Nurseries: 5 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh

Nikki Miller
Jul 24
3 min read

Discover five lesser-known nurseries that offer exceptional care.

The Nursery Guide magazine features hundreds of nurseries, including:

Private Nurseries:These offer year-round childcare and education for babies from birth up to 5-year-old preschoolers.

Local and Independent School Nurseries: These primarily provide childcare and education for children aged 3-5 (some 2-year-olds) during term times, usually following school hours (though some offer full-time, year-round care).

We also list playgroups, but there's another category of nurseries, typically run by private or community organisations. These nurseries often operate in church halls or community spaces, providing childcare and education similar to local school nurseries. They're staffed by qualified professionals and are often in partnership with the council. Parents find them very popular because the staff deliver high-quality care and education. Some offer places before your child turns 3 at a low cost, and then free from the term after they turn 3. While the hours of these nurseries may not suit all working parents, we recommend investigating these hidden gems if you have more flexible needs.

Blackhall Nursery

Blackhall Nursery welcomes all children and their families.Set up by local parents in 1999, we are a community-based Nursery in the heart of Blackhall, surrounded by the wonderful natural resources of Ravelston Park and Woods.

We offer 30 places for 3 to 5-year-olds during term time. Our opening hours are 08:25-14:35 (1140 hours per year). All places are free of charge as we are fully funded by The City of Edinburgh Council and include a healthy lunch and snack each day.

Blackhall Nursery,

Ravelston Park Pavilion,

Craigcrook Road,

Edinburgh EH4 3RU‎

Website

Edzell Nursery

Edzell Nursery is now a fully Montessori nursery, a small, nurturing space prioritising each child's happiness and development. Working with The City of Edinburgh Council, the nursery is open during term time, following the Montessori approach of hands-on learning and fostering independence. With a maximum enrollment of 30 children, places are typically allocated in February for the following August, although vacancies may be available at other times.

The nursery follows City of Edinburgh school term dates and is open Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, and Fridays, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Early morning drop-off is available from 8:00 am for a small fee.

Edzell Nursery

St James Church

57b Inverleith Row

Edinburgh EH3 5PX

Website

Greenbank Pre School

Greenbank Pre School aims to create a calm atmosphere where children can purposefully explore and play. The committed staff believe in maintaining a familiar routine to support children's curiosity without altering the basic structure of each session. Session times are 08:25 to 11:40, or 14:35 or 15:30. Fully funded 1140 hours are offered, and parents have the option of paying for their child to stay until 15:30. Flexible hours are available and can be discussed upon application. Parents also have the option of self-funding their child's place immediately after their third birthday until the term in which they receive a funded place.

Greenbank Pre School

Greenbank Parish Church

Braidburn Terrace

Edinburgh

EH10 6ES

Website

Holy Corner Community Playgroup

Holy Corner Community Playgroup welcomes children aged 2-5 during term-time. They offer a warm, friendly play space with opportunities for parent/carer involvement, valuing community and play. They support children in a free-play environment to foster social connection and resilience. To book a visit, call 07519 123 815 between 9am-12pm (Mon-Fri, term-time only). This is a chance to see the Playgroup and ask questions. Hours: Mon-Thurs: 8:55am-12:20pm, Fri: 8:55am-11:35am. Open during the City of Edinburgh Council term dates.

Holy Corner Community Playgroup

6A Christ Church,

Morningside Road,

Edinburgh,

EH10 4DD

Website

Willow Den at Spartans Outdoor Nursery

Willow Den at Spartans, located in Ainslie Park Football Stadium, offers a unique woodland setting for children aged 3 to primary school age. They have a hidden garden for climbing, building dens, and playing in a mud kitchen. Kids can watch Scottish athletes train and participate in play-based sports.Willow Den is a funded partner with City of Edinburgh Council and accepts childcare vouchers and Tax-Free Childcare. They offer 1140-hour placements and can accommodate split placements.

Included are:

* Two-course hot meal

* Morning and afternoon snacks

* Waterproof clothing (for children attending 2+ sessions per week)

* 10% sibling discount (for the eldest child on additional private hours)