Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Early Years Education in Plymouth
Established in 1935, Margaret McMillan is Plymouth's first nursery school, rooted in a legacy of educational innovation and charitable service. Our mission is to provide a nurturing, stimulating environment where children develop foundational skills through play-based learning. Led by a team of experienced educators, we deliver a child-focused curriculum that prioritises emotional wellbeing, social development, and cultural awareness. As a non-profit charitable trust, we maintain Lady Nancy Astor's vision of accessible, high-quality early years education while offering bursary support to families in need.Our Victorian premises feature dedicated age-specific learning spaces and an extensive walled garden, creating an ideal setting for holistic growth. With over 85 years of continuous operation, we combine traditional values with modern pedagogical approaches to prepare children for future academic and personal success.
Services
Baby Room
Tiny Tots Room
Toddler Room
Pre-School
French Lessons
Outdoor Learning
Settling In Sessions
Bursary Programme
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- We have over 85 years of experience in early years education
- Our teacher-led team holds Early Years Teacher Status
- We operate as a charitable trust with bursary support available
- Our Victorian building features purpose-designed learning spaces
- We maintain a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio for enhanced care
What people say
Loved and cared for
Wonderful start in life
Absolute blast under care
Leaps in language development
Memorable nursery experience
Services
Baby Room
Our Baby Room provides specialist care for infants up to two years old. Qualified practitioners deliver individualised attention through structured play and sensory activities. The space features secure, age-appropriate equipment and designated areas for rest and feeding, ensuring optimal development during these critical early months.
Tiny Tots Room
Designed for two-year-olds, our Tiny Tots Room fosters independence through exploratory learning. Daily sessions include simple science experiments, nature exploration, and creative media activities. Staff implement gentle routines that encourage self-care skills while maintaining a safe, stimulating environment for active learners.
Toddler Room
The Toddler Room programme focuses on social development and foundational skills. Children engage in weekly themed activities covering literacy, numeracy, and environmental awareness. Our curriculum prepares three-year-olds for pre-school through structured group work and collaborative play experiences led by Early Years Teachers.
Pre-School
Our Pre-School programme prepares children for formal education through immersive cultural learning. Monthly themes explore global traditions, languages, and cuisines. Qualified teachers deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum with specialist support for school readiness and transition planning.
Settling In Sessions
Two-stage settling-in process ensures smooth adaptation for new families. Initial parent-accompanied visits establish familiarity, followed by gradual separation periods with assigned key workers. The programme prioritises emotional security while building trust between children, caregivers, and staff members.
People
Janie Achilles
Chairman
Chair of Trustees with personal connection to the nursery as both former attendee and parent of three alumni. Served on the board since 2006, providing strategic leadership while maintaining Lady Astor's founding vision.
Toni Sullivan
Manager
Experienced nursery manager overseeing daily operations. Holds Early Years Teacher Status and leads staff training initiatives. Ensures curriculum delivery meets Ofsted standards while maintaining the nursery's charitable objectives.
Zahida Begum
Acting Deputy Manager
Senior practitioner supporting nursery operations. Specialises in child development and staff mentoring. Implements care routines across age groups while ensuring compliance with early years regulations and safeguarding protocols.
Sharon Cantwell
Business Manager
Financial director managing nursery budget and administrative systems. Oversees admissions, funding applications, and parent communications. Ensures operational efficiency while maintaining the charity's non-profit ethos.
Tania Barretto
Nursery Manager
Qualified Early Years Teacher responsible for educational standards. Develops curriculum resources and staff professional development. Maintains strong relationships with local schools to support children's transition to primary education.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept children from 0 to 4 years across our Baby Room, Tiny Tots Room, Toddler Room, and Pre-School programmes.
Do you offer government-funded places?
Yes, we provide 15/30 hour funded entitlements for eligible children, including stretched funding options across 47.5 weeks annually.
What is your curriculum approach?
Our play-based curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework with additional cultural exploration and outdoor learning activities.
How do you support child transitions?
We offer structured settling-in sessions, key worker systems, and transition planning to ensure smooth progression between rooms and to primary school.
Are meals provided?
Tea time snacks are included, with opportunities to experience international cuisines. Parents provide formula milk, nappies, and personal care items.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
Our extensive walled garden features secure play areas, nature exploration zones, and physical development equipment for all age groups.
