King Square Community Nursery was founded in 1970 and is the longest established nursery in Finsbury. It was originally registered as a morning group. In 1983, due to a significant increase in demand for nursery places, the provision was expanded into a double session group, enabling the nursery to support 22 children and their families.

To comply with the Children’s Act regulations, the building was extended in 1990. This development was made possible through Lottery funding, grants from Islington Council and the Cripplegate Foundation, as well as parent-led fundraising initiatives.

During 2007–2008, the nursery temporarily relocated to Midway House while the building underwent further extension as part of the Moreland and King Square Children’s Centre. In September 2008, we returned to our newly refurbished premises at Rahere House. The building is designed entirely on one level, with all rooms located on the ground floor. Day care is provided across two adjoining rooms, both of which open directly onto the outdoor play area. This environment supports children in developing new ideas and skills, taking appropriate risks, learning through trial and error, thinking creatively and imaginatively, understanding the world around them, and developing communication and problem-solving skills.

In 2013, we enhanced our weekly curriculum by introducing locally based professional practitioners, including a Mini Football programme delivered on the local community pitch and “Drama with Arnie.” These initiatives promote physical activity, confidence, enjoyment, and provide positive male role models for children.

In 2015, funding from the Big Lottery enabled us to introduce two weekly yoga sessions for children aged three to four. We also launched our Forest School programme, which contributed to achieving our Healthy Early Years accreditation in 2016.

To meet high local demand for two year old provision, St Luke’s Nursery was established in September 2015 as a subsidiary of King Square Community Nursery, located within St Luke’s Community Centre. It provided 24 free, part-time (term-time only) places for families in the local community. This provision closed in 2020, and King Square Community Nursery no longer operates from St Luke’s Community Centre.

In 2020, during the redevelopment of the King Square Estate, the nursery temporarily relocated to Toffee Park Adventure Playground. We returned to our Rahere House site in October 2020. Due to continued high demand for childcare places, we operated from both Rahere House and Toffee Park simultaneously. This expansion allowed us to support over 100 families and enabled the opening of a dedicated baby room, welcoming children from as young as three months old.

In 2024, Islington Council announced plans to redevelop the former adventure playground site. As a result, the nursery consolidated its provision, bringing all services back under one roof at Rahere House, where we continue to serve our community today.