Be Me Day Nursery Angel

Language runs through the picture of Be Me Day Nursery Angel: babies communicating through gestures, toddlers measuring fruit for smoothies, and children telling stories of their own. At its May 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding, with language development and ambitious learning among its strengths.

At 12 Fowler Road in Islington, the nursery has capacity for 70 children aged three months to five years. The most useful distinction for families is between those current practical facts and the daily experiences described below, which date from May 2024.

In May 2024, learning followed children's interests and what they were ready to attempt next. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care: here, play connected conversation, movement and practical tasks rather than keeping them separate.

Babies explored music through instruments and songs, while toddlers climbed a frame and used a slide. Smoothie-making brought together chopping fruit, measuring and recognising numbers. These examples give parents a concrete picture of how everyday activities became opportunities to learn.

During that same month, Makaton signs accompanied spoken words in the younger children's rooms, giving children another way to communicate. Songs included Spanish and English. Books prompted discussion and storytelling, while imaginative pirate play introduced vocabulary about position and movement.

Outdoors, children used a sand timer to organise turns on wheeled toys. Trips took children to shops and the local library; music lessons and yoga also formed part of their experiences. The account includes learning about road crossing, teeth and hydration, connecting nursery activities with everyday self-care.

At the May 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receiving prompt, targeted help through work with parents and other professionals. Those are dated judgements rather than assurances about today's practice.

In May 2024, staff responded to babies' gestures and sounds, repeated emerging words and allowed time for children to speak. Children used both English and their home languages with staff. Parents contributed to learning at home through information shared by practitioners, and children practised independence in preparation for their move to school.

The address is 12 Fowler Road, London, N1 2EP. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

• Early communication. The May 2024 examples include Makaton signs, songs in Spanish and English, and time for babies to respond. During a visit, ask how these approaches would support your child's communication now.
• Working-year fit. Weekday opening runs from 8am to 6pm, with bank-holiday and Christmas closures. Families need to accommodate those breaks in their care arrangements.

Be Me Day Nursery Angel suits families seeking weekday, year-round care and interested in learning through conversation, practical activities and movement. Its May 2024 account gives substance to the Outstanding judgement, from fruit preparation to supported communication. That dated picture deserves consideration alongside the practical fit of its opening hours and closures.