What is the history of Rachel McMillan Nursery?


  • Margaret and Rachel McMillan opened this nursery as an ‘open air’ nursery in 1914 for the children of Deptford.

  • They called the classrooms shelters as we do today because they believed that children should be in the open air as much as possible – just as we do today.

  • This is the oldest open air nursery in England.

  • In 1917, Rachel died and Margaret named the nursery after her.

  • Margaret and Rachel believed in the importance of excellent early education and the positive impact it could have on the future lives of children.

  • This nursery and the work of the McMillan sisters has greatly influenced nursery practice all around the world.

  • Recent research into early childhood has proved Rachel and Margaret right about the long term benefits to children of high quality nursery education.

  • Research shows that investment at this early age reaps rich rewards later on for the individual and the community.

  • We are very proud of our history whilst at the same time being a 21st Century nursery.

At Rachel McMillan Nursery our aims are:


  • To enable children and adults to develop as confident, happy, independent, able learners.

  • To develop children’s confidence, self esteem and self expression.

  • To build on children’s experiences, knowledge, culture and beliefs by providing a rich variety of play experiences.

  • To help children learn about cultural diversity.

  • To promote a harmonious, respectful society.

  • To provide a calm, welcoming and supportive environment.

  • To provide a safe and stimulating place to learn and work.

  • To make a place where everybody’s views and contributions are valued.

  • To encourage family involvement in nursery life.

  • To share information and knowledge with mums, dads and carers about their child.

  • To aid smooth transitions from home to nursery and nursery to primary school.

  • To lay a positive foundation for future learning.

  • To make learning fun.

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We Believe That All Children:


  • Have the right to learn and play.

  • Come to nursery with a great deal of knowledge and experience.

  • Are more likely to develop as learners if they are happy and secure and have a sense of well being.

  • Are enthusiastic and receptive learners with a natural curiosity.

  • Should feel safe to make, and learn from, mistakes.

  • Are unique individuals and are entitled to have the opportunity to learn at their own pace and in their own way.

  • Learn most effectively through active investigation, enquiry, first-hand experience, play and talk.

  • Need time and space to engage in activities in depth and time to follow through, consolidate and reflect upon their own learning.

  • Are natural communicators and need a range of opportunities to interact with peers and adults.

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We Put These Beliefs Into Practice By:


  • Planning an age appropriate, play based curriculum.

  • Respecting and valuing the knowledge that mums, dads and carers have of their children.

  • Working in partnership with mums, dads and carers, the community and outside agencies.

  • Providing an environment that is safe and secure both physically and emotionally.

  • Expecting children to be sensitive to the feelings, needs and beliefs of others.

  • Providing a range of play based learning experiences that children can meaningfully engage with.

  • Supporting children to become confident, successful and autonomous learners.

  • Allowing flexibility and time within the curriculum for children to reflect and consolidate.

  • Providing a wide variety of opportunities which allow children to explore, experiment, practice, experience and consolidate.

  • Providing an environment that respects and values all forms of communication.

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