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Merry Poppets Nursery in Bedford (MK45 1BP)

Ofsted: Good
(Mar 2023)
·
3.9(11 parent reviews) ·15 The Avenue, Flitwick, BEDFORD, MK45 1BP · Central Bedfordshire
Number of places
65 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Mar 2023
Local authority
Central Bedfordshire

About this day nursery

Merry Poppets Nursery Ltd, established in 2013 and located in Flitwick, Bedfordshire, provides a stimulating environment where children aged 0 to 4 thoroughly enjoy their time, settling quickly into play and activities of their choosing. The nursery, registered for 65 places, fosters strong bonds between children and staff, ensuring children feel safe and secure as they confidently share their home experiences.

With a strong emphasis on independence, children learn essential self-care skills such as using cutlery and putting on shoes, alongside developing good hygiene routines and healthy eating habits. The nursery is open from 7 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays, and provides funded early education for two, three, and four-year-old children.

Leaders are dedicated to continuous improvement, fostering a supportive environment for their 20 staff, 11 of whom hold Level 3 or above early years qualifications. Parents consistently praise the nursery and its staff, noting their children's enjoyment and the progress in their self-confidence.

What it's like

Children thoroughly enjoy attending this nursery. They arrive confidently, settling quickly in play and activities of their choosing. Staff get to know children well from the start. They adapt the environment to ensure it is welcoming to all. Children build strong bonds with staff. They demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. For example, they confidently share with staff what they have done at home. Babies are well settled and keen to explore.

Engaging activitiesStrong bondsIndependence skillsSupportive staffClear curriculum

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)

Key facts

Opening hours

7am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, except for bank holidays.

Term time / All Year

All_year

Established

2013

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Merry Poppets Nursery

Last inspected 7 March 2023

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children thoroughly enjoy attending this nursery. They arrive confidently, settling quickly in play and activities of their choosing. Staff get to know children well from the start. They adapt the environment to ensure it is welcoming to all. Children build strong bonds with staff. They demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. For example, they confidently share with staff what they have done at home. Babies are well settled and keen to explore.

Inspector highlights

  • Children thoroughly enjoy attending this nursery, settling quickly in play and activities of their choosing.
  • Staff build strong bonds with children, who feel safe and secure, confident to share what they have done at home.
  • Staff show respect towards children and encourage them to make choices, helping children to feel valued and build good levels of self-esteem.
  • Leaders have established a clear curriculum designed to help children learn and develop over time, preparing them for school and life in modern Britain.
  • Staff provide babies with plenty of opportunities to practise growing physical skills, both indoors and outdoors, in a safe and hazard-free environment.
  • Children are given plenty of opportunities to practise skills to build their independence, learning to use cutlery, put on coats and shoes, and develop good hygiene routines.

Areas to develop

  • 1Help staff deepen their understanding of typical child development and use this to extend children's learning to the highest level
  • 2Broaden opportunities for children to explore the natural world.
Inspection #10276632 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff work well with parents and other professionals to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They attend training to further their knowledge and skills and implement targeted interventions to help children make progress. Parents state that the information they receive helps them to follow strategies at home, benefiting their child from consistency in learning.

Outdoor space

While children have regular daily opportunities to play outside, currently this tends to focus on physical play, with fewer meaningful opportunities to explore and experience nature.

Parent Reviews of Merry Poppets Nursery

3.9
(11)
Joseph Edward Course (Joeyrule111)
11 months ago

We went in today for a visit to putting our child in nursery for a day and a half a week. We were met by Lyndsey, who showed us the area our child would be in. We met many other staff. It was refreshing to meet the staff we did, which were enthusiastic, genuine, and passionate about their work. Exactly the type of people you would want around your child. All the children seemed happy, playing and getting on with their day. I went in after only having one other experience with a nursery (other than the one I worked in), which was Flitwick day nursery.... not my cup of tea. Again, I went in with high expectations. This is my only child who Im with almost full time and have been in tears thinking about leaving her with people I don't know. This is a big deal for me and my wife also, obviously. I can honestly say I did not get ONE bad vibe from this place. It's refreshing to have all English members of staff who, like previously mentioned, were so enthusiastic and passionate about their work. Some older members of staff which seemed SO EXPERIENCED around children. I work with children daily, so understand how important it is to make children feel comfortable and welcome. Our daughter just made herself at home. Pulled out a chair and played with some trucks. Couple of boys came over and played with her nicely which was so nice to see and experience. We are so happy and comfortable we will be joining early before our government funding. Hopefully everything stays the same for the future. 👍 makes me want to work in the industry again. Thank you.

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Charlotte Line
a year ago

Since our son started at Merry Poppets last year, Emma and her team have been absolutely fantastic. They have gone above and beyond in helping us with various different matters as well as creating a safe, happy environment for our son. Thank you for everything you do!

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Scarlett Cereceda Malyan
2 years ago

I’ve had to cancel my placement for my daughter, giving 11 weeks notice, as I have been made redundant. Merry Poppets are refusing to return the extortionate holding fee, when legally, if a contract is broken, they are only entitled to keep loss of potential income (which is £0 given the length of notice) and any expenses. AVOID this nursery, who knows how else they will rip you off! P.s, if you’re going to have members of staff leave positive reviews, at least ask them to give a fake name in the review 🫠

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Kerry B
3 years ago

My daughter has been with the Flitwick nursery for over a year now, she has a very good relationship with all the staff and has made Friends she is happy to attend the nursery everyday and its now lovely to get updates everyday from the portal to see what she has been doing. The meals are tailored healthy and a lovely choice on the menu they also accommodate children with food allergies. Thank u all

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Shola Okusanya
3 years ago

My son absolutely loves merry poppets. Ever since he started there I have seen a growth in my son academically & emotionally. The staff there are so caring & loving. Even if there is an issue they make sure to take their time to explain things through in a respectful manner. Honestly I wouldn’t want my son anywhere else.

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Reviews from Google for Merry Poppets Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: January 2014

  • March 2023Good
  • July 2017Good
  • January 2014Good

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