Nurseries & Childcare 
in Edinburgh & the Lothians

The Edinburgh Academy is a co-educational day school in Edinburgh, catering to pupils aged 2 to 18. We asked the school to provide an overview of the kind of experience and ethos that pupils can expect. What personal qualities does The Edinburgh Academy aim to develop in its pupils? At The Edinburgh Academy, education goes beyond excellent exam results. We combine academic excellence with Character Education—nurturing kind, confident and resilient young people. How does the A

Holy Corner Community Playgroup, Bruntsfield, Edinburgh. 50+ years of trusted childcare for children aged 2–5 during term time. Mornings Mon–Thu 8:55–12:20; Fri 8:55–11:35. holycorner.org

Edzell Nursery, Edinburgh: a 60-year Montessori-inspired, child-centered early years setting with outdoor learning, funded places, and a warm, nurturing community.

Emma Rattigan explains why Edinburgh Montessori Arts School is an arts school: a learning space where creativity drives inquiry, exploration, and growth—without judgment.

An invitation to all parents of 3-5 year olds from Fettes Prep School. The event invites curious explorers aged 3–5 years to a fun-filled morning on Friday, 12 June, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Fettes Pre-Prep. Participants will explore the 100 acres to search for hidden mini creatures, discover nature, and experience outdoor learning the Fettes way. Registration is available here. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Parents are invited to learn more about Fet

Jill Drummond, Headteacher at Clifton Hall School, discusses the importance of play-based learning and outdoor education in early years development, and introduces the new Cedar Early Years Centre opening in August 2026.

Essential guide for Edinburgh parents: find 100+ nurseries, compare state & private schools, understand the education system, and discover local children's activities.

Clifton Hall School, Edinburgh, describes itself as a warm school with a supportive education, no entrance exams, a bespoke Nursery, and excellent sport, arts, and pastoral care.

Two welcoming nurseries by Link Nurseries—Links Musselburgh and City & Little City Nursery Edinburgh—holistic, play‑based learning for children 0–5.

Nursery & School Guide marks 21 years by merging into a single Edinburgh & Lothians edition, available in print or online. Founded in 2005 by Nikki Miller, it lists and ranks schools (independent/state) and daycare nurseries.

Image: Casa Montessori Nursery When your first child starts at nursery, whether they are 6 months or 3 years old, it is an important milestone for your family. With over fifteen years’ experience working in nurseries, as well as sending my own daughter to nursery, I’ve gathered tips to support you and your child to have a positive start. Be prepared yourself – Know what’s required of you, both in terms of drop-off/pick-up procedures and equipment required. Your child will a

🌲 Forest Friday Open Day – Friday 17th April Clifton Hall School invites families with children in Nursery to Primary 2 to its Forest Friday Open Day. Set within the school's private woodland, the immersive open morning and afternoon will offer children the chance to explore, play and create in nature. Families will participate in a range of age-appropriate woodland-themed arts, crafts and games, designed to encourage curiosity, confidence and a love of outdoor learning. Act

Edinburgh Easter holiday clubs for under-5s are limited but high quality. Options include Steiner School Easter Camp, Cargilfield, and Willow Den (ages 3–6, with some 5–12 camps). Flexible days and times.

Edinburgh Montessori Arts School extends Nursery and Primary 1 with Term Time Plus—a Montessori-aligned eight-week extension offering continuity, warmth, and gentle French immersion.

A community survey is exploring whether there's demand for Italian-language early years provision in the city Edinburgh has Gaelic-medium nurseries, French playgroups, and German Saturday schools. What it doesn't have is a bilingual English/Italian nursery — anywhere children can be immersed in both languages as part of their everyday routine, not just for an hour a week. We're exploring whether there's enough demand to make one viable, and we'd value five minutes of your ti

Discover the benefits of pre-school playgroups, where children aged 2 to 5 engage in stimulating and educational play sessions. Operated by

Discover Edinburgh’s trusted outdoor nurseries for all-weather learning. Explore forest-kindergarten style care and family-friendly visits at Willow Den, Wester Coates, and more.

Find a nursery you can trust by reviewing staff qualifications, experience, and values, checking the latest Care Inspectorate report (staff and leadership grades), and visiting.

Join Cargilfield Nursery on Friday, March 6th, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM for Play & Explore morning! Discover our nurturing environment, meet our Early Years team, and see how we foster confidence and curiosity in children under 5. Book your spot today!

Two ways to discover Loretto School Musselburgh for Pre-Schoolers: join a Stay and Play session or attend Open Days. Book via the link or admissions@loretto.com.

