Scallywags is a parent partnership nursery, initially set up by parents some two decades ago to run as a cooperative. It’s today run with the same community ethos and continued regular parental involvement but led by longstanding Nursery Manager, Debbie Bull, and a committed, generous team of professional educators. Many of our families return when they have second or third children and this too helps create a special atmosphere where children, parents and staff all value, respect and care for each other.

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We have maintained a community-based setting by developing strong working relationships with parents where all members are actively involved in their child’s early development through undertaking roles within the nursery that support the team. This usually takes the form of parents working alongside staff on activity or food shifts (which the children love), taking part in occasional maintenance days and supporting fundraising. The positive outcomes of our setting rely on the cooperation of staff and parents working together towards the same goals. 

 

Scallywags’ aim is to promote the learning and development of each individual child, by providing a stimulating range of experiences for children to make sense of their world through play. We do this in a happy, well-managed environment where children are encouraged to develop their social skills as well as to gain skills in recognising and managing their emotions.

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Location & Setting

Scallywags operates from the ground floor space at the Mowlem Children and Family

Centre, Wadeson Street, London E2 9DL. The premises are laid out over one level and

comprise two spacious nursery rooms with plenty of room for different activities and

learning environments, two separate gardens – equipped with stimulating playground

equipment and planting areas, two children's toilets, adult toilets, a kitchen and office. 

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Opening Times

We are open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am to 1.30pm, 38 weeks of the year. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, we run an afternoon session until 3pm (this is at an additional cost). 

 

Term Dates

At Scallywags, we have three terms (61 days).

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Year 2023/24

Term 1: Wednesday 3rd September 2025 - Friday 19th December 2025

Half term: Monday 27 October 2025 to Friday 31 October 2025

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Term 2: Monday 5 January 2026 to Friday 27 March 2026

Easter: Monday 16 February 2026 to Friday 20 February 2026

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Term 3: Monday 13 April 2026  - Tuesday 21 July 2026 

Half term: Monday 25 May 2026 - Friday 29 May 2026 (spring bank holiday on 25 May)

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Inset days: 19th December 2025, 5th January 2026, 1st June 2026, 20th July 2026 and 21st July 2026.

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Bank holidays 2025/26

• Christmas Day - 25 December 2025

• Boxing Day - 26 December 2025

• New Year's Day - 1 January 2026

• Good Friday – 3 April 2026

• Easter Monday - 6 April 2026

• May Bank Holiday – 4 May 2026

• Spring Bank Holiday – 25 May 2026

• Summer Bank Holiday - 31 August 2026