Board Members
Kathlyn Taylor, Chairperson
I founded The Hamilton School in 1975. The Hamilton delivers Pre-School and Primary Education to approximately 360 children aged 3 months to 12 years and is based on the Montessori philosophy, working in small groups and classes to promote the development of the individual potential. We want competent, confident and articulate children. I also own The Children’s House: a training consultancy which delivers work-based vocational qualifications and underpinning knowledge. Consultancy and CPD training is also offered. I have been a member of AQNS for four years and joined to share ideas and address issues which are common to all settings. I feel that we must influence Government Policy and the only way to do that is to work together. I enjoy the company of others who have similar issues to mine and share my outlook on education. I find we have developed a successful strategy at local and national levels.
Contact: k.taylor@thehamilton.aberdeen.sch.uk
Margaret Mair, Treasurer
I am owner of Jumping Jacks Nursery, which I opened in 1994. The nursery provides care for 31 children aged from 0 – 5 years. I now have a full time Manager in place but I’m still involved with the day to day running of the nursery. As a founder member of AQNS, I have been involved in Board Member duties and responsibilities since 2000 and have been Treasurer since 2002. I feel AQNS membership provides a collective voice for those of us in the independent sector.
Contact: jumpingjacksnursery@yahoo.co.uk
Una Tod
I am the owner of The Kindergarten in Aberdeen, a 32 place nursery for children aged 0 – 5 years. The nursery opened in 1990 and I am a trained nursery/primary and Special Needs Teacher. I am a member of the original group of service providers who worked tirelessly to set up AQNS and have held a variety of positions within the AQNS Board since that time.
Contact: unatod@btconnect.com
Jean Mackay
I am the owner of Craigton Lodge Nursery in Peterculter, which opened in 1994 and is registered for 70 children aged from birth to pre-school. As a founder member of AQNS, I have undertaken a range of Board Member responsibilities and I value the opportunities to share information and to have the support of like-minded people in the field of Early Years. I feel that the provision of up to date information allows nurseries to continue to increase standards of care and maintain high levels of quality.
Contact: jean.mackay@clns.co.uk
Alison Lauder
I own Abacus Nurseries: 3 nurseries based in different areas of Aberdeen, which in total are registered to care for 156 children. I am NNEB qualified and opened my first nursery in 1992. Although I no longer manage the delivery of services, I continue to have a very keen interest in the day-by-day running of each nursery. As an original member of AQNS, I find membership of the organisation allows me to be aware of local and national issues.
Contact: alison.lauder@zen.co.uk
Hilda Armour
Having graduated with an M.A., Dip Ed, Youth and Community Certificate I set up Hadley Nursery with its emphasis on Art, Drama and Music in 1976. The nursery caters for 40 children aged from 4 months to 5 years.
I have continued to own and run Hadley from its inception until my semi-retirement in 2009. Although no longer as involved in the day to day activities I maintain close contact with Hadley and have a keen interest in maintaining the ethos and quality of the nursery.
I have been a member of AQNS from its formation and have admired the dedication and professionalism of my fellow members who strive to provide a forum for cross sector communication and a voice to address relevant issues at a local and national level.
Contact: hadley.preschool@btinternet.co.uk