Nicola MacGregor’s professional roots have their branches firmly in childcare. “I’ve always been in the sector,” Macgregor reflects.
“It wasn’t a choice. It was something I’ve always known I’ve wanted to do.” This unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds is the driving force behind her ascent to Managing Director at Inspirations Nurseries.
Despite never harboring ambitions of leadership, Nicola found herself naturally gravitating towards it after a decade in the field. Disillusionment with the status quo in various settings sparked a desire for change. “I felt like I could do certain things better,” she admits. Her journey took a decisive turn when she stepped out of day nurseries and into schools, only to encounter constraints that stifled her vision for childcare.
The leap to establish her own nursery 20 years ago was not about leadership or financial gain but a profound commitment to doing “what I felt needed to be done within the childcare sector for the children that came into my care.” Nicola’s leadership story has been singularly focused on putting children at the heart of everything, a philosophy that has permeated every aspect of her work, from staff meetings to leadership seminars.
Nicola’s approach to education is distinct and innovative, eschewing traditional methods for a curriculum deeply rooted in nature, outdoor activities, and artistic expression. This shift was not without its challenges, particularly in aligning parents with the nursery’s ethos. “My leadership’s moved from educating the staff to educating the parents,” she explains.
As her own children grew, so did Nicola’s aspirations, leading to a constant pursuit of innovation and improvement. Her team, some of whom have been with her since the beginning, have become accustomed to her dynamic approach to reviewing and refining practices. “I’m constantly trying to innovate. I’m constantly trying to make change,” she states with conviction.
Looking ahead, Nicola envisions expanding her impact beyond the nursery, potentially embarking on a campaign for real change in education at large. Her observations of young staff members lacking critical thinking and problem-solving skills have solidified her belief in the need for a fundamental shift in how we educate our youth.
Nicola’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless drive to foster a connection to nature and creativity in children’s education. It’s a narrative that challenges the conventional, champions change, and above all, places the well-being and development of children at its very core.
Values at the Heart of Childcare
Nicola holds a deep-seated belief in the power of care, love, and affection in childcare. “Ultimately I want them to be cared for,” she states emphatically, placing the well-being of children above all else. Her values extend beyond mere education and curriculum to the fundamental need for children to feel loved and secure.
In a world where policies may sometimes seem disconnected from the needs of the young, Nicola stands firm in her conviction that physical affection is essential for a child’s development. The relationships her carers build with the children are, according to her, unparalleled, providing comfort not only to the children but also to their parents during those vulnerable early years.
Nicola’s second priority is the environment in which the children are nurtured. She envisions a space that is “stimulating, exciting, and reactionary to their needs,” an environment that adapts to the ever-changing nature of children. This dynamic approach inevitably places additional demands on her staff, but it’s a challenge they accept, understanding the importance of constant review and adaptation.
However, maintaining the quality of staff has become increasingly difficult. Nicola points out that recruitment is one of the biggest challenges facing the sector, with quality staff leaving in significant numbers. Despite these difficulties, she finds solace in her core team, some of whom have been with her for over two decades, providing stability and continuity in care.
For Nicola, the care provided, the environment created, and the quality of staff are the pillars that support her nursery. Once these are in place, she believes everything else will follow, including the delivery of the curriculum. “We work really hard on making sure that the environment is right,” she explains.
A Vision for the Future: Nicola’s Educational Legacy
As the conversation draws to a close, it’s clear that her vision for the future of education is both profound and personal. Nicola envisions a legacy that will resonate for generations—a complete and absolute change in the education system.
“I’m not going to be able to spend the next couple of decades not doing something about it,” the Managing Director states with determination. Her passion for change is fuelled by her firsthand experiences with the current system’s shortcomings, particularly its impact on children’s mental health and natural curiosity.
Nicola’s approach to education is holistic, emphasising the need for a spiritual connection—a sense of being part of something greater. “For me, being spiritual is just being connected,” she explains. This connection, she believes, is crucial for children to understand their place in the world and to foster a sense of purpose.
Her frustration with the status quo is evident. “It’s clearly not working and hasn’t been for such a long time,” she says, questioning why society clings to an outdated model. Nicola’s call to action is a rallying cry for educators and parents alike.
In the end, Nicola’s legacy is about more than just reforming education; it’s about rekindling the spark of learning in every child. It’s about creating an environment where children are not just taught but understood, valued, and connected to their world. Her legacy, she hopes, will be a new dawn for education, where every child’s potential is nurtured and their passion for learning is everlasting.
