Principal/SENCo/Designated Teacher for Child Protection
Mrs. Cruickshank is our newly appointed Principal of Ashgrove Nursery School. With a four-year teacher training degree specialising in Early Childhood Education, and a strong foundation built after her A-levels, Mrs. Cruickshank brings both expertise and heartfelt dedication to her role.
Prior to joining Ashgrove, she served as a Nursery Teacher in the Part-Time Session Classes at Stranmillis Primary School, where her passion for nurturing young minds truly shone. Since stepping into her new role, she has already become a cherished member of the Ashgrove family.
From the moment you meet Mrs. Cruickshank, her warm and nurturing presence is unmistakable. She creates an environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Her approach is rooted in kindness and encouragement, helping each child grow in confidence, independence, and self-esteem.
Mrs. Cruickshank believes deeply in the importance of every child’s voice. She gently encourages children to express their thoughts and feelings, fostering emotional intelligence and communication skills from the earliest years.
Her caring and considerate nature makes her a favourite not only among the children but also with families. We are confident that you will feel the same warmth and reassurance the moment you meet her.
Class Teacher/Deputy Designated Teacher/ICT Co-ordinator
Mrs. McAlister is a valued member of our teaching team here at Ashgrove Nursery School. Before joining us, she taught at St Mary’s on the Hill Primary School, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of early years education.
As a mum to two young children, Mrs. McAlister truly understands the joys and challenges of family life. Her empathy and insight shine through in her nurturing approach to teaching, creating a warm and supportive environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
Mrs. McAlister has a real passion for learning through play and delights in outdoor learning experiences. Whether it’s exploring nature, building confidence, or encouraging curiosity, she brings energy and enthusiasm to every part of the day.
She also loves working closely with parents, building strong partnerships that support each child’s development and well-being. Her approachable and caring nature makes her a favourite with both children and families alike.
We are so fortunate to have such an experienced, dedicated, and compassionate teacher on our team.
Class Teacher/Deputy Designated Teacher
We are delighted to have Mrs. Irwin as part of our dedicated teaching team at Ashgrove Nursery School. With a wealth of experience in early years education, she brings both professional expertise and a nurturing heart to her role.
Previously teaching at Rathcoole Nursery School, Mrs. Irwin developed a rich and stimulating learning environment where play-based learning and emotional wellbeing were at the heart of every day. As a proud mummy of two, she brings a deep understanding of child-centred learning and the importance of strong family partnerships.
Mrs. Irwin is passionate about creating inclusive, safe, and joyful spaces where every child feels valued, heard, and encouraged to explore the world around them. Her gentle, thoughtful approach helps children grow in confidence and curiosity, making her a much-loved member of our team.
We are so pleased to have her at Ashgrove, where her warmth and dedication shine through in everything she does.
Assistant Teacher
Mrs Doak is one of the brilliant staff members who helps get everything ready for the day, and she does it with energy, purpose, and a big smile.
As an Assistant Teacher, Mrs Doak is full of fantastic ideas and creative suggestions that help inspire our children to explore, imagine, and express themselves. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and her commitment to making each day special for the children is truly appreciated.
Mrs Doak is a true team player—always ready to lend a hand, share a laugh, and support those around her. She’s someone you can absolutely trust, and whether you’re a parent, a child, or a colleague, she’s always there with a listening ear and a cheery disposition that brightens everyone’s day.
Assistant Teacher
When you arrive at nursery, one of the first smiling faces you’ll see is Mrs Manger—bright-eyed, coffee in hand, and ready to embrace the day! Her energy and enthusiasm set the tone for a joyful, welcoming environment where every child feels seen, valued, and excited to learn.
Mrs Manger greets each child with a warm smile and a cheerful hello, helping them settle in and get ready for a day full of play and discovery. She always has a story to share or a song to sing—moments the children absolutely adore and look forward to.
With her wealth of experience and nurturing nature, Mrs Manger is a constant source of support in the learning environment. She encourages independence, celebrates every achievement, and helps each child flourish in their own unique way. She is their biggest cheerleader, always lifting them up with kindness and positivity.
Assistant Teacher
Mrs Wilson is one of those people who brings energy, heart, and a whole lot of hustle to everything she does! As an assistant teacher, she’s always on the go—never a minute to waste—and her dedication to the children and the school is truly inspiring.
A busy mum of five, Mrs Wilson brings a wealth of family experience to Ashgrove, and it shows in her nurturing, practical, and down-to-earth approach. She understands children deeply and connects with them in a way that’s both comforting and empowering.
Always willing to go that extra mile, Mrs Wilson is a constant support to the team. Whether it’s jumping in to help with activities, offering a listening ear, or simply being a steady presence in the classroom, she does it all with warmth and grace.
Nursery Assistant
Kerri has been a valued member of our nursery team for the past four years, and her dedication and enthusiasm shine through in everything she does. Her warm smile, positive energy, and can-do attitude make her a joy to work with and a comfort to the children she supports.
From helping little ones settle into their day to preparing engaging activities and keeping the nursery running smoothly, Kerri is always ready to lend a hand. Nothing is ever too much trouble—she’s the first to volunteer, the one who dashes to the shops for last-minute resources, and the person who brings calm, care, and creativity to every corner of the nursery.
Kerri’s kindness and commitment to the children and her team are truly inspiring. She plays a vital role in creating a nurturing, fun, and supportive environment where every child can thrive. As our wellbeing champion, she brings an extra layer of care to the team, always looking out for others and promoting a positive, inclusive atmosphere.
Learning Support Assistant
Emily is a learning support assistant who works one-on-one with a child. She brings warmth, patience, and a deep sense of care to her role every single day.
Her gentle nature and thoughtful approach create a safe and nurturing space where the child can grow in confidence and feel truly supported. Emily’s ability to tune into the child’s needs, celebrate their progress, and adapt learning experiences with creativity and kindness is nothing short of inspiring.
She’s not just a support—she’s a constant source of encouragement, positivity, and reassurance. Emily is always there with a kind word, a helping hand, and a heart full of compassion. Her presence helps the child flourish, and her impact is felt by everyone around her.
Learning Support Assistant
Karen is a learning support assistant, who works one-on-one with a child in our nursery. She brings warmth, patience, and a deep sense of care to her role every single day.
Her kindness is at the heart of everything she does. Whether it’s offering a reassuring smile, a gentle word of encouragement, or adapting activities to meet the child’s unique needs, Karen creates a space where learning feels safe, joyful, and full of possibility.
Learning Support Assistant
Sarah has just started with us this year. She works one-on-one with a child in our nursery. Sarah brings such warmth, patience, and dedication to her role, and her impact is felt every single day.
She has a natural gift for building trust and connection, creating a calm and nurturing environment where the child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn. Sarah’s gentle encouragement and thoughtful approach help the child grow in confidence and independence.
School Clerical Officer
The first point of call at Ashgrove Nursery School is Charlene.
She’ll probably be the initial person you meet when calling in to the school or if you have a query. 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 Yildiz is a mum herself and knows all too well the demands of a busy home life!
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!
