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Nursery at Margaret McMillan Nursery School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sand, water, climbing and garden stories give outdoor play a substantial place in the day at Margaret McMillan. Children use the outdoor spaces throughout the year, making movement and exploration part of their everyday learning.
This maintained nursery school and Children’s Centre on Hornsey Rise welcomes children from 6 months to 5 years. Seedlings serves the youngest children up to 2, Saplings takes those aged 2–3, and Sycamore has two groups for ages 3–4. These age-specific rooms give babies and older nursery children different bases for play and care.
Choice sits alongside a predictable routine. Children move between outdoor and indoor play, join smaller learning groups, share stories and pause for meals or snacks. Younger children also have time to rest. Bricks and the home corner remain available through Continuous Provision, the nursery’s term for an environment children can explore independently. Staff add projects shaped by children’s interests.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, communication and relationships with early reading, mathematics, creative work and understanding the world. Here, that means learning through conversation, play and practical activity.
The garden includes places for construction and imaginative games, planting, sand and water exploration, and quieter storytelling. Summer 2026 plans for Seedlings and Saplings included obstacle courses, seed growing and observing caterpillars and ducklings. Sycamore’s plans used Helicopter Stories to help children invent their own tales, while measuring during cooking and building gave mathematics a practical purpose. These are concrete examples of how a topic can connect language, movement and discovery.
Teaching consistency. The Ofsted report dated 12 May 2026 identified uneven teaching and missed opportunities to extend children’s language and learning. Staff expertise needs further development across the curriculum so children retain knowledge and encounter richer language consistently. For families, the useful question is how adults extend a child’s chosen activity through conversation and challenge.
Settling happens gradually, with the pace adapted to the child, parents involved in early sessions and time to build familiarity with the key person. Before children start, a home visit brings the SENCO and another staff member, usually their key person, into a familiar setting. Under-3s have a review after 6 weeks to discuss settling and any concerns.
Daily conversations with the key person sit alongside progress meetings. FAMLY carries observations and photographs; parents should use telephone or email for messages to staff. This gives families a view of learning while keeping direct questions on the channels staff check.
Meals and snacks use fresh ingredients and follow Islington nutrition guidance. Dietary provision accommodates allergies and intolerances as well as cultural and individual requirements. Families supply nappies, wipes and creams when needed, and can send a comfort item.
SEND support uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review, with parents helping agree outcomes and evaluate support, usually every 6–8 weeks. Named interventions include Crocodile language enrichment groups, Attention Autism and Sensory Circuits. In May 2026, inclusion support included visual aids, sensory rooms and spaces for calming down, helping children participate and manage their feelings. Safeguarding standards were met.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline.
Preparation for the move is a different matter. Staff produce a leaver’s report during the summer before primary school starts. For children with SEND, transition arrangements can include contact with the receiving SENCO, sharing records, a transition meeting, photographs of the new setting and a stay-and-play visit. These help the next team understand the child’s needs; they do not secure admission.
All-year-round places run for 48 weeks, with a day from 8am to 5.30pm. Families choose specified two-day or three-day patterns, or five days. Term-time provision offers 15 or 30 hours, and additional hours can be paid for. Ask the school for current charges.
All three- and four-year-olds qualify for the universal 15-hour term-time entitlement from the term following their third birthday. Working-parent funding and funded places for some two-year-olds have eligibility conditions. The nursery requires the relevant eligibility code for a funded offer.
Enquiries go through Enquire Now, after which the team sends an application form. Visits can be arranged through the office on 02072812745 or admin@margaretmcmillan.islington.sch.uk. Send clothes suitable for messy play, waterproofs, wellies and labelled spares. Collection must be by an adult named on the registration form; tell the office beforehand about changes.
The nursery welcomes children from 6 months to 5 years, with Seedlings, Saplings and Sycamore providing age-specific rooms.
Yes. All-year-round places operate for 48 weeks, from 8am to 5.30pm, with specified two-day, three-day or five-day patterns. Term-time places are also offered.
Children have a personalised, gradual introduction with parent involvement and time with their key person. A home visit takes place before starting, and under-3s have a settling review after 6 weeks.
Yes. Meals and snacks cater for allergies, intolerances, cultural requirements and individual dietary needs.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process.
