McMillan, Rachel (1859–1917) & McMillan, Margaret (1860–1931) McMillan Sisters

McMillan, Rachel (1859–1917) & McMillan, Margaret (1860–1931) 

McMillan Sisters

Links to other Early Years Pioneers and Educational Frameworks ...

By Sarah Jeffs

22/11/2023

Margaret and her sister Rach McMillan drew on...

Froebel's

work and placed a great emphasis on the importance of the garden.

Other links to be made to early years pioneers can be, Piaget, Vygotsky, Drew and Montessori. They all argued learning through first-hand experiences, enriched children's learning and development.

The EYFS and Te Whariki Curriculum, understand how important outdoor play is and how the community is a key aspect in children's early development

stages.

Ways we implement the McMillan Sisters philosophy within my setting.

What else did the McMillan sisters do, to support childrens health and well-being?

-

• We implement a play-based and nurturing pedagogical approach.

• One of our main focuses is on encouraging free flow throughout the day.

• Our practices align with the principles established by the McMillan Sisters; strive to create an environment that supports children's health and well-being.

• We take a holstic view when supporting our children to become active and ambition learners.

The work of the McMillan's brought about the establishment of the school medical service and school meals service.

Nurseries have routines of regular meals as well as sleep times and times for children to run and play.

Theory into practice

Marget McMillan

Who are the McMillan Sisters?

The McMillian sisters believed that children could not learn if they were ill, sick or inadequately clothed. They placed big emphasis on practitioners being trained in supporting children and ensuring they are imaginative in creating activities.

- In 1911 Margaret McMillan opened a small centre with the aim to provide improved health services for children. She also provided somewhere for girls aged 6-14 to sleep. This later on included care for boys too.

- In 1917 Rachel McMillan had set up and opened her first Nursey School which provided up to 100 children a place to learn.

- She established outdoor play within her Nursey School, the space was known as 'shelters'. This was a large space where children could explore through outdoor play.

- Within Margaret's Nursey she did not expect children to sit formally or have formal structure to the day. Instead free flow was implemented to encourge children to run free and explore.

What was the McMillian Sisters philosophy?

The McMillan sisters deliberately created a learning environment, situated in the community in which the children lived, that allowed them to explore learning in the outdoors with a play space overlooking the local community—the children's community.

McMillan belived children learnt best through first-hand experiences and active learning.

In addition, they also suggested that it was highly important to build strong relationships with the parents and that parents should support their child’s learning and development at home.