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Mildmay Community Nursery

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Apr 2023)
·
5.0(5 parent reviews) ·19 - 23 Mildmay Park, Islington, N1 4NA · Islington
Number of places
32 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2023
Local authority
Islington

About this day nursery

Mildmay Community Nursery, established in 1986, is a not-for-profit registered charity in Islington, dedicated to providing a fun, engaging, and inclusive educational environment. The nursery prides itself on its strong community spirit and actively encourages parental involvement in all aspects of its planning and operation, believing that parents offer invaluable knowledge and experience.

Mildmay operates for 48 weeks annually, with closures for Christmas, Easter, and a two-week period in August. The nursery offers places for Islington residents, along with a limited number of "marketed places" for families outside the borough.

They cater to babies from six months to two years in their Rainbow Room, and children aged two to five years in their Sunshine Room, focusing on individualised routines and fostering strong attachments for babies, and promoting play, exploration, motivation, creativity, and independent thinking for older children. Mildmay is committed to inclusivity, offering a supportive learning environment for all children, including those with special educational needs or disabilities, and works closely with families and professionals to ensure each child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

They are also passionate about teaching children about the natural world and sustainability, incorporating activities like forest school and promoting recycling. The nursery holds a Millie’s Mark accreditation for paediatric first aid, the Mayor of London Healthy Early Years Gold Award, and the Eco School award, reflecting their commitment to health, well-being, and environmental education.

Our ethos

We strongly believe parents have knowledge and experience that should be recognised and used effectively. At Mildmay we try to foster a collaborative environment where staff, parents and children can work together for the good of all concerned. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive, supportive, and inspiring learning environment where every child, regardless of their special educational needs or disabilities, can flourish.

What it's like

Children flourish in this exceptional nursery, developing strong attachments with caring staff and settling quickly. They are curious and motivated to learn, asking questions and engaging with genuine excitement from staff. Community is central, with an inclusive environment where everyone is heard.

Charity-runCommunity-focusedForest SchoolHealthy Early Years Gold AwardEco School Award

Pricing & funding

Fees are set by Islington Council based on gross household income and are payable for the 48 weeks of the year that the nursery operates. A voluntary lunch contribution is requested for children receiving funded hours to help cover meals, while parents must provide their own nappies, wipes, and sun cream.

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds

Good to know

  • Fees are determined by Islington Council based on gross household income.
  • The nursery operates for 48 weeks per year.
  • Voluntary lunch contribution requested to cover meals for funded children.
  • Lunch contribution covers breakfast, lunch, tea, and two snacks.
  • Parents must provide nappies, wipes, and sun cream.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday - Friday: 8am – 6pm

Age range

6 months to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Session types

full day, 2-day, 3-day, 5-day

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Mildmay Community Nursery

Last inspected 24 April 2023

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Children flourish in this exceptional nursery, developing strong attachments with caring staff and settling quickly. They are curious and motivated to learn, asking questions and engaging with genuine excitement from staff. Community is central, with an inclusive environment where everyone is heard.

Inspector highlights

  • The manager and deputy manager form a strong team, passionate about the nursery and continuously striving for excellence.
  • Children are extremely strong communicators, engaging in continuous conversations with each other and staff.
  • The nursery is exceptionally inclusive, with staff working closely with experts to support children with SEND.
  • Children show immense joy at being outside in the newly developed garden and demonstrate strong physical skills.
  • Staff build strong relationships with parents, engaging them in their children's learning and keeping them well informed.
Inspection #10264366 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents speak extremely highly of the setting.

They comment on the strong community feel.

Parents appreciate how approachable staff are and how happy their children are.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The nursery is exceptionally inclusive. Staff work extremely closely with a range of experts to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They are trained to deliver specialist support for all children. Children thrive as they quickly reach their developmental milestones. All children make excellent progress.

Outdoor space

Children show immense joy at being outside in the newly developed garden. They demonstrate strong physical skills as they climb, pick flowers to make perfume with and use their imaginations. The manager and staff are passionate about teaching children about the natural world and sustainability. For example, children enjoy attending forest school once a week.

Parent Reviews of Mildmay Community Nursery

5.0
(5)
Kathryn McMann
6 years ago

This nursery is an absolute gem. I can't recommend them highly enough. Mildmay nursery is a wonderful large family. Lots of noise, colour and love, welcoming you in. The staff go beyond the usual care for each child. They get to know them. Their likes and dislikes, nurturing their characters and give them space to be themselves, whether they're a drama lover, astronaut or a book worm. My son went to Mildmay for over 2 years. We only left because we moved but we still miss the nursery family. As a family you become part of the bigger family. They're very open and encourage parental involvement as much or as little as you can give, so it's full transparency. But they don't put on airs to please the parents because they're busy making all sorts of creative activities for the kids to do. They also have a lot of regular outings so each week is often different, whether it's visiting the local market, posting a letter or going to the theatre. It's quite the whirlwind. Most of the staff have been at the nursery for almost if not more than 20 years, which is a very positive sign. The staff themselves are a family and communicate and support each other as much as the children. Get yourself on the waiting list if you can.

Read on Google
Anthony Nicols
4 years ago

Incredible nursery. If you’re looking for a place to send your child, I wouldn’t look elsewhere. Both of ours went there and not only do I feel like they were brilliantly cared for and nurtured, we become part of a great community.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Mildmay Community Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2023

Date: December 2011

  • April 2023Outstanding
  • June 2017Good
  • August 2013Good
  • December 2011Good

Frequently asked about Mildmay Community Nursery

About the setting

Mildmay Community Nursery registered in 1986 and is in the London Borough of Islington. It operates weekdays from 8am to 6pm, 48 weeks a year. The nursery provides early education for two, three, and four-year-olds, employing 14 staff, including one with qualified teacher status, one with early years professional status, and 12 with relevant childcare qualifications.

URN
EY427176
Registered person
Mildmay Community Nursery Limited
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises
Previous rating
Good

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more