St Mary's Preschool and Playscheme

Inspection of St Mary's Preschool and Playscheme St Marys Church, St Marys Church Office, Upper Street, London N1 2TX

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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

Children flourish in this caring and supportive setting. The staff warmly welcomes each child upon arrival, creating an inviting atmosphere. Children are excited to begin their day and have plenty of choices, both indoors and outdoors as they explore alongside their friends. Those who need extra support receive comforting cuddles and reassurance from the kind and attentive staff. Children are happy, confident and feel safe. The leaders ensure that the curriculum is ambitious, motivating and challenging. Children make good progress in their learning, including those in receipt of additional funding.

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The provision is good

Staff know the children very well and use ongoing assessments, observations and effective planning to support their learning. Children benefit from a diverse range of activities that cater to their interests and address their next steps in learning. For example, children eagerly pair up to engage in a throwing and catching activity using a large scoop, discussing various ways to catch the ball together. This promotes skills for teamwork, concentration and agility.

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The provision is good

Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. As part of the routine circle- time activity, they remind children about the rules at the start of the day. Older children recall these rules wonderfully and explain why it is important not to run inside and to tidy toys away after play. The staff demonstrate respect and manners in their interactions with the children, consistently praising them. This helps children develop high self-esteem and behave in a well-mannered way.

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need to do better?

n Staff support children's communication and language skills effectively. During circle time, children gather to sing welcome songs, eagerly participating with familiar phrases and actions. The staff enthusiastically engage the children by discussing the weather and the days of the week, making the activity enjoyable and interactive. They read stories, model correct language and encourage conversations with the children about the characters. n Children enjoy healthy snacks and meals, and they benefit from daily exercise in the garden. The outdoor activities are well organised, allowing children to have fun as they explore water and learn about capacity by filling and emptying containers. They also learn to climb the steps of a large climbing frame and slide down safely. Children have ample opportunities for physical exercise and plenty of fresh air. n Overall, staff engage children in purposeful, planned activities for extended

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need to do better?

periods of time. They incorporate children's interests, such as playing with colourful dough. Staff model using a variety of shape cutters and textured rollers. Together, they create balls of different sizes, and children learn new

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need to do better?

19 September 2025 vocabulary associated with size, such as 'tiny' and 'gigantic'. However, at times, staff do not notice when some children start to lose concentration. They do not effectively intervene to help these children regain focus and engagement in their learning. n Children learn various skills that promote their independence. For instance, they confidently explore the pre-school and select the toys and activities they wish to use. Children can register themselves using their photos and name labels. However, staff occasionally take on too much responsibility for the children, which can hinder their development of self-help skills. For example, they complete tasks for children that they could do themselves. This does not fully promote their independence skills. n The curriculum is well structured and builds on the knowledge and skills that children already have. Staff engage positively with the children, participating in

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need to do better?

their play activities to support their learning. For example, the children enjoy role playing a shopping experience, where they pretend to buy and pay for food. Staff enthusiastically join in, fostering the children's imagination by asking the children for money to complete their purchases. n Parents appreciate the individual attention their child receives from the key person. A gradual settling-in process, including home visits, helps children adjust quickly to the pre-school environment. Strong partnerships with parents enhance communication about children's needs and achievements, and staff encourage parents to support and extend their child's learning at home. n Leaders have implemented a strong system for supervising and supporting their staff. The staff receive valuable support for their ongoing professional development. Leaders also have a clear vision for continuous improvement. They engage with staff, parents, the local authority advisor, and children to plan for

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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 prioritises children's interests.

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should:

n develop staff's skills further in recognising how to include all children in planned and small-group activities n increase opportunities for children to manage simple routine tasks, to further support their independence skills.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2734141 Local authority Islington Inspection number 10399624 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 Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 27 Number of children on roll 27

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Name of registered person

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Islington

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reference number

Telephone number 02077042873 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

St Mary's Preschool and Playscheme registered in May 2023 and is located in the London Borough of Islington. The pre-school operates term time, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. In the holidays, the pre-school offers a holiday club, Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 5.30pm, except on bank holidays. The pre-school receives funding to offer free early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are nine staff members, eight of whom hold relevant early years qualifications between level 2 and level 6.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The inspector carried out joint observations of a group activity with the manager. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. 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 talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum.

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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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