Owner Carol MacRae set up Ankerville Nurseries over 20 years ago...
Our Head of Centre, Carol MacRae has over 40 years’ experience in childcare. Having successfully completed a BA in Childhood Practice. Carol, manages the staff in all nurseries to provide children with a wide variety of stimulating opportunities and believes that the children should be an active part of the community. We strongly encourage children’s independence and supporting their ability to self regulate and manage their play.
At Ankerville, we pride ourselves on the close relationships we build with our families and the care and support we give to all our children, in keeping with our belief that this should be responsive and appropriate to the individual child and their stage of development.
ANKERVILLE ALNESS
Baby Room
Hi my name is Kerrie and I have been part of the team since 2009. I am Assistant Manger of the Alness Under 3's and currently work in the Baby Room. I love my job as every day is different and being a part of each child's life, watching them learn and grow is a privilege. Outside of work I spend my time with my own two children and enjoy socialising with friends and family.
Hi my name is Katie, I currently work in the Alness Baby Room and have previously worked in the Tain Baby unit. I joined Ankerville in 2019 and I enjoy going to work every day to help each child develop their social skills and promote their learning through play. In my spare time I enjoy socialising with my friends and playing football for my team.
Hi my name is Linda and I have been part of the team since 2011. I've worked in childcare for 30 years and am currently in the Ankerville baby room which I love. I have 4 grandchildren and have cared for all of them here at Ankerville. I think I'm the granny of Ankerville.
Hi my name is Ann. I have worked at Ankerville Nursery since 2015. I work in the Alness Baby room. It is a lovely family orientated place to work. I enjoy working with the babies and toddlers as I find it very rewarding as every day is different and face different challenges. I love helping and watching the babies reach their milestones. When at home, I enjoy spending time with my 2 girls and doing different activities with them, such as cycling, walking, cooking and baking.
Hi my name is Abby and I started in Ankerville in 2021 after doing my foundation apprenticeship! I love working here as I attended Ankerville as a child. I love watching the children grow to become who they are, in my spare time I enjoy meeting up with family and friends.
Hi my name is Danni and I started working for Ankerville Nurseries in September 2022. I currently work in the Alness Baby room and am enjoying every day.
Toddler Room
Hi my name is Katie but I am known as Katie Mhorag since attending Ankerville myself as a child. I have worked for Ankerville since 2012 originally as an after school helper in Tain. I am currently a Supervisor in the Alness Toddler Room. During my time here I have been fortunate enough to have worked in all 3 settings and with all ages. I enjoy working here because I get to support each child discover their own strengths and talents daily as well as helping to reach new individual milestones. In my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends and family.
Hi my name is Aisha, I currently work in Alness Toddler Room and have been working for Ankerville since 2018. Working in Ankerville allows me to help children grow and support them at the beginning of their journey in life. I enjoy making bonds with each child individually and helping them tackle through their various life hurdles. In my spare time I love to spend quality time with my family and friends.
My name is Kalie and I work in the Alness Toddler Room. I started in Ankerville House as a student on placement with the University of Highlands & Islands in 2018, after my placement I was given full time employment in 2019 in the Alness setting. I enjoy my job because I get to help the children discover new things that they enjoy and watch them grow. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and going for walks with my dog.
Hi my name is Stacey and I started with Ankerville in February 2020. Over my time in Ankerville so far I have worked in the 3-5s room and am currently in the Alness Toddler Room. I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of the job - especially taking the children out on our weekly adventures down by the river and helping the children be creative with crafts.
Hi my name is Nicole, and I started for Ankerville in November 2020. I currently work in the Alness Toddler Room. I was an Ankerville parent before employee and have always loved the nursery. I enjoy spending time with all the children helping them develop and grow as individuals. I love how every day is different. In my spare time I enjoy days out with family and friends.
Hi my name is Sarah-Kate. I work in the Toddler Room, Alness. I first started as an apprentice in 2018 in Ankerville House Tain, I love how I was able to complete my training here at Ankerville. I enjoy seeing the children develop and grow from young children to confident pre-schoolers ready for their next chapter in life. In my spare time I enjoy meeting up with my friends and family.
