents say
Nothing tells you more about a nursery than the families who are already there.
“Little starlings is the most delightful, loving little preschool. They have devoted and experienced staff who adapt to the needs of every individual child. My daughter has grown so very much socially, emotionally and in her learning here and I wouldn’t want her anywhere else. Sad to say she’ll be off to school in September but my son will follow her to little starlings. My daughter absolutely loves her adults and it’s clear from every interaction how much they love and care for her. It is a truly wonderful and unique preschool and we are lucky to have it here in Balham!”
“Our boy has really blossomed since starting at Little Starlings, and we genuinely think the caring approach from the staff has made all the difference. The team were so patient during those early weeks, gradually building his confidence, and he was everyday going to nursery with excitement. A great highlight is how much time they spend outside in the garden. Thank you so much Lisa and team!”
Take the next step
Come and see us for yourself
A tour is the best way to know whether we are the right fit. Come and meet the team, see the spaces, and ask us anything.
Not ready yet?
Things parents ask us
Common questions
Some families walk, but if you're seeking public transport the 219 bus from Wandsworth Common takes around 10 to 15 minutes to the nursery. By car it is a short drive along Trinity Road or through Balham High Road. The Northern line from Balham is also an option if you are coming via the station.
Yes. Both 15 and 30 hour funded places are accepted, although 30 hour places are very limited. Your funding entitlement is tied to your home address, not the nursery location, so Wandsworth-registered families can use their hours with us.
We have limited places due to our small group size. The best way to check is to get in touch or book a visit and we will be honest about what is currently available and when spaces are likely to come up.
Ofsted registered, inspected, and rated Good
Independently inspected so you do not have to take our word for it.