Rachel McMillan Nursery School and Children's Centre

A nursery that will certainly encourage positive sociological growth in children during the early learning stage; Rachel McMillan will strive to achieve this.Toddlers learn to share via selfless play and how to work productively in a group setting. The focus is very much based on a child centred approach; tailored to support each toddler's behaviour and learning needs.
Apr 23rd, 2023

I was at the Nursery in the late 1950s so happy to see that it's still going strong. I have attached 2 photos, I'm the young boy in the checked Shirt.
Jul 24th, 2022

Best nursery ever! It shaped my childhood! I was here in 1993. I am now 31 years old in 2022. In 2005/6 I did work experience here. So much nostalgia.
Jul 12th, 2022

Rachel Mcmillan Nursery School is a real hidden gem, a rare state-funded nursery with an outdoor ethos, impressive history, a very large garden and fantastic staff. Our boys attended for 4 terms and had the best introduction to school life as I think is possible. They loved the free-range nature of it and spent most of their time outside, where there is so much to do and so much space for them to run around and explore. The staff are dedicated to creating fun activities indoors and outdoors and at the end of our boys time, they produced an amazing book of everything theyd got up to and all the learning they had achieved. All the while, the boys thought they were just playing and having fun. The management and staff of Rachel McMillan are wonderful and really committed to making this a very special place. There is a very low staff turnover which shows just how much they enjoy working there. It really is an unusual and wonderful place and I would highly recommend sending your children there. Go along to an Open Day or contact the school for a tour. They run the core 15 hours or 30 hours and also have wraparound breakfast and after-school clubs so offer real flexibility for parents.
Jan 25th, 2023

This nursery is a gem. It has over 100 years of history of being different, with play at the heart of learning. The well-deserved Ofsted Outstanding ratings come from the staff who truly personalise the experience for each child. Each morning starts differently with a smorgasbords of activities laid out. It says something when you are jealous of how your childs day will be even if your own is looking good! Our child, like others, was supported in their first experience of being somewhere for them, without parents. Singing, dancing, drama, creativity, numeracy and general confident have all been gently and intentionally developed. The space is focussed around outside space and shelters (classrooms orientated towards the outside) with encouragement to move and mingle between them. There is a ton of outside space with more toys than could ever be used. Trees, a pond, forest school, little shop, unusual and typical play equipment, its just the variety youd want to see. During the settling in period its lovely to see how the freedom of the kids as they get to use it all. Btw the current headteacher, Rachel Hogarth, is typically found at the gates greeting children by name. But dont let the nursery name confuse you with the original founders, who Im sure were equally lovely. There are some historic photos from back then which feel similar to modern day and speak to how the nurserys special ethos has been carefully nurtured through the years. Although we havent used it, there is a breakfast club and after-nursery support available for those who need it. Put another way, consider this nursery on your shortlist. The entrance might look like a wall with some quirky metal cat sculptures on-top, but really its a secret garden. Your child will love it, and so will you.
Jul 15th, 2022