We work together as a team, with a shared, consistent, positive approach ensuring the self- esteem and development of each child is protected and strengthened.
Enhanced Police checks are carried out on all those working with our children.
Our Team!
Our Ashgrove Nursery School Staff possess a wealth of knowledge, understanding and skills.
Mrs Nicola Cruickshank (B.Ed) Honours
Principal
Mrs Cruickshank has a four year teacher training degree specialising in early childhood education after ‘A’ levels.
Mrs Cruickshank has just recently been appointed as Principal of Ashgrove Nursery School, following her time as Nursery Teacher in the Part Time Session Classes in Stranmillis Primary School. She has been a great addition to our Ashgrove Family. Her warm, nurturing attitude is felt the minute you meet her! You just feel safe leaving your ‘little one’ with Mrs Cruickshank.
She loves to work with and encourage each child in her care, building their self esteem, confidence and independence. She encourages the children to use their words to talk about their thoughts and feelings. She wants each child's voice to be heard!
Her caring, considerate nature will make her a firm favourite with your family from the second you meet her.
Mrs McAlister (BA) QTS
Class Teacher
Mrs McAlister is the Teacher in our Part Time Session Classes!
She previously worked as a Teacher at St Mary’s on the Hill Primary School before being appointed as a Teacher here at Ashgrove Nursery School.
Mrs McAlister is a mummy to two young children of her own, so well knows the pressure of family life. Mrs McAlister has a wealth of experience and knowledge of children in the early years. She has a passion for encouraging the children's learning through play. She takes real delight in outdoor learning. Mrs McAlister loves working with both children and parents.
We are delighted to have her as such an experienced member of Staff on our Team.
Mrs Doak
Nursery Assistant
Mrs Doak is one of the staff who helps to get everything ready at the beginning of the day – so if you see her with a bucket of water in her hand – move out of her way!
As Nursery Assistant, she’s always willing to help and comes up with great suggestions and new ideas to help inspire our children to be as creative as they can be. Mrs Doak is a true team player.
She is someone you can absolutely trust and whether you’re a parent, a child or her colleague, she always has a listening ear. With her cheery disposition, Mrs Doak will bring a smile to your face.
Mrs Manger
Nursery Assistant
Mrs Manger, or ‘Mrs Angel’ as Rose used to call her, is one of our Nursery Assistants.
She creates the right balance between caring for the children she supports and giving them the freedom to find their independence.
She always has a sunny disposition which perhaps is why the children at Ashgrove tend to blossom and flourish.
Mrs Manger looks after the snack for the children, so if you can smell bread toasting in the kitchen, you know she will be there!
Mrs Wilson
Nursery Assistant
Mrs Wilson is always on the go! Never a minute to waste!
A busy mum of five – what a wealth of family experience to bring to Ashgrove!
Always willing to go that extra mile – such a support to the school.
Mrs Clarke
School Clerical Officer
The first point of call at Ashgrove Nursery School is Mrs Clarke.
She’ll probably be the initial person you meet when you hand in your application form or have a query and her attention to detail ensures that you get what you need, when you need it.
She’ll be the person with the friendly smile at the beginning of each session – sometimes that’s all you need when you’ve had a crazy time trying to get hair pulled into bobbles, telling your child that it’s ok to leave you and go to school or asking for teeth to be brushed 10 times!
Mrs Clarke is a mum herself and knows all too well the demands of a busy home life!
Mr Millar
Part Time Building Supervisor
Mr Millar, known as Robert to our children, gets to work each day once the children have gone home.
Although none of the children really get to see him in action, they certainly benefit from his care and attention to detail in making our school safe, clean and tidy! Mr Millar is our 'handy man' who has recently updated our outdoor learning environment.
Can you imagine cleaning and tidying up after 78 children?! No mean feat!