Top Tots

Growing food, meeting local workers and learning to care for wildlife gave Top Tots a strong community thread in August 2022. Based at Wesley Hall on Timbercroft Lane, London SE18 2SG, it has capacity for 50 children.

At its August 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated Top Tots Good and found safeguarding effective, with children making good progress from their individual starting points. Children attending then were aged 0 to 5. The strongest detail was practical: learning connected conversation, outdoor exploration and everyday tasks.

In August 2022, children followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for learning, development and care that brings play and everyday experiences into their education. Growing fruit and vegetables gave this a tangible shape: children watered plants, harvested produce, prepared it in the kitchen, ate it and composted waste. That connected food with the work of growing it.

The garden offered younger children grass to explore, while staff helped them recognise risks around brambles and nettles and treat wildlife carefully. Indoors, an activity involved breaking ice with a hammer to uncover small dinosaurs. Learning drew on children's interests as well as planned experiences.

Community encounters included police and fire services, an optician, a barber and a resident who told stories. Celebrations included Pride and the Commonwealth Games, alongside religious festivals involving families, food and storytelling. These experiences brought people and differences into children's learning.

At the August 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that support strategies for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities were shared with their new teachers, helping maintain continuity of care and education. Preparation for school also included building independence and helping children feel positive about the change.

In August 2022, key workers set individual goals and staff contributed observations about children's development. Younger children received cuddles and comfort when distressed; some families shared books in the garden before children settled with their key person. Staff also worked with parents on dietary and medical needs. These were concrete ways of connecting home and nursery care.

The address is Wesley Hall, Timbercroft Lane, London SE18 2SG. In August 2022, opening hours were 8am to 6pm from Monday to Thursday and 8am to 5.30pm on Friday. The nursery operated across the year, closing for one week at Easter and one at Christmas.

At that time, it received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. These attendance and funding details describe August 2022 rather than a current booking offer.

• Communication during routines. In August 2022, staff interaction varied during snacks and nappy changes. Ask how practitioners now use these moments to help children understand what happens next.
• Space for children's ideas. Some planned activities in August 2022 restricted resource choices and children's own creative direction. Explore how staff balance guided activities with children choosing materials and developing ideas.
• Attendance planning. The August 2022 timetable had an earlier Friday finish and holiday closures. What attendance patterns and closure dates would apply to your child's place now?

Top Tots suits parents who value learning connected to gardening, community encounters and everyday independence. Its August 2022 picture combined warm personal care with practical experiences, while communication during routines and freedom in creative activities needed attention. Those specific points give families a useful basis for judging how the nursery works today.