Dot's Tots Day Nursery, Thamesmead

Improvement is the defining fact at Dot's Tots. In November 2024, the nursery was judged Good in overall effectiveness and in every graded area, following an Inadequate overall judgement in June 2024. At the November 2024 inspection, safeguarding arrangements were effective, while leaders and staff had taken effective steps to address earlier actions.

This is a full-day Thamesmead nursery at 109 Templar Drive, in Bexley. In November 2024, there were 73 places and 24 children on roll, aged one to four. Those figures describe that date, rather than a current attendance count.

The Early Years Foundation Stage shapes the learning offer. In plain terms, it is England's framework for early learning and development, so play, conversation, movement and planned teaching all have a purpose. There was a better balance between child-led play and direct teaching, with regular observations used to identify children's next steps.

Forest school gave older children a concrete route into nature. This outdoor learning activity involved watering plants and digging earth to find worms, turning curiosity into vocabulary, care and close observation. Staff also joined imaginative play, using questions as children mixed mud and water to make pretend soup and ice cream.

One teaching point remained. Staff were asked to deepen their consistent use of curriculum aims, particularly when extending what children already know. That matters because a well-chosen activity only becomes strong learning when the adult builds on the child's thinking.

Relationships with babies were a strength in November 2024. Staff used babies' names, encouraged them to learn one another's names, narrated the day and sang nursery rhymes. Babies sought familiar adults for reassurance and received attentive responses, giving the youngest children a secure base from which to explore.

Leaders had strengthened staff knowledge of child-protection procedures and revised induction so that new staff understood their responsibilities. Communication with parents had also improved, with information about care and learning shared frequently.

Inclusion is an area to weigh carefully. Leaders worked with outside agencies to support children with SEND, but more consistent use of health-professional support plans was needed for children with communication and language needs. That is a precise question for a family considering the setting for a child who already has a plan.

Dot's Tots is at 109 Templar Drive, LONDON, SE28 8PF. The current Ofsted record lists it as childcare on non-domestic premises providing full-day care.

In November 2024, the setting provided full-day care and received funded early education for eligible children.

• Recent improvement. November 2024 brought Good judgements after the June 2024 Inadequate inspection. A visit should test how the newer safeguarding, induction and teaching processes now shape the child's everyday experience.
• SEND follow-through. The inspection praised work with outside agencies but identified inconsistent use of some support plans for communication and language. Families with an existing plan should discuss how it is put into practice through the day.
• Attendance pattern. Confirm the current bookable sessions and any minimum attendance pattern before applying.

Dot's Tots is best suited to families who place a recent, evidence-backed improvement journey high on their list and value warm baby relationships alongside outdoor nature learning. Forest school, imaginative mud-and-water play and nursery rhymes give the November 2024 inspection a recognisable picture of daily life.

The November Good outcome followed earlier concerns. Families with SEND requirements should give particular weight to how support plans are followed in practice.