Discover Clifton Hall School's Nursery! Explore a nurturing environment for children aged 3-5 at our Stay & Play session. Explore our garden, playrooms, and Forest Kindergarten. Arrange a personalised visit today.

Cargilfield School and Nursery Open Days • Open Morning: Friday, January 16th, 2026, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. Experience a regular school morning with tours, meetings, and a look at lessons and activities. • Nursery Play & Explore Mornings: Friday, January 30th & Friday, March 6th, 2026, 9:30 am - 11:00 am. Relaxed sessions for prospective nursery parents to meet the team and explore the spaces. Both events require booking through a provided form.

St George's Little Dragons Nursery offers a childcentered, play-based preschool experience in Edinburgh. The nursery provides flexible hours, specialist teaching, and focuses on each child's individual progress, preparing them for school in a supportive environment. The nursery also emphasises strong parent partnerships. Registration is now open for the P1 Play Assessment on January 9, 2026.

Winter in Edinburgh may be cold and wet but we all know how important it is for young children to spend time outdoors. Now all early years setting spend part of the day outside and forest nurseries spend a large part of the day is outside. Research tells us playing outside, even in the cold, offers children huge benefits, boosting their immune systems, improving physical skills (balance, strength, coordination) through varied terrain. It enhances cognitive growth via unique s

Looking for gift ideas for nursery teachers? This guide offers thoughtful and practical gift suggestions, including handmade cards, crafts, writing supplies, personal care items, treats, and mini hampers. Find the perfect gift to show your appreciation!

Compass School Nursery The Compass School Haddington is thrilled to announce that its nursery (Form One) has once again been recognized...

A Vital Cause for Families The Scottish Early Years Association is reaching out to the community. They are asking for your support to...

Is your child starting nursery soon, and are you or your child worried about separation anxiety? We've asked Bright Horizons Nursery...

Starting nursery can be a wobbly time for preschoolers and their parents or carers. But there is so much we can do to smooth the transition.

Uncover hidden gem nurseries! These community-run options provide excellent childcare and education, free or at a lower cost, making them a great choice for families.

Corstorphine Village Playgroup (ages 2-5) has August spaces! Nurturing staff, fun activities, & a great way for kids to build confidence & make friends. £16.50/session.

Find the perfect nursery in Edinburgh's Cramond & Barnton. Discover reputable, established private nurseries offering exceptional ca

Find the perfect nursery in Edinburgh's Cramond & Barnton. Discover reputable, established private nurseries offering exceptional ca

Cargilfield Nursery: A unique learning adventure where academic progress, outdoor exploration, and play-based learning combine. Children t

Erskine Stewart Melville Nursery: Nurturing your child's potential through play-based learning. Our vibrant Edinburgh setting offers creati

Find the perfect nursery in Edinburgh & Lothians. The Nursery Guide offers comprehensive Care Inspectorate grade summaries, helping parents

Discover the crucial role of hands-on learning in child development. Learn how real-world experiences boost creativity, social skills, and

Find the perfect nursery in Edinburgh's Stockbridge & Inverleith! Discover reputable, established private nurseries offering exceptional ca

Here are four well-established, reputable private nurseries in the Murrayfield area that are open during term times. A couple also partner

Find the perfect nursery for your baby or toddler. Here are reputable private nurseries in your community, offering peace of mind

By The Montessori Nursery School Where Curious Children Become Life-Long Learners The Montessori Nursery School is passionate about...

The Edinburgh Academy Nursery: Exceptional childcare for children aged 2+. Stimulating environment, dedicated teachers, and daily parent u

Experience the transformative power of Montessori education at Edinburgh Montessori Arts School. Inspired by Maria Montessori's philosophy,

St Georges School Edinburgh Nursery | Early Years Education | Play-Based Learning | Flexible Hours | 15-acre Campus | Tailored early learnin

George Heriot's School: a leading school providing a strong educational foundation for children from Nursery through to S6. We nurture well

Give your child the best start! Loretto Pre-School nurtures curiosity and develops lifelong learners through play-based activities and dedic

Looking for childcare in Musselburgh? Links Nursery offers full-time and part-time care, council-funded places, and convenient hours (7:30 a

Excellent-rated preschool! Give your child a head start with our nurturing environment, enriching curriculum, and specialist teachers.

Expert childcare advice and vetted caregivers in Edinburgh, Lothians & Fife. TrioCare helps families find the perfect childcare solution.

Celebrating 52 years of nurturing childcare in Bruntsfield! Our child-led playgroup offers a creative and challenging environment where chi