Mildmay Community Nursery

Inspection of Mildmay Community Nursery 19 - 23 Mildmay Park, Islington, London N1 4NA

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in this exceptional nursery. They develop strong attachments to the caring and attentive staff, which enables them to settle quickly and feel very safe and secure. Community is at the heart of everything that happens in the nursery. The manager and staff are passionate about creating an inclusive environment, where everyone has a voice and everyone is listened to. Children are extremely curious and motivated to learn. For example, during story time, children confidently put their hands up and ask the meaning of words that they have not heard before. Staff respond to children's curiosity with genuine excitement. This contributes to the atmosphere being highly engaging. Children demonstrate how inspired they are to explore and learn as much as possible.

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The provision is outstanding

Children display excellent behaviour. The patient and caring staff talk to them about how they are feeling and why. As a result, children understand their emotions and play together harmoniously. Children show a strong understanding of the rules within the nursery. For example, they remind each other to keep the spades in the sandpit and to walk when they are inside. Children are incredibly welcoming to the inspector. They offer big smiles and make her feel very included. Children proudly show her their work and declare, 'This is a drawing of a snake, it is for my mummy.' They have countless opportunities to explore their local community and learn about the world around them. For example, children visit the local library, farm and theatre. Staff plan these activities based on children's needs and interests and always involve their families too.

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need to do better?

n The manager and deputy manager make a strong team and their passion for the nursery shines through. They continuously evaluate the provision and strive for excellence at all times. The manager and deputy manager swiftly implement development plans to further strengthen practice and ensure the highest quality of care and education for all children who attend. Staff feel well supported and their well-being is high. They access highly effective training and supervision to continuously develop their professional skills. n Children are extremely strong communicators. They engage in continuous conversations with each other and staff. The highly skilled staff respond to what children have to say with respect and enthusiasm. The bonds between staff and children come through during these conversations. For example, children and staff share ideas and suggestions as they build a tent together outside. n The nursery is exceptionally inclusive. Staff work extremely closely with a range

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need to do better?

of experts to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They are trained to deliver specialist support for all children. Children thrive as they quickly reach their developmental milestones. All children make excellent

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need to do better?

24 April 2023 progress. The manager has developed strong links with local schools and teachers and works closely to support children with this transition, when the time comes. n Children show immense joy at being outside in the newly developed garden. They demonstrate strong physical skills as they climb, pick flowers to make perfume with and use their imaginations. The manager and staff are passionate about teaching children about the natural world and sustainability. For example, children enjoy attending forest school once a week. They grow their own herbs in the planting area, which they enjoy smelling, tasting and using to be creative with. Children demonstrate their previous learning about how to look after the planet. For instance, they explain that, 'Recycling means it turns into something else.' n Staff build strong relationships with parents and work extremely hard to engage them in their children's learning. Parents are encouraged to accompany their

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need to do better?

children on outings and to spend time in the nursery. They are kept very well informed about daily activities and their children's progress. Parents speak extremely highly of the setting. They comment on the strong community feel. Parents appreciate how approachable staff are and how happy their children are. n Children are prepared for later life. They learn about other cultures, family dynamics and languages. Staff encourage parents to come into the setting and share their experiences. For example, parents and grandparents spend time in the nursery reading books and cooking recipes from home. Children benefit from these experiences, which help to give them a sense of belonging.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Children's safety and well-being are of paramount importance. The manager has a robust procedure for recruiting new staff and carrying out background checks. She maintains records of all members of staff to ensure their ongoing suitability. Staff have a strong understanding of the signs that may indicate that a child is at risk of abuse or harm. They know how to report their concerns to the local authorities. Staff carry out daily checks of the inside and outside areas of the nursery. They have systems in place to make sure that all children are kept safe.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY427176 Local authority Islington Inspection number 10264366 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 32 Number of children on roll 35 Name of registered person Mildmay Community Nursery Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 0207 3545205 Date of previous inspection 13 June 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Mildmay Community Nursery registered in 1986. It is situated in the London Borough of Islington. The nursery operates each weekday, from 8am to 6pm, for 48 weeks of the year. The nursery receives funding to provide early education for children aged two, three and four years. The provider employs 14 members of staff. Of these, one holds qualified teacher status, one holds early years professional status and 12 hold relevant childcare qualifications.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the nursery received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with staff and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the nursery. n The inspector completed a learning walk with the manager to discuss how the nursery is organised. n The inspector observed children playing and learning and talked to children and staff. n The inspector spoke to parents to gain their views of the setting. n A leadership and management meeting was held with the manager of the setting to discuss safeguarding arrangements and to view a sample of documentation.

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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

24 April 2023 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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