About Margaret McMillan Nursery, Plymouth
A safe, enriching and stimulating environment
Our Story - Margaret McMillan Nursery
In 1935 Margaret McMillan Nursery was established as the first day Nursery School in Plymouth by Lady Nancy Astor and has been providing high standards of care and learning to children ever since.
How we began
Lady Astor, as MP for Plymouth wanted to provide nursery provision for under privileged children who lived in the immediate vicinity and inspired by the pioneers of nursery education Rachel and Margaret McMillan, purchased the building 24 Hoe Street (a former vicarage) and converted it into a Nursery where children could learn and gain experience.
Today
Our Nursery operates as a non-profit making charitable trust with a board of Trustees who meet regularly to support the operation of the Nursery.
Our Nursery strives to provide a happy, secure and caring environment for the children who attend our setting. Not only are the children’s practical and learning skills developed but also their social skills, their self-confidence, independence and individuality. Children also learn consideration for others and good manners by establishing relationships with other children and adults
Bursary
To meet the terms of our charitable status and to uphold the values of our founder, we have established a bursary to enrich the lives of some children within the city who are from challenging social and economic backgrounds.
Our Vision, Values & Aims
Our Vision
Margaret McMillan is a unique and special place that provides a nurturing, caring and supportive environment for children and is known to be one of the best and first choice nursery schools in the Plymouth area with a reputation for excellence and innovation.
Our Mission
Taking children to new heights…
Our mission is to enhance the lives of children and their families by providing a safe place of excellence an innovation, where children can learn, communicate confidently, build resilience, become independent, and are courteous to all.
Our Values
Through our underpinning values of Respect, Care, Support, Truth, and Kindness Margaret McMillan Nursery School works to achieve its vision and mission for all children.
Respect, care for and be kind and truthful to ourselves – We believe in ourselves, We are kind to ourselves, We make healthy choices, We have a voice, We keep ourselves safe
Respect, be kind and care for each other whilst being truthful and supportive – We are caring and friendly, We are polite to all, We respect and celebrate individual differences
Respect and care for our world and support others to do the same – We care for our surroundings indoors and out, We look after our planet
Principles
Strategic Priorities
Meet The Team
The nursery is a registered charity governed by a board of trustees who meet regularly to support staff and ensure that the aims of the charity are upheld.
Chairman: Janie Achilles attended the nursery as a child before sending her own three children here. She also volunteered her services as a parent trustee before becoming chairman in 2006.
A further 5 to 7 trustees form the board, including where possible a parent trustee.
We have a skilled and dedicated senior team to manage the day to day running of the nursery, along with our caring and professional nursery nurses.
The senior Management team is:
- Toni Hambly (Manager)
- Nicola Hounslow (Deputy Manager)
- Sharon Cantwell (Business Manager)
Senior Leadership Team
Mrs Toni Hambly
Mrs Sharon Cantwell
Miss Nic Hounslow
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Middle Leadership Team
Mrs Cara Watts
Pre-school Lead
Miss Emma Slyfield
Toddler Lead
Miss Zahida Begum
Mrs Gemma Press
Miss Jamie Reading
Housekeeping Team
Miss Linda Carter
Chef
Mr John Buckland
Miss Hannah Dean
Practitioner Team
Mrs Louise Pope
Mrs Alison Rodwell
Miss Michaela Hart
Miss Gemma Lidstone
Miss Marley Dyer
Miss Charlotte Marshall
Miss Teri Hammond
Miss Ellie Filer
Miss Sarah Warburton
Miss Caitlin Mumford
Mr Dan Southwould
