Rachel McMillan Nursery School and Children's Centre

Welcome to Rachel McMillan Nursery School and Children's Centre. We are a Local Authority Maintained Nursery School, in the heart of the Deptford community, within the Royal Borough of Greenwich. We are a world renowned, Ofsted Outstanding Nursery School. Opened in 1914 we are thought to be the first Open Air Nursery School in England.

Our founders, Margaret and Rachel McMillan believed children learn best if they are healthy and active. They encouraged the children to be out in the fresh air for most of the day. The children at Rachel McMillan still do most of their learning outside - no matter the weather!

The McMillan sister's ideas about early childhood education continue to be followed and talked about across the world. The children at Rachel McMillan still do most of their learning outside. No matter the weather!

Our atmospheric classrooms (known as Shelters ) were built to create a village feeling and are located in a large, lovely, semi- wild garden, known to many of our families and visitors as the secret garden of Deptford! It is a wonderful space to be a child, encouraging curiosity, exploration and wonder.