Edinburgh Playgroups: Childcare for Children from 2yrs+
- Laura Vida, Feature Writer
- Feb 15
- 4 min read
What is a playgroup?
Playgroups are warm, community-run spaces—often set up as charitable or non-profit organisations. They’re often a bit more relaxed than private nurseries or council run nurseries. They are inspected by the Care Inspectorate for safety and quality. They offer places to children (out of nappies) from 2 or 2.5 up to 5 years old.
How they work
Playgroups offer engaging, educational play sessions. Most days run three-hour sessions in the morning and/or afternoon, up to five days a week, following the school term. Some have the option where you can pay by the hour, which is handy if you don’t want a full-time place.
Costs and funding
Costs are typically about £10–£26 for a three-hour session, and the price usually includes a snack. If the playgroup is registered with the local authority, your 3- or 4-year-old (and some 2-year-olds) may be eligible for a fully funded place under the 1140 hours entitlement, starting the term after turning three. Tax-free childcare vouchers are usually accepted.
Note: Not the same as Parent Toddler Groups
A playgroup isn’t the same as a Parent Toddler Group or Mother-and-Baby Playgroup, which are social groups for parents with their child.
North Edinburgh
St Mary’s R.C. Primary School,
East London Street
Tuesday to Friday 9am-12pm
£13 per session
Contact Gail Dempster
on 0131 556 1634
East Edinburgh
Northfield/Willowbrae Community
Centre, 10 Northfield Road EH8 7PP
Mon - Friday Mornings only:
9.05am-12.15pm. £20 per session
Full Day Monday or Tuesday: 9.05am-
2.45pm including snack and lunch
£35 per day (option only offered
depending on spaces/child’s age)
28 Beach Lane, Portobello EH15 1HU
Monday – Thursday: morning,
afternoon and full day sessions
available. £7.12/hour
Mornings: 8.30am – 11.30am.or Afternoons: 12pm – 3pm.£21.36
Full Day: 8:30am – 3pm. £46.28
South Edinburgh
Dean Park Pre-school Centre,
1 Main Street,
Balerno EH14 7EQ
Term time only
Mon-Fri mornings: 8.30am-11.40pm
Mon-Fri Full Day: 8.30am-3pm
Mornings £15, Full day sessions £28
Council Funded Places Available
25/27 Dreghorn Gardens,
Edinburgh, EH13 9NS
2yrs+ Monday to Thursday:9am-1pm £24 includes lunch
3yrs+ Monday to Thursday:8.45am-3.15pm,
Friday: 8.45am-12.15pm
3yrs + Fully funded including lunch
and snack.
6A Christ Church,
Morningside Road EH10 4DD
Monday to Thursday:8.55am -12.20pm and Friday:8.55am-11.35am during term time.
£26.88 per session, £21.28 on Fridays
(includes daily snack) 3 sessions minimum.
Joining fee of £25 paid when joining the waiting list.
Council Funded places available
Colinton Parish Church, Dell Road,
Colinton EH13 0JR
9.15am-12pm on Tuesdays,Wednesdays and Thursdays
Term time only. £22 per session
stableroomplaygroup
West Edinburgh
St Columba’s Church,
Columba Road EH4 3QU
Monday - Thursday 9am-12pm
£21.25 per session
(no minimum number of sessions)
2a Corstorphine High St. EH12 7ST
Monday - Friday term time:
9.30am to 11.30am.
£16.50 per day
Cramond Kirk Halls, Cramond GlebeRoad, EH4 6NS
Monday to Friday during school term time 9am–12 noon
£24.50 per session
(including snack)
88th Craigalmond (Carrick Knowe) Scout Hall
81 Broomhall Avenue Corstorphine EH12 7NW
Monday to Friday: 9.15am to 11.15am.
£13.50 per session + one-off
administration fee of £10
1/2 termly themes
Church Centre, Bughtlin Market, EH12 8XP
Monday to Thursday, 9am - 12pm
(Plus a 2 week school holiday playgroup)
For 2 to 4 year olds £20 per session
Rosebery Hall, High Street, South Queensferry EH30 9LL
Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri.From 9:30am to 12pm. From 2yrs+
£19 per session. (No minimum number of sessions.)
Registered with the Tax-Free Childcare scheme
The Vennel Hall, Smithsland, South Queensferry EH30 9HU
Mon-Thurs from 9am to 11.30am £18.50 per session &
Mon - Fri 12.30 -3pm. £46 Full Day: 9am-3pm
(no minimum number of sessions)
Besides council-run nurseries and playgroups there are term time nurseries for 3-5 year olds that are private, charities or community run. These generally follow local state school hours . The term after your child turns three, they will be eligible for a fully funded place ( 1140 hours per year). Fees will be charged until that point or for extra hours. These nurseries are not affiliated to any independent or local primary school. But the nursery day may be similarly structured.
North Edinburgh
St James’ Church, 57b Inverleith Row, EH3 5PX
Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, and Fridays, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. There is also an early morning drop-off available from 8:00 am for a small fee.
Age 3-5 years
8a Loaning Crescent, EH7 6JT
Mon to Fri 9am-12pm or 9am-3pm
term time. Also 8am-9pm and 3pm-4pm as breakfast and after provision
South Edinburgh
18 West Mayfield, EH9 1TQ
Monday to Friday 8.15am-2.30pm
(including daily breakfast and morning snack; families provide a packed lunch)
Morning only hours 9am-12.30pm.
Age 3-5 years
Please do get in touch if you are an Edinburgh playgroup or community wishing to update any of the above information or be added to the list.
