From 1935 to Today: 90 Years of Margaret McMillan Nursery

From 1935 to Today: 90 Years of Margaret McMillan Nursery

Margaret Mcmillan's Building  McMillan's 90th Birthday balloons and photos   Old McMillans Photos   

Since opening in 1935, Margaret McMillan Nursery has been a place where children, families and community come together. Ninety years on, we were proud to celebrate this remarkable legacy with a day full of joy, laughter memories, familiar faces and a shared sense of pride in a nursery that has been such an important part of so many lives.

Our 90th birthday celebration brought together past and present children, parents, former colleagues, previous managers and friends of the nursery, all united by a shared connection to McMillans. The atmosphere throughout the day was incredibly warm and welcoming, perfectly capturing everything that Margaret McMillan Nursery is about.

We were honoured to welcome a number of special guests, including the Lord Mayor. We were also delighted to be joined by two much-loved former managers. Mrs Ackford originally began working at McMillans in her twenties. She later left while her family lived abroad due to her husband’s Army service. In 1967, after having her two children, she returned to McMillans and went on to lead the nursery until the 1990s. Mrs Whitehouse began working at the nursery in 1985, later becoming manager and leading it with dedication until 2022.

One of the most touching moments of the day was welcoming Pauline (pictured below) who attended the nursery in its very first year in 1935. Pauline spotted herself in an old photograph displayed at the celebration, pictured doing ballet in the main room, the very same room where we were gathered 90 years later. Hearing her happy memories and stories was incredibly moving and a powerful reminder of the rich history and community spirit that live within the McMillan walls. We were truly honoured to meet her.

      

 There was plenty to enjoy on the day, with something for everyone. Children and families loved the bouncy castle, magical entertainment, face painting, indoor and outdoor games, and the fascinating visit from The Reptile Works, which proved to be a huge hit. Throughout the nursery, old photographs lined the walls, sparking conversations, laughter and moments of reflection.

Child    A child gently pets a large, calm python    Birthday Party Food Spread   

Guests also enjoyed delicious catering from Edmund Divari. A huge thank you to Trustee Greg Stelmaszczyk for organising such a fantastic event, to the nursery team for all their hard work, and to all our current and past children and parents who joined us to celebrate.

Celebrating 90 years was about more than marking a date…it was about honouring the people, memories and values that continue to shape Margaret McMillan Nursery.

Here’s to the next decade and to 100 years in 2035.

McMillan Nursery School Trustee making a speech   Trustees and previous manager of McMillans   

 

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What people say about us

This nursery will always hold a very special place in my heart. My eldest daughter started here 16 years ago, and it gave her the most wonderful start to both school and life. The staff are simply amazing, so kind, nurturing, and genuinely invested in every child’s wellbeing and development. I always felt so supported whenever I had a question or concern, and that made all the difference as a parent. The outdoor garden is like something out of a storybook, a hidden little “secret garden” where the children can explore, play, and let their imaginations run wild. The city centre location was perfect for us at the time, and my daughter made friendships there that have lasted right through the years.
What an amazing place. Both of our daughters have attended Margaret MacMillan Nursery and as a result had the best start in primary school. Our third daughter will be attending next year and we are so grateful to have a place. Lovely staff that care genuinely, lovely building and great garden and outside facilities. Can’t say enough about what a first class nursery this place is.
A fantastic nursery, we would highly recommend. They have looked after our 2 children from 10 months to school age. You won’t find a more caring and nurturing place for children to grow.
Our daughter has attended Macmillan's for the last 3 years. It's been a wonderful experience from start to finish. The entire team is amazing - so warm, nurturing and genuinely caring. The nursery is exceptionally well-run. The outdoor space is fantastic, offering the children plenty of opportunities to play and explore in a safe, engaging environment. The children spend a lot of time outside which we loved. It's such a warm, happy place and will miss it very much are forever grateful for the bonds and memories our daughter has made. Thank you to the whole Macmillan's team.
This is a very special place. Our daughter attended between the ages 1.5 to 4 years. Although they have plenty of group activities, they really take the time to understand the children as individuals. They helped our daughter become more confident, and suggested ways we could help her at home too. On dry days, they'll spend most of the day in the garden. Some of the staff have been there for many years, which creates a warm, fun environment. A big thank you to everyone at the nursery.
This nursery was so good for our girls. They went there for several years and have recently started now at primary school. I was really impressed by how things were organised at Margaret McMillan, and to be honest, I felt like the staff frequently went way above and beyond to do the right thing and to be kind and helpful for the children. A very professional place and I think all the staff should be very proud of what they do. Thank you all so much.
Excellent nursery. Very supportive of individual child needs and not only set children up fantastically for school but also give them essential life skills. Can’t fault them.

Margaret McMillan Nursery School

Our aim is to provide a fun and inspiring learning experience delivered through a child focused curriculum by a professional and experienced teacher led team.

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  • Margaret McMillan Nursery School
    24 Hoe Street,
    Plymouth,
    Devon,
    PL1 2JA

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