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Margaret McMillan Nursery School in Plymouth

Ofsted: Good
(May 2022)
·
4.5(8 parent reviews)
·Margaret MacMillan Nursery, 24 Hoe Street, PLYMOUTH, PL1 2JA · Plymouth
Number of places
62 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2022
Local authority
Plymouth

About this day nursery

Margaret McMillan Nursery School, located in Plymouth, offers a vibrant and inspiring learning experience for children aged 0-4 years. With flexible hours from 8:00 am to 5:45 pm, the nursery focuses on delivering a child-centred curriculum led by a team of professional and experienced teachers.

They offer various rooms catering to different age groups, including Baby Room, Tiny Tots Room, Toddler Room, and Pre-School, ensuring age-appropriate development and care. The nursery prides itself on its commitment to outdoor play, featuring a walled garden and encouraging children to spend significant time outside to explore and develop their imaginations.

Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, the dedication of the staff, and the positive impact the nursery has on children's readiness for school. Margaret McMillan Nursery School also provides comprehensive support for families, including assistance with understanding various funding options and a thoughtful settling-in process to ensure a smooth transition for both children and parents.

Their approach emphasises building trust and helping children adapt to their new surroundings with confidence.

What it's like

Children thrive in this welcoming and nurturing nursery. Staff are very attentive and give regular cuddles, reassurance and praise. As a result, children develop high levels of emotional security and confidence.

Teacher-led teamChild-focused curriculumExtensive outdoor playFlexible hoursSupports settling-in

Pricing & funding

This nursery offers flexible sessions between 8:00am and 5:45pm, including breakfast club, main day, tea club, and extended day options. Fees are charged per session, with optional extra charges for meals and consumables. A minimum attendance of two six-hour days per week is required.

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • A deposit is required to secure a place.
  • Minimum attendance of two 6-hour days per week (9.30am to 3.30pm) is required.
  • A 10% sibling discount is available.
  • A 10% discount is offered for attending 5 full days per week.
  • Late collection and late invoice payment fees apply.
  • Optional charges are available for lunch, snacks, and spare consumables.

Key facts

Opening hours

8:00am - 5:45pm

Age range

0-4 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Margaret McMillan Nursery School

Last inspected 20 May 2022 · Margaret Baird

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children thrive in this welcoming and nurturing nursery. Staff are very attentive and give regular cuddles, reassurance and praise. As a result, children develop high levels of emotional security and confidence.

Inspector highlights

  • The manager and staff work together as a committed team and regularly evaluate the service they provide for families.
  • Strong partnerships with parents provide children with continuity in their care and support home learning.
  • Staff are experienced in childcare and know their key children well, diligently monitoring their development and promptly noticing when extra support is needed.
  • Children make good progress in their mathematical development.
  • Children benefit greatly from rich experiences that promote their understanding of the wider world.

Areas to develop

  • 1focus staff development even more precisely to ensure that all teaching is of the highest quality, for example by sharing outstanding practice throughout the nursery.
Inspection #10236146 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents especially value the affectionate relationships their children form with all staff, particularly their key persons.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff are experienced in childcare and know their key children well. They monitor children's development diligently and promptly notice when children need extra support. The manager and the special educational needs coordinator work effectively to ensure that children receive the help they need.

Outdoor space

A review of the outdoor area led staff to provide new opportunities for children to develop their imaginative play and extend their physical skills.

Parent Reviews of Margaret McMillan Nursery School

4.5
(8)
Mrs Amber Leach
7 months ago

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. When my middle daughter came along, there was no question where she would go. She started in the baby room and thrived there too, and it was so lovely to see so many familiar faces still part of the team after all those years. I love that the nursery combines a homely, family feel with such a thoughtful approach to learning. With qualified teachers, French lessons, and an on-site chef cooking fresh meals every day, it’s a place where children feel both cared for and inspired. Many of the children go on to the same primary schools too, which makes those first big steps feel so much easier. Now, as I wait for my newest little one to start in the baby room in January, I feel so grateful to know she’ll be surrounded by the same warmth, care, and joy that her big sisters experienced 💕💕

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Jesse Leach
7 months ago

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.

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Emma Yorke
7 months ago

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.

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Yasmin Hajiyianni
a year ago

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.

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Daniel Atkins
a year ago

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.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Margaret McMillan Nursery School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: December 2013

  • May 2022Good
  • November 2016Good
  • December 2013Outstanding

Frequently asked about Margaret McMillan Nursery School

About the setting

Margaret McMillan Nursery School first opened in 1935 and re-registered in 2013 due to a change in management status. The nursery is open from Monday to Friday all year round, except for a week at Christmas and a week during August. Sessions are from 8.15am to 6pm. The nursery employs 19 members of staff, all of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications. One member of staff has early years professional status.

URN
EY461348
Registered person
Margaret McMillan Limited
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises
Previous rating
Good

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more