North Islington Nursery School

Overview

North Islington Nursery School continues to be a good school, where children arrive with "smiles on their faces" and an "eagerness to get inside." Leaders are "ambitious for all children to achieve highly," ensuring that every aspect of the school supports learning and development. The environment is described as a "calm and purposeful place to learn," where children build strong relationships and are well prepared for primary school.

Strengths

• Children are "safe and very well cared for," with staff effectively resolving minor disputes and supporting friendship-making.
• Staff use "focus weeks" and regular meetings to closely monitor development, adapting activities to meet individual needs and interests.
• The "extremely well-equipped outdoor area" provides rich opportunities for play, such as using the mud kitchen and climbing equipment.
• Staff promote early literacy and numeracy skills well, helping children engage with stories and count in meaningful contexts.
• Positive relationships exist throughout the school, with staff working as a "happy and cohesive team" supported by leaders.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure all staff know when and how to maximise learning, as inconsistencies sometimes mean opportunities to promote "communication and language" are missed.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well trained to identify welfare concerns and leaders ensuring issues are dealt with promptly.