"The service's vision, values, and aims were clear, relevant, and evident in daily practice. These were displayed on a noticeboard which supported families to know what to expect from the service. Staff consistently worked in ways that reflected their aims and values, including creating strong partnerships with families and promoting a child-centred environment. Positive relationships with families and well planned experiences for children demonstrated that the service's goals guided everyday decisions and supported good outcomes for children." Inspection Report 2026
The St Margaret's Nursery is a vital and integral part of St Margaret's, where foundations are laid in literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing.
Funded places are available for girls and boys - enquire now (admissions@st-margaret.uk/01224 584466).
"Children were actively engaged in experiences that reflected their interests. These included imaginative role play, construction, sensory tray, and arts and crafts as well as exploring water play. When asked what they enjoyed most, children spoke confidently about dancing, reading stories, and outdoor play. These experiences promoted creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction." Nursery Inspection Report, 2026
We provide active learning opportunities in our well-resourced nursery and outdoor area for girls and boys aged between 3 and 5.
We promote learning through planned and spontaneous play to encourage imagination, creativity, exploration and problem solving. The children's interests lead and develop our planning.
Twice weekly the children have the opportunity to participate in timetabled music, gym and dance sessions with specialist teachers.
“Play and learning experiences were enriched through strong links with the school and wider community. Regular visits to spaces, such as the library, care home, and local shops, broadened experiences and supported hands-on learning. Within the school, children confidently accessed different rooms and engaged in meaningful activities, including baking with the school chef and science opportunities. These experiences strengthened children's connection to their community, promoted confidence, and deepened their understanding of the wider world. Parents valued these links, with one parent sharing they felt the most positive aspect was "being part of the wider school community, feeling of belonging to something bigger".” Nursery Inspection Report, 2026
"Children experienced warm, trusting relationships with staff who knew them well. Children were greeted warmly on arrival and those needing extra support were sensitively helped to settle through activities they enjoyed. Staff consistently spent time engaging with children, offering conversation and reassurance. Staff interactions were consistently kind and respectful. These approaches promoted a strong sense of security and belonging, enabling children to feel confident and ready to learn." Nursery Inspection Report, 2026
We have well qualified, enthusiastic staff, who bring a wide variety of experience to our nursery.
Our nursery environment reflects the care, quality and professionalism of our staff who include a Nursery Teacher as well as qualified Early Years Practitioners and Support Workers.
Outdoor learning is hugely important in the early years, and at St Margaret's the 'Wee Green Spaces' initiative provides the perfect opportunity for the children to explore local outdoor spaces, which we are very fortunate to have on our doorstep.
We are fortunate at St Margaret's that our school's outdoor space is a safe, secure grassed area with enough room for all children to play and is the ideal environment to support loose parts play. The children are encouraged to play using crates, planks of wood, tyres and cardboard boxes supporting active and imaginative free play. The children can become anything they wish from creating and making a bus to constructing their own den.
'Wee Green Spaces' offers a range of learning opportunities, which start even before we leave the classroom as pupils become familiar with the routines of packing their own bags, choosing and packing a snack, putting on waterproofs and wellies while all the time helping and encouraging each other. During the outing, the children explore letters and numbers, become familiar with landmarks, use their imagination when discussing who lives behind particular doors en route and keeping safe. The children love to climb and walk on walls, explore secret paths, build swings and tents and roll down hills. With support and perseverance, the children can gain a wonderful sense of achievement when they realise they can overcome whatever challenge is facing them.
Through our partnership with Aberdeen City Council, St Margaret’s School is pleased to be able to offer fully funded nursery places up to 1140 hours per school year for all eligible children.
Funding is paid directly from Aberdeen City Council to St Margaret’s School for Girls and will be detailed on your invoice.
Further details can be obtained by contacting our Admissions Officer on 01224 584466 or admissions@st-margaret.uk who will be happy to help.
The nursery is based in Albyn Place, Aberdeen and the core funded full-time hours are currently 8.00am - 2.20pm (term-time 36 weeks) i.e. 1140 hours per school year fully funded by by Aberdeen City Council.
After School Care in the nursery is available from either 2.20pm – 4.15pm or 2.20pm - 5.30pm at an additional cost. A very popular Holiday Club is available for certain weeks of the school holidays.
After School Care offers a variety of activities such as crafts, baking, role-play, board games and puzzles, all supervised by our team of after school care staff.
Each day there will be a variety of fun activities which will capture the children’s interest, there will be a mix of adult led activities such as baking, crafts, sports and circle games as well as time for free play.
We aim to provide a balance of activities which give children the opportunity to be creative and to experience energetic play or just take time to relax.