Hi my name is Laura and I have worked in the Alness Toddler Room since 2017. I started working there when my daughter started school, previously she attended Ankerville in the 3-5’s and loved it. At work I love to get the children involved with planting, gardening and encouraging their fantastic imaginations by bringing our daily stories to life such as 'We're going on a bear hunt'. In my spare time I have a small crafting business making children's items from felt. I also have a caravan that we love spending family time in it.
3-5s Room
Hello my name is Laura and I have worked in Ankerville since 2011. I’m currently the Assistant Manager of the 3-5s. I love it, my passion has always been to offer the very best for the young people in my care. It’s so rewarding watching the children grow and learn every day. I feel very lucky to work with such a special team. In my spare time I love spending time with family and enjoy the outdoors with my own 2 amazing kids.
Hi I'm Rebecca and I am a supervisor in Alness 3-5's nursery room. After graduating Ankerville in 2004 I came back to work as part of the team in 2017. I have been fortunate to experience all 3 settings, playing a role in children's lives during their early years is extremely rewarding. I dedicate my free time it to spending it with my family, two horses and my dog Tessa.
Hi, my name is Lucy and I’m one of the supervisors in the 3-5s room. I became an Ankerville member of staff in 2013. I enjoy coming to work every day to see the smiles on the children's faces and watching them as they learn and grow through their play. In my spare time I like to socialise with friends and spend time with my little boy Alfie.
Hi my name is Tricia and I'm one of the supervisors in the 3-5's room at Alness. I have been a part of Ankerville team since 2016. My job is my passion and I enjoy coming to work each day, I love that Ankerville provides an environment that is inclusive and nurturing while supporting each child to thrive. In my spare time I can usually be found curled up with a book or spending time with my two children.
Hi I’m Becky! I’ve been a nursery practitioner in Alness 3-5’s since 2020. I enjoy how every day can be different and we are faced with daily opportunities to learn more. I enjoy walks to the woods and messy play while at nursery. In my spare time I enjoy being with my own little boy, family, friends and staying active with fitness classes and walks.
Hi, I'm Kirsty and I have been working at Ankerville Nursery in Alness since 2014 and am currently a nursery practitioner in the 3-5's room. I've enjoyed watching many children grow through the years during my time here, as well as my own two children. I was given the opportunity to study my SVQ and further develop my knowledge and understanding of how to promote and encourage children to reach their full potential. I'm also a carer for my autistic brother which has taught me to be compassionate and understanding, these qualities are also evident in the staff that I've been fortunate enough to work alongside.
Hi I'm Louise, I work in 3-5's Room in Alness. I have worked in Ankerville since 2019. I love my job, helping each child develop through there different stages and watching the children become individuals. In my spare time I enjoy walking/taking my two kids on new adventures and spending time with family and friends.
Hi, I’m Aimee. I have worked with Ankerville since 2013, currently work in the 3-5's room in Alness and enjoy it very much. In my spare time I like to make homemade crafts, exploring new walks with my dog and socialising with friends and family.
Hi my name is Amy. I have been part of Ankerville since 2005 as I attended the nursery as a child. I then started as an after school helper in 2016 and then went on to work full time in 2020 when I started my apprenticeship. I currentlty work in the Alness 3-5's Room and love my job as it allows me to help and watch each child grow and develop in so many ways. When I'm not working I like spending time with my family, attending concerts and music gigs, although my main hobby is my job.
Hi my name is Jasmin and I currently work in the Alness 3-5s. I previously worked in Ankerville from 2015-2018 and am delighted to be back in August 2022 after having my own little girl. I love getting to know all the children and watching them grow. In my spare time i enjoy socialising with Family and Friends.
Hi my name is Aeryn and I joined the Ankerville team in September 2020. I work in 3-5's Room and my favourite thing about coming to work each day is seeing the children grow and develop whilst having fun at nursery. When I'm not at work I enjoy swimming and spending time with family and friends.
Hi my name is Megan and I currently work in the Alness 3-5s room. I started working in Ankerville in March 2022, and have loved every minute. I especially enjoy exploring the outdoors with the children, supporting them while they learn through their play. In my spare time I enjoy socialising with family and friends.
Hi my name is Claire and I joined Ankerville in February 2021. I work in Alness 3-5s Room. My favourite thing about working for Ankerville is getting to spend time with the children and watch them grow and learn new skills everyday. In my spare time I like spending time with friends and family.
