top of page



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


What Kind of School is The Edinburgh Academy?
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
Jun 102 min read


Why do parents choose to send their child to a playgroup?
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
Jun 91 min read


Edzell Nursery - A Montessori Approach
Edzell Nursery, Edinburgh: a 60-year Montessori-inspired, child-centered early years setting with outdoor learning, funded places, and a warm, nurturing community.
Jun 72 min read


Art for Art’s Sake: Growing Creative Minds
Emma Rattigan explains why Edinburgh Montessori Arts School is an arts school: a learning space where creativity drives inquiry, exploration, and growth—without judgment.
Jun 75 min read


Mini Beast Hunt at Fettes Pre-Prep
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
May 311 min read


Why Play-Based Learning and Outdoor Education Matter
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.
May 262 min read


8 Reasons to read Nursery & School Guide for Edinburgh & the Lothians
Essential guide for Edinburgh parents: find 100+ nurseries, compare state & private schools, understand the education system, and discover local children's activities.
May 132 min read


Discover What Makes Clifton Hall School Special
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.
May 111 min read


Holistic Child Development
Two welcoming nurseries by Link Nurseries—Links Musselburgh and City & Little City Nursery Edinburgh—holistic, play‑based learning for children 0–5.
May 112 min read


Edinburgh’s Nursery & School Guide Unite
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.
May 52 min read


5 Tips for helping your child settle into nursery
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
Mar 232 min read


Clifton Hall Open Events
🌲 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
Mar 151 min read


3 Easter Holiday Clubs for Preschoolers in Edinburgh
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.
Mar 111 min read


Term Time Plus; extends EMAS year with care, continuity and French immersion
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.
Mar 22 min read


Could Edinburgh Support a Bilingual English/Italian Nursery?
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
Feb 282 min read


Edinburgh Playgroups: Childcare for Children from 2yrs+
Discover the benefits of pre-school playgroups, where children aged 2 to 5 engage in stimulating and educational play sessions. Operated by
Feb 154 min read


5 Recommended Outdoor Nurseries in Edinburgh
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.
Feb 113 min read


6 Ways to Find a Nursery With a Great Staff Team
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.
Feb 112 min read


Play & Explore Cargilfield Nursery
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!
Jan 291 min read


Here are two ways to find out more about Loretto School in Musselburgh
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.
Jan 181 min read
bottom of page
