Top Tots 2

In January 2025, garden ramps, measuring tapes and stories shared on family outings gave a concrete picture of children's experiences at Top Tots 2. At its January 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall, finding strengths in communication and children's relationships.

Based at East Plumstead Baptist Church in London, the nursery has capacity for 60 children. Babies through to children aged four attended in January 2025; that age range belongs to that point in time.

In January 2025, learning responded to children's interests. After appointments with health visitors sparked curiosity about measuring, staff introduced scales and tape measures. Children measured objects and talked about numbers, connecting an everyday experience with practical exploration.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its everyday expression in January 2025 included imaginative storytelling, exploring numbers and learning to share play space. In the garden, children sent cars down ramps while adults helped with turn-taking when needed.

Chinese New Year activities occupied a week that January: children explored cultural objects, played with noodles and made paper snakes. Stories gave them another way to discuss the celebration. Parents also recalled children talking about The Tiger who came to Tea during a family cafe visit, an example of nursery reading travelling beyond the setting.

At the January 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective, praised support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and highlighted strong communication with parents. Early intervention involved working with the local authority.

That January, staff recognised babies' individual signals, including touching their hair when tired. Older children showed concern for toddlers who were settling. These examples give parents a concrete picture of how adults and children responded to one another.

There were practical weaknesses too. Adults sometimes took over tasks children could attempt themselves, such as pouring milk or putting on outdoor clothing. Changing nappies together also interrupted some older children's unfinished activities, even when a change was not immediately needed.

The address is East Plumstead Baptist Church, Griffin Road, London SE18 7PZ. In January 2025, opening hours were 8am to 6pm on weekdays, during term time; government-funded childcare was offered then.

• Independence. In January 2025, opportunities to serve food and manage clothing depended on the adult involved. At a visit, ask how practitioners now give children time to attempt these tasks.
• Nappy-changing routines. The January 2025 routine sometimes interrupted older children's play unnecessarily. Ask how changes are fitted around individual needs and ongoing activities.
• Attendance fit. The January 2025 opening pattern was term-time only. What attendance arrangements would match your family's current needs?

Top Tots 2 merits consideration for families who value learning built around children's interests and close communication with staff. Its January 2025 picture combined playful exploration with a Good overall judgement. The decision points are concrete: how consistently children can do things for themselves, and how care routines protect their time to play.