Coming to Margaret McMillan Nursery School
This page contains our photo books showing what day‑to‑day life looks like at Margaret McMillan Nursery School. These guides help children and families become familiar with our routines, rooms, outdoor areas and the warm interactions that shape our day.
Photo Books
Below are our visual guides for children and families:
Our Rooms at Margaret McMillan
We offer carefully designed learning environments tailored to the developmental needs of different age groups. Each room provides rich play experiences, strong relationships and opportunities to build confidence and independence.
Seedlings (6 months – 2 years)
A calm, nurturing room supporting early communication, physical development and sensory exploration. Staff build warm, responsive relationships to help young children feel secure.
Saplings (2 – 3 years)
A lively space where independence, language and friendship skills begin to grow. Children explore through play, routines and outdoor experiences as they gain confidence.
Sycamore (3 – 4 years)
Two groups offering rich early‑years learning to prepare children for school. Activities support early literacy, number skills, problem‑solving, creativity and social development.
Settling‑In at Margaret McMillan
We work closely with families to ensure children settle happily and feel secure. Our approach includes:
• A gradual, personalised settling‑in period
• Time with your child’s key person
• Parent involvement during early sessions
• Support for emotional wellbeing
• Frequent communication with families
Every child settles at their own pace, and we build relationships based on trust and care.
A Typical Day at Margaret McMillan
Children learn through routine, play and exploration. A typical day includes:
• Arrival and settling
• Free‑flow play indoors and outdoors
• Small‑group learning
• Snack or meal times
• Creative and sensory activities
• Outdoor learning and exploration
• Story time and group sessions
• Quiet time or rest for younger children
Daily rhythms are predictable and reassuring, helping children feel safe and confident.
Outdoor Learning at Margaret McMillan
Outdoor learning is central to our approach. Our large, well‑designed outdoor area provides opportunities for:
• Nature play and exploration
• Climbing and physical development
• Water and sand play
• Imaginative and construction play
• Gardening and caring for plants
• Quiet story spaces
Children spend a significant part of each day outdoors throughout the year.
Food at Margaret McMillan Nursery School
We provide healthy, balanced meals and snacks that support children’s growth and development. Our menus follow Islington nutritional guidance and include fresh ingredients and home‑prepared meals.
We cater for allergies, intolerances, cultural needs and individual dietary requirements.
View our menus:
Find Out More
Explore more information about our nursery:
• Admissions and Available Spaces
• Funded Childcare for children from 9 months
• All Year Round Care for children from 6 months
• Nursery Tours
To visit us or ask a question, please contact our office team on 02072812745 or email: admin@margaretmcmillan.islington.sch.uk