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Merry Poppets Nursery in Beds

Ofsted: Good
(Sept 2025)
·
4.8(17 parent reviews)
·23 Queens Road, Ampthill, Beds, MK45 2TD · Central Bedfordshire
Number of places
60 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2025
Local authority
Central Bedfordshire

About this day nursery

Merry Poppets Nursery has been providing early years education and childcare in Central Bedfordshire since 2006, with nurseries located in Ampthill, Flitwick, Henlow, and Westoning. Each setting offers a unique environment while upholding consistent high standards of care and professionalism.

The nursery aims to create a safe, stimulating, and nurturing space where children can develop into independent learners, preparing them for their transition to full-time education. They cater to children aged 3 months to 5 years, with individualised rooms designed for different age groups to encourage learning, play, and growth.

Merry Poppets follows the Early Years Foundation Framework (EYFS) to ensure children's development and actively involves parents through online updates about their child's daily activities and progress. They are committed to providing a healthy diet, with all meals freshly prepared by their professional cooks to meet the nutritional needs of young children.

The nursery also offers flexibility with full-time or part-time care options and boasts experienced and qualified staff who strive to make the nursery experience positive for both children and parents.

Our ethos

Merry Poppets Nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Framework (EYFS) to foster a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment. They aim to develop children into independent learners, preparing them for school through play, growth, and individualised learning experiences.

What it's like

Children enjoy their time in this nurturing and welcoming nursery. The friendly and caring staff help them to settle quickly. Children develop strong relationships with staff who they seek out for support and comfort, which helps them to feel safe and secure. Children develop focus and concentration as they fully engage in activities, both indoors and outdoors.

Ofsted 'Good Provider' RatingHealthy Diet for Our PoppetsEYFS FrameworkFunded & Coupon Supported Childcare Sessions3 Individual Rooms For 3 Age GroupsChild Online Journey Connection

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

Key facts

Opening hours

Open from 8am to 6pm with early morning 'drop off' available

Food

All meals are freshly prepared at the Merry Poppets kitchen by our own Professional Cooks.

Age range

3 Months to 5 Years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Session types

full time care, part time care

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Merry Poppets Nursery

Last inspected 2 September 2025 · Clare Eyre

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children enjoy their time in this nurturing and welcoming nursery. The friendly and caring staff help them to settle quickly. Children develop strong relationships with staff who they seek out for support and comfort, which helps them to feel safe and secure. Children develop focus and concentration as they fully engage in activities, both indoors and outdoors.

Inspector highlights

  • Leaders have designed an ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum that builds on children's existing skills.
  • Nursery staff gather detailed information about children from parents to plan activities and support progress.
  • Staff ensure children understand what they need to do to be healthy, providing nutritious meals and promoting hygiene routines.
  • The nursery has made good links with the community, including visits from the fire service and regular trips to the local library.
  • Staff feel very supported by leaders, have regular supervision, and report that they love their jobs.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to recognise opportunities when children's learning and vocabulary can be extended more effectively as they play.
Inspection #10407337 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents are very positive about the care their children receive.

They feel well supported and informed by the staff.

They report that they receive lots of information about their children's learning and development.

Parents explain how they can support their child at home.

They say that their children enjoy coming to the nursery and chat about their activities when they come home.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

Children have lots of opportunities for physical play outdoors in the fresh air. Children develop focus and concentration as they fully engage in activities, both indoors and outdoors.

Parent Reviews of Merry Poppets Nursery

4.8
(17)
Lucy Page
2 years ago

My son attended Merry Poppets nursery from around 18 months until the summer of 2022 and we could not fault the care and support he received throughout his time there. As a September baby, I was always worried because all his friends started school the year before he did, but the staff (Steph in particular), did a fantastic job at getting him school ready and he ended up acting as a mentor/role model to the younger children in the room. As a result of this, he has completely thrived at school, excelling in most of his subjects (a year or two above his peers) and we couldn’t be more proud. Communication was always good from the staff and would highly recommend this setting for babies/children of any age.

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Amelia Norris
a year ago

Both of my girls have attended Merry Poppets in Ampthill. My first left for school in September and my second started at the end of September. We can’t praise the staff enough for all their care over the last 4 years. My eldest still talks about nursery and had the most lovely time there. She would be so excited to go every day and learnt so much, especially in the year leading up to school. My youngest (who I was worried about as she’s very clingy) has settled within 2 weeks. Every time I collect her she’s happy and smiling. It’s nice to be able to go to work and not worry about her as I know she’s in very safe hands. Communication has always been excellent and every single member of staff genuinely cares for the children. I’m so glad we have this lovely nursery locally! I would highly recommend it.

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Helen Attah
2 years ago

My son has attended Merry Poppets for about a year and a half. He has had such a wonderful time in big bears, it will be very sad when he needs to leave to go to big school. I can't fault the nursery at all. The staff are wonderful, really caring and nurturing. Even with an older child, I'm getting a full report of what he has done that day. Also a huge plus is they don't have a huge turn over of staff like some other nurseries.

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John Mysko Von Schultze
2 years ago

Myself and my wife have nothing but praise for Merry Poppets in Ampthill. Our daughter, who is now 5 years old and at school attended Merry Poppets from just before her first birthday until September just gone. All of the staff were great, she learnt so much and now since being at school since September nearly every day she comments to us that she wishes she was still there. If you're thinking of putting your child in a nursery you can't go wrong with Merry Poppets. We miss it as much as our daughter. John.

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Leigh-Ann Munn
a year ago

Our experience at Merry poppets has been beyond exceptional. My son has attending Merry Poppets Ampthill since he was in the baby room and he is currently in the pre-school room. He has grown so much and sharing all his knowledge he has learnt at nursery and pre-school. The staff work so hard and care deeply. They do so much with the children such as sign language songs and a sign of the week, letter, shape and number of the week, science activities. Plus so much more! Parent zone has been so helpful in communication and see photos of all the fun and messy activities has been wonderful! just seeing how happy and excited my son is to attend nursery to see his friends and teachers. I just wanted to say thank you to all the staff at Ampthill because all of you have been there to support and care for my son throughout the years. Thank you!

Read on Google

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

Inspection history

Date: January 2020

  • September 2025Good
  • January 2020Good

Frequently asked about Merry Poppets Nursery

About the setting

Merry Poppets Nursery Ltd in Ampthill registered in 2017. The nursery employs 24 members of childcare staff, with one holding a level 2 qualification and 10 holding level 3 or higher. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7.30am until 6pm, and provides funded early education for children.

URN
EY550755
Registered person
Merry Poppets Nursery Limited
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more