Imperial Oaks

Inspection of Imperial Oaks 4 Merryweather Place, London SE10 8BN

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Leaders and staff greet children warmly each day, creating a nurturing and welcoming atmosphere. They adopt a kind and caring approach, offering comfort and reassurance to help children settle quickly. Staff focus on building trusting relationships, arranging thoughtful inductions and working closely with parents to understand children's individual needs. This supports smooth transitions, such as from the baby to toddler room, and promotes children's emotional security and confidence.

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The provision is good

Staff are committed to helping all children make the best possible progress. They deliver a carefully planned curriculum that reflects each child's next steps and interests. Particular attention is given to supporting communication, language and social skills. Strategies are tailored to promote the needs of children who speak English as an additional language and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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The provision is good

Children feel relaxed and ready to engage in their play and learning because staff respect their needs and provide clear guidance. For example, children learn to take turns and use cooperation skills during cooking activities, where staff model language and explore problem-solving. Staff also use songs and consistent routines to support children during transitions, while reinforcing clear behavioural boundaries. As a result, children develop positive attitudes, regulate their emotions and thrive in their learning.

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need to do better?

n An effective key-person system ensures staff know children well and use observations to plan for what children need to learn next. Leaders and staff act swiftly to secure early support, adapting provision and working with external professionals so that all children, particularly those with SEND, make good progress. For example, staff implement individual plans, adapt resources and provide staff with bespoke training to meet children's needs. n Children show positive attitudes towards their learning and engage enthusiastically in group activities. They enjoy playing alongside their peers, and staff skilfully model sharing, turn-taking and cooperative play. The nursery's 'Golden Rules' are reinforced consistently by staff, helping children to understand expectations and develop self-regulation skills. As a result, children demonstrate strong social skills, show consideration for others and are confident to participate

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need to do better?

fully in learning activities. n Staff teach children the importance of being healthy through engaging activities and structured routines. For example, children take part in weekly tooth brushing sessions and discussions about healthy eating. Staff model and

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need to do better?

19 September 2025 encourage good habits. They praise children's efforts, and involve them in making healthy choices. This helps children develop a strong understanding of personal health and supports their overall well-being. n Children have frequent opportunities to develop their physical skills, both indoors and outdoors. They enjoy exploring the garden, riding tricycles and balance bicycles and participating in daily exercise routines. Staff provide opportunities for children to learn to manage risk, such as by using a variety of real tools at the woodwork bench. This also supports their coordination and problem-solving skills. These experiences help children to develop their muscles, confidence and resilience, and foster independence and an awareness of their safety. n Staff support children to become independent and confident learners. Children serve themselves at mealtimes, manage self-care routines and help tidy away

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need to do better?

toys and equipment. They develop a strong sense of capability, responsibility and pride in their nursery environment. n Overall, staff support children's communication and language development well. They narrate play, introduce new words and model sounds. Babies and toddlers join in with stories, songs and actions. However, during group activities, staff do not consistently encourage and support older children to further build on their language skills. For instance, staff do not always offer opportunities for children to respond in full sentences, extend their vocabulary and practise expressive communication to strengthen their confidence and language skills further. n Parents and carers speak highly of the care their children receive. They value the clear, regular communication about their child's learning and development and feel well informed about how they can help at home and about children's targets. This supports effective continuity with learning at home.

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need to do better?

n Leaders foster a positive, supportive culture by providing high-quality coaching, training and regular supervision meetings for staff. Targeted coaching helps build on staff's strengths and enhances their professional skills. They aspire to deliver the best outcomes for children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n enhance how staff model and extend language in group activities to further strengthen older children's language development and develop their confidence in communication further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2823231 Local authority Greenwich Inspection number 10421179 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 67 Number of children on roll 30 Name of registered person Imperial Oaks Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 02086914070 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Imperial Oaks registered in 2025 and is located in the London Borough of Greenwich. It employs 14 members of childcare staff. Of these, 12 hold early years qualifications at levels 2 to 7. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6.30pm. The nursery offer government funded places for childcare and early education.

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Inspection activities

n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector and manager carried out joint observations of group activities. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including the information used by the provider to determine staff's suitability.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

19 September 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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