Blythwood Community Nursery

Books, imaginative games and conversations gave Blythwood Community Nursery its character in July 2021. Children brought staff into their pretend play and organised football games so others could join. These examples show children practising how to share ideas and make room for one another.

At its July 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found that children made good progress, including those receiving funding and those learning English as an additional language. The nursery has capacity for 24 children aged 24 to 59 months at Brickworks in Islington.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play, communication and growing independence belong together in the nursery day.

In July 2021, sand and toy animals supported exploration of texture and imaginative play indoors and outdoors. Specialist teachers led exercise and sports activities, giving children opportunities to develop physical skills. These were experiences beyond sitting and listening.

Reading also threaded through play in July 2021. Children explored books independently, listened to adults reading stories and used factual books placed around the nursery to investigate their interests. Information was accessible alongside activities, rather than confined to story time.

In July 2021, staff combined observations with conversations with parents to plan experiences around children's interests. Familiar words from children's home languages helped with care routines, while songs and conversations introduced English vocabulary. That connected everyday care with opportunities to communicate.

At the July 2021 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective, with staff recognising concerns, understanding reporting procedures and receiving updated training. In July 2021, children also practised using cutlery, washing their hands and managing toileting, making everyday routines opportunities to build independence.

The address is Brickworks, 42 Crouch Hill, London, N4 4BY. Opening hours are 08:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, with closures of two weeks in summer and two weeks at Christmas. Those breaks matter when arranging childcare across the year.

In July 2021, funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four.

• Quieter children. In July 2021, staff sometimes moved on before checking children's understanding or drawing quieter children into discussion. During a visit, ask how practitioners now recognise and support children who contribute less readily.
• Holiday cover. Two-week closures in both summer and at Christmas create breaks in attendance. Families needing continuous childcare should factor these into their arrangements.

Blythwood suits families seeking weekday childcare for children aged 24 to 59 months. Its July 2021 picture combined imaginative play, books, physical activity and practical independence. The teaching concern gives parents a useful point to explore: how staff ensure quieter children receive the attention they need.