Margaret McMillan Nursery School

Inspection of Margaret McMillan Nursery School Hornsey Rise, London N19 3SF

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Babies and toddlers develop secure relationships with staff, who welcome them warmly as they arrive at nursery. Children seek out familiar staff and receive reassurance and comfort throughout the day. Staff are attentive and responsive to children's emotional and care needs. Staff working with babies understand the importance of daily routines. Children are secure because they know what to expect with staff who talk to them and tell them what is happening next. Babies and toddlers are beginning to learn to take turns and share with each other. Staff intent is to teach children to respect one another and to play in cooperative ways. Staff are sensitive role models, and young children respond well because staff offer meaningful praise.

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The provision is good

Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of child development. They observe children and assess their progress to enable them to swiftly recognise where children may need additional support. They work closely with outside professionals to ensure that children make the best progress and receive any help they may need to achieve this. Children make good progress across all areas of learning. They develop their large-muscle skills as they spend time outside every day. They are so keen to take part in the activities in the well-resourced outdoor area. They balance on crates and wheeled toys with confidence. They explore with enthusiasm and enjoyment as they communicate with visitors and staff.

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need to do better?

n Staff understand the importance of being reflective in their practice. They seek feedback from other staff and professionals when evaluating the quality of the service they provide. They access a good range of training so that they can continue to develop their teaching skills. The headteacher and senior leadership team provide regular opportunities for feedback and to highlight areas for development. Recruitment and induction are thorough, with ongoing supervision and monitoring used to ensure staff suitability and professional development. Staff say that the headteacher is highly supportive and that they benefit from regular well-being meetings. n The headteacher and staff work well together as an enthusiastic and dedicated team. They are committed to providing an inclusive environment where all children and their families are fully included. This means that all children receive the help they need to enable them to make good progress. The high levels of

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need to do better?

communication could be strengthened by making sure that key persons' communication with parents and other staff incorporates more fully aspects of children's interests, so they can be incorporated into the planning of the curriculum. n Staff place a strong focus on developing children's communication and language,

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need to do better?

5 December 2022 including children who speak English as an additional language. They listen to children carefully, give them time to think and respond and teach them new words. They talk to children and ask questions to encourage their thinking skills. Children join in with simple songs and rhymes and turn the pages of their favourite books with enthusiasm. Staff sit with young babies on the floor to encourage their participation. n Babies develop their sensory skills as they play with sponges and foam in an adult-directed activity. However, there is less opportunity for babies to play with sensory materials and activities in their self-chosen play. n Children benefit from healthy snacks and meals, which they really enjoy. Staff promote children's independence well during mealtimes. Babies and toddlers join the older children and sit together during lunch. They really enjoy the social aspect, with staff encouraging conversations with other children and staff.

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need to do better?

n Parents share positive feedback about the nursery. They fully appreciate the care and learning that their children receive. They say that their younger children and their older siblings have been very happy to attend. They comment that they can see how much their children are developing and learning with the supportive staff team. Information is shared with parents through daily feedback diaries and at parents' meetings, and they are encouraged to attend special events at the nursery.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The headteacher and staff are clear about how to keep children safe. They are confident in fulfilling their responsibilities, including reporting and escalating any concerns to the relevant outside agencies. The headteacher ensures that all staff receive regular training and updates about child protection and safeguarding guidance. Staff make effective use of risk assessments to ensure that the premises are safe. The setting is secure, and staff complete regular fire drills. Vetting and recruitment processes are in place to ensure all adults are suitable to work with children.

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should:

n enhance further the availability of natural resources to provide more challenge and sensory interest for children n continue to improve the existing good systems for communication to further enhance effective information sharing, particularly in relation to children's interests so they can be more easily incorporated into the curriculum.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY304482 Local authority Islington Inspection number 10233670 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 9 Number of children on roll 9

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Name of registered person

Margaret McMillan Nursery School Governing Body

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reference number

Telephone number 020 7281 2745 Date of previous inspection 16 February 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Margaret McMillan Nursery School registered in 1990. It is situated in Hornsey Rise in the London Borough of Islington. The nursery opens each weekday, from 8am until 5.45pm, for 48 weeks of the year. The nursery is in receipt of funding for free nursery education for children aged two, three and four years. The headteacher and five other members of the team hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), and 22 staff hold appropriate early years qualifications.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n Parents spoke to the inspector and shared their views about the setting. n The headteacher took the inspector on a learning walk of the nursery and explained the curriculum intentions. n The inspector held a meeting with the headteacher and deputy to discuss their leadership and management of the setting. n The inspector observed staff interactions with children during their play together and spoke to staff at appropriate times. n The inspector reviewed documents that were relevant to the inspection.

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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

5 December 2022 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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