Hi my name is Amy and I started working for Ankerville Nurseries in October 2022. I currently work in the Alness 3-5s room. Each day I enjoy coming to work as working with children is something I've always wanted to do, after loosing my Mum it give me a push to go for it. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family.
Hi my name is Carol. I work in the Alness Toddler room, having started in Sept 2020. I have 3 children who all attended Ankerville Nursery Alness, so I was an Ankerville parent before I became a staff member. At work I enjoy helping the children to flourish and prepare for life. My favourite place to be is at the beach with my children and our dog Teddy.
Office
My name is Carol, owner and Managing Director of Ankerville Nurseries. I have worked in early years for over 40 years and since 1999 I have run my own nurseries, initially Ankerville House in Tain. I believe in offering the best environment possible for both staff and children to flourish through dedicated, specialist training and investment into their surroundings. Both my granddaughter’s and great nieces and nephews have used and grown up in my Tain and Alness settings. In my spare time I like to share it with my family and friends and going on holidays with my husband Donald or out walking with my two Cockapoos.
Hi I'm Sarah and I have worked at Ankerville since 2001 and I am Manager of Alness. It's a great job to have and I love getting to know all of our children and their different personalities. In my spare time I like to be with family and friends, as well as go out walking.
Hi my name is Pamela Cassie and I joined the Ankerville team in 2014. I work in the Office. I'm one of the first faces you see when you walk through our doors, I like to welcome both parents and children, hopefully putting them at ease as nursery can be very daunting time for some. As time goes on I love seeing the children progress through their different stages when they are with us and it does get quite emotional when they leave. In my spare time I love spending time with my family and friends, socialising watching football and trying to keep myself fit.
My name is Holly and I have worked in the office at Ankerville since 2010. I have 3 children who have all attended the setting throughout the years and it has been like a second home to all of us. I love to socialise with family and friends, go shopping and travel in my spare time.
Training Team
Hi I'm Kathleen, I have worked in Ankerville since 2001. I first began as a nursery practitioner and have worked with all ages over the years. I then started to be an Assessor supporting the staff gain their childcare award and I'm now the Training Manager. I love my job, especially seeing the enjoyment when the staff members gain that precious certificate. In my spare time I'm part of a judo club, which I have done for a very long time. I also love to read.
Hi I'm Dorothy and I have worked in many different areas of childcare all of my working life, having been a childminder, practitioner and manager, I started working for Ankerville in 2014, where I have worked as an Assessor, Trainer and Internal Verifier and in all of my years of working for different organisations and employers, I have never worked for a more caring and supportive employer. My hobbies are reading watching documentaries and in the past few months trying to make "Reading a story" videos for my two granddaughters, one living in the central belt of Scotland and one living in Melbourne, Australia
Hi my name is Tracey. I'm a part of the training team. I'm an assessor on the Foundation and Modern Apprenticeship Awards. I started my Ankerville Journey in 2010 when I started working on a relief basis in the Baby Room, securing a permanent post until 2013. I then had the opportunity to join the training team and haven't looked back although I do miss working on the floor with the children and our amazing practitioners. I feel so lucky to be a part of a fantastic team. I love music and going to gigs and cant wait to do this soon.
Cooks
My name is Shannon and I have worked alongside my sister Lisa in the kitchen since 2018. I enjoy creating new and exciting vegetarian/vegan recipes for the children to try. Out with working in the nursery I am a qualified makeup artist and enjoy spending my free time outside as much as possible and socialising with friends and family.
Hi my name is Kirsten and I work in the Alness Kitchen. I started working for Ankerville in February 2022. I enjoy making lovely new dishes for the children to try as well as encouraging them to try new things as part of a healthy balanced diet. In my spare time I enjoying spending quality time with my own children, family and friends.
ANKERVILLE HOUSE TAIN
Baby Room
Hi my name is Tasha, I work in the Baby Unit, Tain. Since joining the team in March 2021 I have been fortunate enough to work in all 3 settings and with all ages. I have enjoyed every minute since I started. I love seeing the children everyday , watching them learn and grow through their play. In my spare time I like to socialise with my family and friends.
