St Margarets Nursery and Preschool Nurseries

Feb 173 min read

At St Margarets Nursery & Preschool, children are at the heart of everything we do. Families and children experience long-standing, graduate early-years professionals who inspire, motivate, care for, and guide every child until they transition to primary school.

STM nurseries are all-inclusive and open from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., Monday–Friday. At the nurseries, you can expect wraparound care, providing all the children’s needs, from branded nappies, wipes, creams, sunscreens, and emergency medication, including fully inclusive extracurricular learning experiences, such as sports, French, and Spanish lessons delivered by external teachers. Food is freshly prepared onsite by experienced chefs and cooks. The food menu follows legislation and guidelines, and our children’s tastes, respecting all dietary and cultural requirements.

All nurseries benefit from fully qualified GTCS-registered primary school teachers to ensure that the children receive the highest quality of learning in the curriculum. Through structured, free play and teacher-led education, children will explore the foundational concepts in literacy, numeracy, science, health and well-being, and expressive arts. Learning experiences are designed to cultivate critical thinking, building relationships, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.

St Margarets Nursery and Preschool is a highly reputable educational establishment and accredited real-living wage employer that cares for families, children, and early-years professionals. It continuously invests in indoor and outdoor environments for children, staff, and families.

Please see some comments from our most recent inspection at Craigmillar Park.

“Staff interactions empowered children to participate fully in their play and learning. For instance, children’s language, literacy, and numeracy were supported by skilled staff who used open-ended questioning and provided interesting experiences that engaged children. Staff responded to children’s cues and interests, encouraging them to be curious and imaginative and explore new ideas. Children received kind and compassionate care. Staff interactions were nurturing, respectful, and responsive to children’s needs and preferences.

Craigmiller Park Nursery Building
Owned by St Margarets

CRAIGMILLAR PARK

Established in 2012, Craigmillar Park Nursery and Preschool is situated within a spacious Victorian mansion house in the south of Edinburgh City and is registered for 121 children. The seven playroom rooms are on two floors, providing large, bright learning spaces with plenty of daylight. In addition, the nursery benefits from a 1,142 sqm ample outdoor space, a reception area where you will be welcomed by the receptionist, two dining areas, and an industrial kitchen that supplies freshly prepared meals onsite. The downstairs playroom benefits from direct access to the gardens divided for specific ages and stages of children’s development. STM at Craigmillar Park is near the University of Edinburgh King’s Buildings, Newington, and the Grange. The playrooms benefit from beautiful views of Arthur’s Seat, and the nursery is within walking distance of Inch Park and the local library. The nursery has been led by a long-standing management and staff team, who have provided excellent leadership and education since 2016.

CRAIGLOCKHART AVENUE

Our new setting at Craiglockhart Avenue, opened its doors in September 2024, registered for 50 children. This stunning traditional Edwardian villa was built in the early 1900s. St Margarets Nursery acquired the property in 2024 and completely transformed it by creating modern, purpose-built playrooms and adding an industrial kitchen to meet the newest standards. It provides downstairs open-plan playrooms, cosy upstairs facilities for smaller children, and a 228 sqm large outdoor space.

STM at Craiglockhart Avenue is just off Lanark Road, near Edinburgh Napier University. The nursery benefits from its position close to natural greenery, such as the Union Canal and Easter Craiglockhart Hill Local Nature Reserve. The playrooms benefit from natural daylight and were furnished with high-quality furniture and resources to inspire creativity and natural curiosity. STM at Craiglockhart Avenue is just off Lanark Road, near Edinburgh Napier University.

To request a registration form, please email admissions@stmursery.com or call the nurseries directly.