Nursery & School Guide Latest News
in Edinburgh & the Lothians’ 

Reem and Noah, co-founders of Rook Street Tutors, share their holistic, whole-person approach to tutoring and explore what young people truly need from a tutor.

Master times tables with our comprehensive guide! Learn the "why" behind multiplication, not just the "what," through three key phases: grouping, number lines/squares, and repeated addition/memorization. This proven methodology helps children build a strong foundation in math, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Perfect for parents and educators!

Edinburgh is set to become one of Scotland’s first authorities to ban mobile phones in schools, introducing bell-to-bell restrictions with lockable pouches for secondary pupils and cabinets for primary pupils, backed by a £400k budget and feedback from almost 14,000 respondents.

Foster a love of reading by following your child’s curiosity—turn interests like dinosaurs, space, or animals into stories, and use audiobooks to boost vocabulary and imagination.

We spoke with Janet Robinson from 2stepsaheadtutoring.co.uk about how pupils can prepare for the upcoming academic year to navigate the exam years with ease, and support children sitting entrance exams at the end of this year. "Exams are finished and holidays are in sight, but the real work for students has only just begun. As pupils move into Higher and Advanced Higher courses—and younger students start Nat 5s or enter a second year of Nat 5—the June timetable shift and the

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.

8 evidence-based strategies for parents to foster learning at home without pressure, stress, or comparison.

Join World Afro Day Growing Together: kids and communities grow tea plants, watch Seed to Sip films, and celebrate with tea activities in September.

Parents are urged to seek early support for their children’s emotional well‑being as evidence grows that many mental health difficulties begin in primary school. Anchor Practice has launched Holding Parents in Mind, an online workshop for parents of primary‑age children to understand behaviour, emotional regulation and anxiety. Guided by Fanny Lena and Renata Bakker, the five‑session group uses psychodynamic, reflective parenting to build attunement and reduce isolation.

Emma Rattigan, Principal at Edinburgh Montessori Art School, shows how Montessori principles blend with a vibrant arts program to nurture curious, independent learners.

by Charlie Minogue, Headmaster - Fettes Preparatory School Charlie Minogue, Headmaster - Fettes Preparatory School In a world of fast content and constant distraction, the quiet act of reading may seem old-fashioned. It is anything but. As Headmaster of Fettes Prep, I believe reading is the single most powerful foundation we can give a child. It is not simply about decoding words on a page. It is about developing attention, empathy and resilience. When a child immerses

Edinburgh Montessori Arts School reveals how guiding intrinsic motivation in the early years through autonomy, competence and relatedness builds independent, resilient learners.

Language learning is most effective when children feel safe, engaged, and unpressured. Get Talking Spanish brings expert-led, play-based sessions to Edinburgh nurseries, schools, and parent‑and‑child groups, focusing on understanding first, then speaking. By balancing careful vocabulary introduction with meaningful repetition in a relaxed, fun environment, children build confidence, enjoy learning, and lay lasting foundations in

Scottish child psychotherapist Paul Bell backs the UK consultation, urging targeted action to address social media’s risks to young people’s mental health.

Home education: why are so many parents choosing it over mainstream school? We explore the rise of home education in the UK, the lack of a national register, routes (full-time, flexi-schooling, motivations, and policy implications (including Edinburgh’s consent process).

Pupils using the new loose parts equipment in the playground: creativity, problem solving and collaboration skills in action. What’s the news about skills? As part of its Strategic Ambition 2025-2030, George Heriot’s School is focussing on three academic areas, the first of which is skills. Heriot’s is developing a Meta-Skills Framework, anchored in the existing 5Cs model (curious, collaborative, creative, caring, critical thinking). This will underpin a whole school pathway

Don't worry, you can turn it around with 2Stepsahead Tutoring in Scotland Based near Edinburgh and serving families across Edinburgh and the Lothians they specialise in SQA subjects at all levels, with flexible options to suit busy lives. Tutors offer both face-to-face tutoring and online sessions, plus targeted help for primary subjects and independent school entry. What they offer • SQA tutoring across Foundation/National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher • Primary subjects an

Clifton Hall School in Edinburgh hosts a free, adults-only workshop for families with children aged 3–6 on 30 April, 6–7 pm, covering phonics, early numeracy, outdoor learning, and readiness for primary education. Register via the contact form for Preparing for Primary One.

An Edinburgh teacher shares her perspective on smartphones in schools, why a meaningful citywide policy is needed, and how you can help shape what’s next. By Emily Borrill In September 2025, Edinburgh Council announced it was looking into ways to implement a meaningful, citywide ban on smartphones in schools. The Council is now asking parents, teachers, and pupils to share their views (consultation can be found here ) and help shape a policy that is both effective and enfo

Athena Language Camps offer week-long language adventures for teens (13–17) in Spain or France, blending lessons with culture, outdoor activities, and real-world immersion.