Imperial Oaks

A woodwork bench, balance bicycles and children helping themselves at mealtimes give this Greenwich nursery a practical character. These were features of daily life in September 2025, with independence running through play, physical activity and everyday routines.

Zippys Day Nursery, at 4 Merryweather Place, London SE10 8BN, has capacity for 67 children from birth to five. At its September 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and judged safeguarding effective.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday routines bring language, social development and physical skills together.

In September 2025, babies and toddlers explored stories, singing and actions. Cooking gave children opportunities to cooperate and solve problems, while the Golden Rules helped explain expectations about behaviour. Children practised sharing and waiting for a turn, making social learning part of their activities.

Outdoor play had substance. In September 2025, children used tricycles and balance bicycles in the garden and exercised daily; real tools at the woodwork bench brought opportunities to practise coordination and consider safety. Helping to put equipment away and serving food themselves also gave children practical responsibilities.

At the September 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that the key-person approach supported planning for individual children, and that adapted materials, individual plans and work with external professionals helped children with SEND make good progress.

In September 2025, settling arrangements drew on conversations with parents about each child's needs, including preparation for moves between baby and toddler rooms. Parents received updates about development and ideas for supporting learning at home, connecting nursery activities with family life.

Weekly tooth-brushing activities and conversations about food choices formed part of health education in September 2025. Staff also used familiar songs and routines to help children move between activities.

The address is 4 Merryweather Place, London SE10 8BN. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year.

In September 2025, the nursery offered government-funded childcare and early education places. That dated offer is relevant to families comparing attendance costs alongside their childcare needs.

• Older children's language. In September 2025, group activities did not consistently give older children enough practice in longer answers, new vocabulary and expressing ideas. During a visit, ask how staff now extend these conversations.
• Hands-on independence. The September 2025 activities included real tools, cycling and self-service at meals. This practical emphasis matters if you value children learning through manageable responsibilities.
• Attendance and costs. The opening window spans the working day, and funded places were offered in September 2025. What attendance arrangement and additional charges would apply to your child?

Zippys merits consideration for families seeking childcare across the year, especially those who value practical play and growing independence. Its September 2025 picture combines reassuring care findings with a clear development priority: giving older children more opportunities to practise expressive language in groups.