Hi my name is Fiona and I joined the Ankerville team in April 2022. I currently work in Ankerville House, Tain and am enjoying every minute.
Toddler Room
Hi my name is Clair, I have worked with the Ankerville family since 2014 and have loved every minute of it. I have been lucky enough to work in all three settings and I'm currently a Supervisor in the Tain Baby Unit with a great team of staff. I love that I've had the experience of working with every age group and it's a joy to help and support them as they grow. In my spare time I like to go on adventures with my dog and spend time with my family and friends.
Hi my name is Amy. I currently work in the 3-5's room in Alness. I became an Ankerville staff member in 2013. I enjoy coming into work and watching the children each develop their own unique personalities. In my spare time I enjoy being with my friends and family.
3-5s Room
Hi I'm Fiona. I'm the manager of Ankerville House and the Baby Unit, Tain and have been part of the team since 1999. I enjoy helping children spark their creativity and imagination through stories and songs. In my real life I'm a 'dance mom' to my daughters. I can also be partial to a wee sing song on the karaoke with Moira.
Hi I'm Gemma, the assistant Manager of Ankerville House. I have worked with Ankerville since 2005 and still love each and every day. The nurseries values are evident in each room: family orientated with the individual child's needs always at the forefront, which was so important for me as a parent also. My home life is all about spending quality time with my family and friends.
Hello my name is Marlena and I have been part of the Ankerville team since 2012. I have worked in all three settings and currently working in Ankerville House as a Supervisor. I love to see the children learn and have fun within our great environment. In my spare time I love to go on walks and explore Scotland with my Newfoundland dog Olly and spend time with my family.
Hi, my name is Stacey and I've been a part of the Ankerville team since 2017. I have had the opportunity to work in all three settings during my time with Ankerville. I'm currently working in Ankerville House with the 3-5's. My favourite thing about working for Ankerville is getting to know each of the children individually and watching them learn and grow over their time spent at nursery. In my free time I enjoy getting out and about and exploring new places.
Hi my name is Emma and I joined Ankerville in 2013. I currently work in Ankerville House Tain with the 3-5 children. Being able to support and work with children and seeing them grow and develop and learn through play is a joy and a privilege. In my spare time I enjoy gardening and outdoor walks with my dog and family time.
Hi, my name is Natalie I have worked at Ankerville since 2005. I enjoy having fun with the children and helping them learn exciting new things. I love to go on adventures with my family.
Hi I'm Moira. I have worked at Ankerville House since 2018. I work in the kitchen cooking and preparing the lunches. I also help run the Sing Sign classes with Fiona. I'm currently working through my apprenticeship which I'm really enjoying. I love hearing all the wee stories the children like to tell me and seeing their happy wee faces. In my spare time I love to spend time with my husband and 3 kids and when I get a chance, a good old belt out on the karaoke with friends.
Hi my name is Shania. I joined the Ankerville team in April 2021. I work in the 3-5's Room at Ankerville house. I really enjoy working with the children and learning about them and the different things that they are interested in. It makes me smile to hear all the stories they have to tell me. In my spare time I like to play different musical instruments.
Hello my name is Jade and I joined the Ankerville team in September 2021. I thoroughly enjoy working together with both the children and staff here. It is a very rewarding job being able to watch the children reach their individual milestones and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners. Being able to contribute to creating a safe, loving and, most importantly, fun environment for children is very valuable. In my free time I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family.
Hi my name is Sarah and I joined Ankerville in 2008. I have lots of experience working with children over the years and have also had the pleasure to work with and support children with additional needs, working with children is exceptionally rewarding. I love to see all our children grow and become independent, caring individuals and have the best time having fun while learning at nursery. I spend my spare time with family having fun and making lots of memories. I have had the pleasure of working in all three settings during my time at Ankerville. I have spent most of my time at the Baby Unit in Tain.
Hi my name is Emma and I started working for Ankerville Nurseries in August 2022. I currently work in Ankerville House, Tain.
Hi my name is Abbie and I joined the Ankerville team in October 2021. Since starting I have enjoyed every moment working with the children and supporting them to learn new experiences. I’ve always wanted to work with children and I feel very lucky to work as part of the Ankerville team. In my spare time I enjoy playing musical instruments and painting.