Mildmay Community Nursery

In April 2023, herbs grown for tasting, family recipes shared in the nursery and outings into the neighbourhood gave Mildmay Community Nursery a recognisable community character. At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding, with children’s curiosity and relationships with staff central to that judgement.

The nursery accepts children aged 6 to 60 months at 19 - 23 Mildmay Park, Islington, London N1 4NA. The account of daily life below dates to April 2023.

In April 2023, children used the garden for climbing, imaginative play and making perfume from flowers. Growing herbs in the planting area brought taste and smell into their exploration of nature. Conversations about recycling connected those experiences to caring for the planet.

Weekly forest school, an outdoor learning activity, extended that emphasis. Children also visited a theatre, a farm and the local library, with outings shaped around their interests and needs. Families took part too, giving community exploration a connection to home.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children’s learning, development and care. Here, the April 2023 examples included children asking about unfamiliar words during stories and exchanging ideas with adults while building a tent outdoors. Learning happened through conversation and practical activity, rather than listening alone.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, specialist support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities highly effective, and children’s progress excellent. Recruitment checks, staff knowledge of reporting concerns and daily checks of indoor and outdoor areas formed part of the safeguarding arrangements then.

In April 2023, staff helped children discuss their feelings and understand why they felt that way. Children reminded one another about rules, including keeping spades in the sandpit. That made managing emotions part of everyday play.

Parents received updates about activities and development, and were encouraged to join outings or spend time in the nursery. Parents and grandparents shared books and recipes from home, bringing family languages and cultures into children’s experiences. Work with local teachers also supported the move to school.

Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, with closures at Easter, in August and at Christmas. Its address is 19 - 23 Mildmay Park, Islington, London N1 4NA.

In April 2023, it received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated funding position, rather than a promise about an individual child’s entitlement.

• Attendance and costs. Opening hours span 8am to 6pm on weekdays. At a visit, what booking patterns and funded arrangements apply, including the treatment of meals and consumables?
• Holiday cover. Closures fall at Easter, in August and at Christmas. Families needing care across those periods should build this into their plans.
• Outdoor learning. Weekly forest school and herb growing featured in April 2023. These are useful starting points for discussing how the outdoor routine works for your child today.

Mildmay merits consideration from families seeking weekday care with a community emphasis. Its April 2023 picture combines outdoor exploration, family participation and attentive conversation with children. The practical fit rests on the weekday opening window and seasonal closures.